Palace of Cienfuegos de Peñalba, Medieval mansion in Pola de Allande, Spain.
The Palace of Cienfuegos de Peñalba is a noble dwelling on a hilltop near Pola de Allande in Asturias with an L-shaped layout and three defensive towers. The structure features two square and one rectangular tower surrounding a central courtyard with masonry columns and contains 23 bedrooms plus common rooms including a hall, kitchen, living quarters, and chapel.
Built originally in the 14th century, the palace underwent significant renovations in 1520 under Rodrigo González de Cienfuegos, the lord of Allande. These early works established the foundation for the layered architectural changes that would define the building across subsequent centuries.
The structure blends Gothic elements in its lower sections with Renaissance features in the upper floors across different periods. This mix shows how the noble family adapted and enhanced their residence over time.
The palace sits on elevated ground near the Camino Primitivo pilgrimage path, making it accessible to hikers exploring the region. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and factor in the hilltop location when planning their visit.
A wooden gallery added in the 19th century displays traditional Asturian architectural elements and was restored in 2008 to its 1888 design. This restoration preserved a key feature of regional building craft that has vanished from many structures of that era.
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