CASTRIL PALACE

From its origins as a Moorish fortress to its present-day role as a museum, the Castril Palace has a long and fascinating story. In the 16th century, the Castril palace was commissioned by Diego de Mendoza, 1st Count of Santisteban del Puerto, as a seat of grenadine nobility. The house is located in the old Arab district of Ajsaris, in the Race of the Darro, with a central courtyard and extensive gardens.

The Castril Palace was the seat of the Spanish court for many years, and as such, it contains a wealth of art and artifacts from Spain's golden age. From tapestries to paintings to furniture, the Palace is a veritable treasure trove of Spanish history.

The interior of the palace is no less impressive than the exterior, with its finely sculpted ceilings, sumptuous tapestries, and opulent furniture. The palace is an eclectic mix of Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. It has a square floor plan with four corner towers, and a massive central keep on the main facade.

In recent years, the Castril Palace has been open to the public for tours. It is a popular tourist destination in Granada and offers visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of 16th-century Spanish nobility.

In 1917 the Castril palace was attained by Arabist and orientalist Leopoldo Eguílaz y Yanguas to create it as an establishment of the Archaeological Museum of Granada definitively.

Recommended Read: Granada Spain Things To Do

Highlights

• Visit the palace that has been converted into a museum that displays a permanent exhibition on the archaeology of Granada.
• Learn about one of the few extant examples of Renaissance architecture in Granada.
• Take a selfie with the beautiful Renaissance architecture in the background and learn more about the history of the palace.