THE DUKES´ CASTLE
From the clash of arms to
the splendour of arts

This unassailable-looking cylindrical tower has been here since Bishop Gutierre Álvarez de Toledo received the village as a reward for the services given by his family. Almost right away he ordered a powerful fortress to be build there that would allow him to rule independently over his new domain, the most significant remaining part of which is this tower: a true “safe haven”, built to last and to endure whatever may come. It is located in the highest part of Alba, and it watches over the Tormes valley. These views are, in fact, one of the main reasons to visit it.

After a few years, the following generations did not miss their chance to enlarge, change or improve the various parts of that castle, which, little by little, became a palace. However, the final touch that turned the old castle into a true Renaissance palace was the work of the Third Duke, Fernando Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel, whose court was deeply involved in the patronage of the arts and the letters. Under his rule the building was embellished with the best marbles, paintings and tapestries, while the leading figures of the Spanish Golden Age visited its halls. An example of these are the magnificent Renaissance frescoes that decorate its “Sala de la Armería”, one of the few in this style that can be seen in Spain. They are the work of Cristóbal Passin and his brother Juan Bautista, and were carried out between 1567 and 1571.

The palace suffered greatly during the Independence War, when it was blown up to prevent it becoming a refuge for the French troops, and the derelict state it was left in thereafter, of which only the tower has survived.