Palacio de Villena: The Imperial Hideaway in Valladolid

The Palacio de Villenn, also known as El palacio del Marqués de Villena, is a palace in the city of Valladolid, Spain. Its construction began in the mid-16th century, in front of the Colegio de San Gregorio de Valladolid, Calle Cadenas de San Gregorio nº 2. Renowned architect Francisco de Salamanca, known for his work on the Plaza Mayor of Valladolid and the Palacio de Villena, oversaw its construction. Emperor Charles V stayed at the palace on numerous occasions.

Today, the palace is part of the complex housing the National Museum of Sculpture. The museum’s library, conference room, restoration studios, storage area, and Nativity scene are located within the palace.

Antonio de Velasco y Rojas and his wife Francisca de Silva commissioned the palace’s construction. The palace’s original entrance arch, the marble window with the owner’s coat of arms, the courtyard, and the main staircase abutting the cloister are still preserved.

Later additions include the torreones laterales (later towers) from the 19th century, when the palace underwent a major renovation. Different families owned the palace over four centuries, including the spouse of the Marqués de Villena in the 17th century and the Counts of Bagaes.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons