Palacio del Infantado (Palace of the Prince's Territory)

Palacio del Infantado (Palace of the Prince's Territory) Review

Guadalajara, about 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Madrid, was severely damaged in the civil war, but its Palacio del Infantado still stands and is one of the most important Spanish palaces of its period. Built between 1461 and 1492 by Juan Guas, the palace is a bizarre and potent mixture of Gothic, classical, and Mudejar influences. The main facade is rich; the lower floors are studded with diamond shapes; and the whole is crowned by a complex Gothic gallery supported on a frieze pitted with intricate Moorish cellular work (the honeycomb motif). Inside is a fanciful and exciting courtyard. The ground floor holds the Museo de Bellas Artes, a modest provincial art gallery.