Palacio Ducal de Béjar, Renaissance palace in Béjar, Spain.
Palacio Ducal de Béjar is a Renaissance palace in the town with a rectangular floor plan and four corner towers rising from its stone walls. The structure balances defensive characteristics with elegant facades featuring arches and regularly spaced windows throughout.
The building began as a defensive fortress in the late 13th century and was fundamentally transformed during the 1500s. The conversion from military stronghold to ducal residence reflects how the region shifted from conflict to stable rule.
The palace takes its name from the dukes of Béjar, who ruled the region and made this their seat of power and residence. The rooms reflect the authority and influence this family held throughout Spanish history.
Access to the interior is typically available only through organized guided tours at scheduled times. It helps to check ahead about when visits are possible, as availability varies by season.
Inside, a Camera Obscura installed in 2011 projects real-time views of the town onto a wall through a rotating lens system. This optical device captures light and transforms it into live panoramic views of Béjar's surroundings.
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