Vélez-Blanco Castle

16th Century Renaissance · Renaissance Palatial

A stunning Renaissance castle perched above the white village of Vélez-Blanco. Its original marble courtyard was sold in 1904 and is now displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Vélez-Blanco Castle was built between 1506 and 1515 by Pedro Fajardo y Chacón, the first Marquis of Vélez, on the site of an earlier Moorish fortress. The marquis spared no expense, importing Italian craftsmen to create one of the finest Renaissance palaces in Spain. The castle's most famous feature — an exquisite Carrara marble courtyard with Renaissance carvings — suffered one of Spain's greatest cultural losses when it was sold in 1904 to a French art dealer. The courtyard was subsequently acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it remains on display in the American W…

Spain: The Hidden Kingdoms

Explore ancient legends, myths, and untold stories from villages, towns, and cities across every region of Spain. From Andalucía to Galicia, discover the hidden folklore of every corner.

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Spain: The Hidden Kingdoms is a digital platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich folklore, legends, and untold stories from every corner of Spain. From medieval castles to forgotten villages, we bring ancient tales to life.