Castle of the Counts of Padul

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Municipality: PADUL
Type of Equity: Castles
Description: Popularly known as the Casa Grande, this monument is one of the most interesting places in Padul, and it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

INFORMATION

This monument popularly known as the Casa Grande, is located in the heart of the town.

This building was rebuilt in the 16th century on the remains of the ruins of an Arab house and restored in 1613 by Don Antonio de Aróstegui, Secretary of State for Felipe III.

This building is located inside a large almost square space, surrounded by a wall and with a large area around it, which in its day were beautiful gardens and green areas.

This civil palace has a very severe Baroque style architecture, without any type of decorative display. It is important to note its elegant proportions and its balanced design, without forgetting the simple play of volumes and the grace and elegance of its pointed finials.

The entrance door to the building is located on the main façade, facing the gate of the outer fence. Above it you can see a marble plaque that reads the history of the defense of the palace that occurred in 1569, as well as the date of its rebuilding.

One of the characteristics that makes this historical and artistic palace different from any other, are its seats located at the entrance of the Palace. Thanks to them, we know that it belongs to one of the few and rare "Palacios de Asiento" that can be found in the province of Granada, which functioned as a help house for the poor who asked for food and help.

During the Civil War this castle house became a center of confinement. Most of these prisoners were political prisoners coming mainly from the Alpujarra and the Basque Country (known as Gudaris) condemned to forced labour, from sunrise to sunset, to build the road that would allow the reforestation. Today, the Gudaris route is one of the most travelled routes through the Sierra del Manar, so thanks to them, their work and effort, we keep part of their history and their memory remains alive.

The reason for having chosen the old castle to accommodate these men is due to its large halls, which allow for the installation of the bedrooms and all the necessary facilities, and to the spaciousness of the courtyards, which are essential in a prison area.

In order to preserve and promote the uniqueness and beauty of this space, the Town Council of Padul organizes cultural activities such as open-air concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events.

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INFORMATION

Coordinates: 37.02398714030228,-3.6263895034790035

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