Mayorazgo Palace facts for kids
The Mayorazgo Palace (which means Palace of the Mayorazgo in Spanish) is an old country house located in Inguanzo, a small town in Cabrales, Asturias, Spain. This beautiful building was constructed over many years, mostly during the 17th and 18th centuries. It's a great example of the grand homes built in rural areas a long time ago.
What is the Mayorazgo Palace?
The Mayorazgo Palace is a special type of old house known as a rural palace. It has two main floors and a simple, rectangular shape. Unlike some larger palaces, it doesn't have an open courtyard inside. This design was common for homes built in the countryside during its time.
The Palace's Unique Look
The front of the palace, called the façade, has some interesting features. On either side of the main entrance, you can see two narrow openings called arrowslits. These were small windows, often used for defense in older buildings, though here they are more decorative.
The main door itself is surrounded by decorative molding, which is a fancy carved border. Above the door, there's a stone with beautiful carvings. Even higher up, a large, decorative shield is placed. This shield often showed the coat of arms or symbol of the family who owned the palace, telling everyone about their history and importance.
A Glimpse into History
The Mayorazgo Palace was built between the 1600s and 1700s. This was a time when many wealthy families in Spain built impressive homes in the countryside. These palaces served as their main residences and showed off their status and power. The term "Mayorazgo" refers to a system where a family's property and titles were passed down to the eldest son, keeping the family's wealth together over generations. The palace was likely the center of such a family's estate.
See also
In Spanish: Palacio del Mayorazgo para niños
