Barcena Palace

The Palacio de la Bárcena is located in the town of Ampuero (Cantabria, Spain). The remains of what was undoubtedly a magnificent house-tower complex have a splendid portal with two fierce warriors who appear carrying mallets defending the Espina family crest, who inhabited it for four centuries. Until today this construction is divided, in a poor state of conservation, surrounded by urban expansion and was even damaged many years ago by a fire. Even so, it still retains its stately appearance and the unmistakable appearance of having been the home of an influential lineage. The enclosure that had a wall with three towers and battlements, had a Gothic chapel that must have been built in the 16th century.

The reconstruction of the palace has begun under the responsibility of the Ampuero town hall. Some remains such as: dams, gates or wedges are located in the vicinity of the Palace, which opens the possibility of creating a teaching center or theme park on milling activity in this environment.

It is very likely that Emperor Carlos V spent the night in the palace on his way to the Monastery of Yuste, in the province of Cáceres, in 1553.

The Bárcena Palace, originally belongs by tradition to the holder of the Bárcena Silver Duchy, although at the moment the property is under the administration of the Ampuero town hall.