Palace of the Bárcena

The Palacio de la Bárcena is located in the town of Ampuero (Cantabria, Spain). The remains of what was without a doubt a magnificent set of house-tower possess a splendid portalada with two fiery warriors that appear carrying some mallets defending the familiar shield of the Espina, who inhabited it during four centuries. To this day this construction is divided, in poor condition, surrounded by urban sprawl and even damaged many years ago by a fire. Even so, it still retains the stately bearing and unmistakable appearance of having been sheltered by an influential lineage. The enclosure that had wall with three turrets and battlements, counted on a gothic chapel that had to be constructed in century XVI.

The reconstruction of the palace has been started by the city of Ampuero. Some remains such as dams, floodgates or chocks are located in the vicinity of the Palace, which opens the possibility of creating in this environment a didactic center or theme park on the activity mill.

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

The Palace of the Bárcena, originally belonged by tradition to the owner of the Silver Duchy of Bárcena, although at the moment the property is under the administration of the city council of Ampuero.

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