The 16th-century official butchery of Medina del Campo

The 16th-century official butchery of Medina del Campo

Photo: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta / Wikimedia Commons , CC BY-SA 3.0 , resized

Located in Valladolid, the Reales Carnicerías de Medina del Campo serves as a historical example of the town's wealth and power during the 16th century.

Located in Valladolid, the Reales Carnicerías de Medina del Campo is a unique historical building that served as the official butchery. Situated outside the medieval town walls along the river Zapardiel, the location was chosen to facilitate the evacuation of waste. The current structure is based on plans drafted by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón in 1562.

The building features a rectangular plan with a four-sided pitched roof, divided into three naves. The interior is supported by brick walls with a series of recessed arches. Externally, the facades feature brick arches over limestone pillars and a cornice with a dog-tooth pattern showing mudéjar influence. Three stone entrances display the arms of the town and a royal shield.

Historical records provided by a long inscription on the southwest facade confirm the construction dates. The work was carried out by the lords of Medina under the direction of corregidor Pedro de Vivero in 1562. The building reflects the prosperity of the town during its period of famous fairs.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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