Casa Riquelme, Plateresque palace in Plaza del Mercado, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Casa Riquelme is a palace in Plateresque style standing at Plaza del Mercado with an elaborately decorated two-story facade. Stone ornaments mimic delicate silver filigree patterns while Corinthian columns and mythological reliefs structure its surface.
The palace was designed in 1542 by architect Fernando Álvarez during a period when noble families in Jerez were competing to build grand Renaissance residences. This structure marks a shift from the medieval architectural traditions that had dominated earlier local building practices.
The sculptural figures adorning the facade tell stories of classical antiquity and mythology, reflecting the family's heritage and social standing. These decorations reveal what the local nobility valued and how they wanted to be remembered in their community.
The building stands in poor condition and is viewable only from the exterior. Although restoration efforts have been attempted over time, interior access is not available, so plan to spend time observing the facade details from the street.
The architectural elements differ noticeably from the medieval styles found in other noble family residences such as those of the Ponce de León and Villavicencio families. This makes the building an important example of the transitional style of its era.
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