The Medieval Remnants of the Pimentel Family's Palace in Benavente, Spain

Torre del Caracol, situated in Benavente, Spain, is a remaining part of the elaborate castillo-palacio owned by the Pimentel family in the 16th century. Known as Castillo de la Mota, this towering structure stands as the sole survivor of the vast and opulent alcázar, one of the most significant in Spain. The gardens sprawled across a substantial portion of the valley along the Órbigo River. In the 16th century, the Pimentel family, originating in the 12th century, wielded substantial power under the Spanish monarchy.

Escudos (shields) of the Pimentel family still adorn the façade of the tower. Today, Torre del Caracol is under the ownership of the Spanish government, designated as a Monumento Nacional, and part of the Parador Nacional de Turismo in Benavente. A mudéjar (a type of woodwork) from the San Román del Valle convent is housed within its interior. However, visits should be coordinated in advance for the days and hours of visitation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons