From Palaces to the Castle: Facades, Courtyards, and Views in Trujillo

Take a look at this unusual corner of the Palacio Chaves – have you ever seen a building where a corner is both a door and a window at the same time? That's exactly what makes this palace so unique and one of a kind worldwide. This architectural marvel dates back to 1570, when Isabel Mendoza, widow of Martín de Chaves Calderón, commissioned the construction. Architect Francisco Becerra truly created something extraordinary here.

What do you think, how did he manage to support that unusual corner? Instead of solid walls, Becerra used Gothic pointed arches resting on rectangular pillars – a clever blend of strength and style you don’t see every day. The entrance itself is framed by a simple border called an alfiz, topped by a classic Renaissance pediment. Inside, you'll find the coats of arms of the Chaves and Mendoza families – a little detail that speaks volumes about the history and pride of the original owners.

Today, the Palacio Chaves isn't just a historic building; it's also a hotel that combines history with modern comfort. With only seven double rooms, it offers an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those seeking something special. The rooms vary in size and amenities—from standard to superior options—so there's something to suit every preference.

Imagine staying here, sleeping right in the middle of a piece of history that's over 450 years old. The hotel is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and during the summer season, you can even enjoy the pool—from late June through mid-October, daily from noon to 9 p.m. Prices start at 78 euros for a standard double room, with a 20-euro increase on weekends.

Palacio Chaves is located in the heart of Trujillo, a city renowned for its stunning 15th and 16th-century architecture. Here, Gothic and Renaissance elements blend in fascinating ways, with this palace serving as a perfect example. So, as you stroll through the streets, you can truly feel the history of Spain up close—right in the vibrant Extremadura region.

So, what draws you to such a historic place? Is it the architecture, the stories of the people who once lived here, or maybe the idea of becoming part of that history yourself? Palacio Chaves invites you to discover just that.

Here we stand before the Church of San Francisco, a building that impresses not only with its size but also with its history dating back to 1502. Did you know that the construction of this church was personally approved by the Catholic Monarchs? They wanted to provide the Franciscan monks of the Third Order in Trujillo with a place to live and carry out their mission.

It took nearly a century to complete — finally finished in 1600 during the reign of Philip III. Some of the most renowned stonemasons of the time, like Pedro de Larrea and Francisco Becerra, contributed their talents. You can recognize their signature in the intricate details that adorn the building.

Take a look at the facade: the rounded arch with its radiating keystones and the double architrave aren’t just architectural highlights—they also bear the coats of arms of the city of Trujillo and Charles I of Spain. These symbols tell the story of the close bond between the church, the city, and the crown.

Inside, you'll find fascinating works of art that have stood the test of time. A 14th-century crucifix and a 17th-century painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe are just two examples. The main altar in Baroque style stands out prominently: divided into three vertical sections and richly decorated with plant motifs—a true masterpiece of the artisans from that era.

You might wonder: why does the church have a three-story, octagonal corner tower? This unusual shape is a distinctive feature that makes the Church of San Francisco unique. In the 18th century, the cloister was remodeled, the dome was constructed, and the tambour was enclosed—showing how the building evolved over the centuries.

Today, the church is not only a historic monument but also a living place of faith. Since 1911, the Carmelites have been caring for the church, and it was restored in 2009 to secure its structure.

If you look closely, you can see how the architecture reflects the transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles—a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation that makes this church so special.

And let's be honest: who would have thought that the corner of Independencia and Gamarra streets holds so much history and art? A place that not only preserves the past but remains vibrant today.

Take a look at this facade—that's the House of the Sun, a genuine piece of history right in the heart of Cáceres. Built in the 16th century, it has seen a lot over the years. What immediately catches your eye is the large family crest featuring the sun. But have you ever wondered why the sun looks so unique here? It has 16 rays, eight of which are pierced by dragon or serpent heads—pretty unusual, right?

Above the crest sits a helmet that adds even more character to the whole design. And take a closer look: the door is framed by what's called an "Alfiz," a decorative border that highlights the arch. This is a common architectural feature from that era, giving the entrance a distinctive charm.

At the top of the facade, you’ll find a semicircular defensive walkway with cross-shaped arrow slits. Not only does it look cool, but it also shows how important defense was back then—though it's hard to imagine battles taking place here today.

But the House of the Sun isn’t just a beautiful building; it also serves an interesting purpose today: it houses an archive with documents about America and the Philippines. These treasures are managed by the Padres de la Preciosa Sangre, who keep alive stories from distant lands and times gone by.

So next time you pass by the House of the Sun, remember: behind this facade, there’s more than just stone and plaster—here, art, history, and a touch of adventure come together. What stories do you think these walls could still tell?

Here we are in front of the Parador de Trujillo, a truly special spot right in the historic heart of Trujillo. What makes this Parador so fascinating? It used to be a Franciscan monastery from the 16th century—the Santa Clara Monastery. Imagine monks living and praying here hundreds of years ago, while today you can relax in a modern hotel.

Take a look around: The Parador is built around a beautiful Renaissance cloister, featuring elegant columns and arches that create a peaceful atmosphere. At the end of this cloister stands an old church, now serving as the dining room. Have you ever eaten in a church? Here, history comes alive in a unique way.

If you're up for a break, the Parador even offers an outdoor pool—perfect for unwinding after a day spent exploring the city. The blend of historic charm and modern comfort makes this place truly one of a kind.

Just a few steps away is the Plaza Mayor, the bustling center of Trujillo. Here, you’ll find impressive buildings like the Palace of the Conquest and the House of Chains. Right in the middle of the square stands the equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro, one of the city's most famous native sons. Did you know that Trujillo is the birthplace of several conquistadors? That makes the city a fascinating place full of history.

And if you're craving some nature, Monfragüe National Park is not far. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, where with a bit of luck you might spot imperial eagles and griffon vultures.

So, the Parador de Trujillo isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of history that lets you dive straight into the past while offering all the comforts you could wish for.

Take a look at the façade of this palace – the Palace of the Dukes of San Carlos in Trujillo. It was built in the mid-16th century by Don Diego de Carvajal, an important nobleman from the region. Did you know the palace stands on the remains of an old Visigoth fortress? This gives the building a captivating history that reaches deep into the past.

One of the standout features is the corner balcony displaying the coats of arms of the Vargas and Carvajal families. These families left their mark here over centuries and even held the title of Dukes of San Carlos—hence the palace’s name. Imagine what life must have been like here back then, living and ruling.

If you look closely, you’ll notice the inner courtyard surrounded by a classic patio with Ionic columns. This is typical of Renaissance architecture and creates a unique atmosphere radiating peace and elegance. Have you ever wondered how these palaces were built without modern technology? Here, you can see the incredible craftsmanship and planning involved.

Inside, there are beautifully carved granite fireplaces and a cistern that once supplied water. Elegant spiral staircases connect the different floors—a smart design blending functionality with style.

Today, the palace is not only valued as a historic building but also used as a venue for cultural events. It’s a living part of Trujillo, bridging history and the present. So, next time you stroll through the Plaza Mayor, remember: history didn’t just happen here—it lives on.