Torre del Caracol, situated in Benavente, is a remaining part of the elaborate castillo-palacio owned by the Pimentel family. Known as Castillo de la Mota, this towering structure stands as one of the few parts preserved of the vast and opulent castle-palace. In its peak, it was one of the most important and sumptuous alcázares. The extension of its gardens covered a large part of the valley at its feet, where many fountains and sculptures once stood.
The majority of the castle was destroyed by French troops during the War of Independence. Only the beautiful and original tower remains, built in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles at the beginning of the 16th century by the IV and V counts of Benavente, who belonged to the House of Pimentel. The origin of this house dates back to the 12th century, when the Portuguese Juan Alonso de Pimentel was named the first count of Benavente. Shields of the family are still preserved on the façade of the tower.
Today, Torre del Caracol is owned by the central government, declared a Monumento Nacional, and is integrated into the Parador Nacional de Turismo de Benavente. In the interior, the main floor features a mudéjar artesonado (woodwork) that belonged to the convent of San Román del Valle, which is now disappeared. There is a possibility of visiting the tower partially, but it is convenient to check the days and hours of visits in advance.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
Discuss this with the author and others
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation.