Palacio del Marqués de Santa Cruz, Renaissance palace in Viso del Marqués, Spain.
The Palacio del Marqués de Santa Cruz is a Renaissance building with two stories arranged around a central courtyard featuring columned galleries. Rooms open onto this covered court, which contains decorated staircases and walkways that connect the different sections.
A naval commander commissioned this building between 1564 and 1588 and selected its location strategically between Madrid and major naval ports. The estate became both a residential palace and a center connected to maritime power during a significant period of Spanish naval strength.
Italian artists created expansive Mannerist frescoes throughout the interior, depicting mythological scenes and naval battles that decorate the walls and ceilings. These artworks shape how visitors experience the rooms today and reflect the taste of a naval commander.
The building currently serves as the home of the Spanish Navy's General Naval Archive, housing historical documents from several centuries. Visitors should check opening hours and access requirements before visiting, as it remains an active archive facility.
The annual rent for the land is paid to this day with a single one-peseta bill from 1953 bearing the admiral's portrait. This unusual payment method survives as a historical quirk that few other properties can claim.
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