Las Covachas, Medieval merchant arcade in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain
Las Covachas is a late medieval merchant house in Sanlúcar de Barrameda with thirteen pointed arches supported by Gothic pillars. The pillars are decorated with figures of mythological sea creatures that line Cuesta de Belén.
The Dukes of Medina Sidonia built this structure at the end of the 15th century as part of their palace complex near the sea entrance. From its start, it was tied to port commerce and the economic power of this noble family.
This structure once anchored commercial activity in the harbor town and still shapes the street with its distinctive architectural presence. The spaces reflect how trade and exchange were vital to Sanlúcar's identity.
The site sits directly on Cuesta de Belén and is easy to reach on foot from the town center, especially while exploring the old quarter. It helps to check opening hours ahead, as the building closes on Mondays and public holidays.
Each pillar displays a different basilisk figure, showing how craft skill and observation of nature came together in the building's design. These details are easy to miss if you only look at the arches from outside.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
