House of the Shells (Salamanca)
The House of the Shells is the name of a spectacular late Gothic-style palace decorated with plateresque elements typical of the Renaissance. Its construction dates back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Built over almost 25 years, this urban palace, typical of the court nobility of the time, presents Mudejar details and different ornamental elements typical of the Renaissance. The most notable is its spectacular façade decorated with more than 300 shells, for which it received its peculiar name, as well as different heraldry and coats of arms.
Other very interesting decorative elements are the coffered ceiling of its patio and the beautiful latticework of its windows, which are considered one of the best forges made by prominent Salamanca masters during Gothic Spain.
Its main façade also stands out for its exquisite lintel door, which displays the Maldonado coat of arms framed in mouldings in its upper part and a representation of plant and dolphin motifs in its lower part. This artistic asymmetry is very characteristic of the Gothic period. Its majestic stately tower was a distinctive element in the constructions of the nobility because it transmitted a message of power. Although it was later demolished by order of Charles I, it maintains its superb elegance.
Like many other stately buildings from that historical period, the House of the Shells has an interesting combination of Mudejar, Renaissance and Gothic elements, especially in its patio. Other interesting details include its three-section staircase, its gargoyles and the fleurs-de-lis on its roof.
It is one of the most interesting places in Salamanca and receives the largest number of tourists.
Built over almost 25 years, this urban palace, typical of the court nobility of the time, presents Mudejar details and different ornamental elements typical of the Renaissance. The most notable is its spectacular façade decorated with more than 300 shells, for which it received its peculiar name, as well as different heraldry and coats of arms.
Other very interesting decorative elements are the coffered ceiling of its patio and the beautiful latticework of its windows, which are considered one of the best forges made by prominent Salamanca masters during Gothic Spain.
Its main façade also stands out for its exquisite lintel door, which displays the Maldonado coat of arms framed in mouldings in its upper part and a representation of plant and dolphin motifs in its lower part. This artistic asymmetry is very characteristic of the Gothic period. Its majestic stately tower was a distinctive element in the constructions of the nobility because it transmitted a message of power. Although it was later demolished by order of Charles I, it maintains its superb elegance.
Like many other stately buildings from that historical period, the House of the Shells has an interesting combination of Mudejar, Renaissance and Gothic elements, especially in its patio. Other interesting details include its three-section staircase, its gargoyles and the fleurs-de-lis on its roof.
It is one of the most interesting places in Salamanca and receives the largest number of tourists.
Location
What to see in Salamanca
