The architectural complex of Simón Ruiz

Avenida de Portugal 58, Medina del Campo, is home to an architectural complex known as the Hospital Simón Ruiz. Founded in 1593 by the Jesuit Juan de Tolosa at the request of Simón Ruiz, a merchant of great importance in the royal fairs and a banker to Carlos V and Felipe II, the building is of a classicist or Renaissance style. The complex was constructed between 1593 and 1619, with modifications to the original plans beginning in 1597.

The construction involved workers from Segovia, specifically Andrés Francisco and Antonio López, as well as stonecutters Juan del Barrio and Juan de Nates. The complex is organized around a quadrangular courtyard with a portico of two stories, formed by thick square pillars and galleries of semi-circular arches covered with cross vaults. The main facade, facing the lonja, shows the shields of Simón Ruiz. There are two stone-marked doors: the one on the left provides access to the hospital complex, while the one on the right leads to a cross-plan church with interconnected lateral chapels.

The hospital complex was built from the unification of all the assistance cofradías in Medina del Campo, except for the Hospital of Barrientos. The building is currently a protected site of cultural interest, although its deterioration makes visiting the interior impossible. Many of the principal works of art from the site can be visited in the Museo de las Ferias.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons