Monterrey Palace

The beautiful and intricate architectural detailing of this ancient aristocratic residence makes it a must-see on your Salamanca vacation itinerary.

The 16th-century Monterrey Palace was one of the most magnificent Spanish Plateresque-style buildings of its day. Even though this sumptuous mansion and its towers, chimneys, loggias and grotesques are vast, it was never actually finished.

The extravagant palace was built for the Count of Monterrey, but today it is in the hands of another Spanish aristocratic family, the House of Alba. It is one of their official residences and for many years has been closed to the public. However, in 2016 an agreement was signed between the House of Alba Foundation and local authorities to start daily guided tours of the interior.

Even if Monterrey Palace isn't open during your time in Salamanca, it is still well worth spending a few minutes admiring the beautiful exterior. Look over the grand façades and the many decorative elements, such as coats of arms and carvings of lions and monstrous fantasy creatures. Bring a camera with you or a pair of binoculars to study them in detail.

If you are able to tour the interior, peruse some of the important works of art owned by the House of Alba. These include paintings by José de Ribera, a Spanish painter who worked in the first half of the 17th century.

Monterrey Palace is located on the Plaza de Monterrey, a short walk west of Salamanca's Plaza Mayor. To keep up to date with plans to turn the building into a tourist attraction, visit the official website of the House of Alba Foundation. After your visit, stop at some of the other major tourist attractions within a few footsteps of the palace. These include the House of the Dead, the Convent of the Annunciation (Convento de las Úrsulas) and the 17th-century Church of the Purísima. Among the highlights of this building are the paintings on the magnificent altarpiece.

Guide to Exploring around Monterrey Palace

Salamanca Plaza Mayor

Gaze up at the majestic walls enclosing the heart of one of Spain’s most lively plazas where cobblestone paths pass upscale boutiques and restaurants serving traditional tapas.

See hotels near here

University of Salamanca

Marvel at the historic buildings and learn about the student culture in one of the oldest educational institutions in the world.

See hotels near here

New Cathedral of Salamanca

Explore one of Salamanca's two cathedrals, a monumental building that houses a rich collection of centuries-old religious paintings and carvings.

See hotels near here

Old Cathedral of Salamanca

Admire many works of religious art and climb up a medieval tower when you visit the oldest Christian building in Salamanca.

See hotels near here

Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum

View a vast collection of decorative objects, jewelry and everyday items in styles that were hugely popular in the early 20th century.

See hotels near here

San Esteban Convent

Go on a self-guided tour of the church, chapels and cloister of this centuries-old convent. Admire gorgeous religious art and see where a saint confessed her sins.

See hotels near here

Pontifical University of Salamanca

Take a tour of this private Roman Catholic educational institution and snap photos of the panoramic vista of the old town from the historic church bell tower.

See hotels near here

Garden of Calisto and Melibea

In the heart of the old quarter of Salamanca, this beautiful green space is the setting of one of the most widely read books in Spanish literature.

See hotels near here

Casa de las Conchas

Count the regularly spaced scallop shells that adorn the walls of this historic 500-year-old building surrounded by symbols of love.

See hotels near here

Map

Best Lodging Options Near Monterrey Palace

See all 239 Properties near Monterrey Palace

Alameda Palace ￥6,130

See details

Alameda Palace

Paseo de la Estación 1, Salamanca

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Labradores, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Alamedilla Park and Plaza Mayor. San Esteban Convent and New Cathedral of Salamanca are also within 1 mi (2 km). La Alamedilla Station is only a 4-minute walk and Salamanca Station is 11 minutes.

Hotel Sercotel Las Torres Salamanca ￥5,045

See details

Hotel Sercotel Las Torres Salamanca

C/ Concejo Nº 4, Salamanca

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is steps from San Martin Church and Plaza Mayor. New Cathedral of Salamanca and San Esteban Convent are also within 10 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 10 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 19 minutes.

Abba Fonseca Hotel ￥6,725

See details

Abba Fonseca Hotel

Plaza de San Blas, 2, Salamanca, Salamanca

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Monumento a San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Mayor, and New Cathedral of Salamanca. San Esteban Convent and Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum are also within 15 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 18 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 27 minutes.

Catalonia Plaza Mayor Salamanca ￥6,593

See details

Catalonia Plaza Mayor Salamanca

C/ Espoz y Mina, 23-25, Salamanca, Salamanca

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is steps from Monterrey Palace and Plaza Mayor. New Cathedral of Salamanca and San Esteban Convent are also within 10 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 11 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 20 minutes.

Hotel Silken Rona Dalba ￥4,394

See details

Hotel Silken Rona Dalba

Plaza San Juan Bautista 12, Salamanca, Salamanca

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Monumento a Germán Sánchez Ruipérez, Plaza Mayor, and New Cathedral of Salamanca. San Esteban Convent and Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum are also within 15 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 13 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 22 minutes.

Eurostars Las Claras ￥6,071

See details

Eurostars Las Claras

Calle Marquesa de Almarza, s/n, Salamanca, Salamanca

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is steps from College of Calatrava and San Esteban Convent. Plaza Mayor and New Cathedral of Salamanca are also within 10 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 10 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 23 minutes.

San Polo ￥4,647

See details

San Polo

Arroyo De Santo Domingo 2-4, Salamanca, Salamanca

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is steps from Cueva de Salamanca and San Esteban Convent. New Cathedral of Salamanca and Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum are also within 5 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 15 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 26 minutes.

NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos ￥9,559

See details

NH Collection Salamanca Palacio de Castellanos

Calle San Pablo, 58, Salamanca, Salamanca

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Old Town, this hotel is steps from Las Duenas Convent, San Esteban Convent, and New Cathedral of Salamanca. Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum and Plaza Mayor are also within 10 minutes. La Alamedilla Station is 13 minutes by foot and Salamanca Station is 24 minutes.

Monterrey Palace

Monterrey Palace