Casa de los Morlanes

Casa de los Morlanes is a Renaissance townhouse in the heart of Zaragoza, best known for one of the finest brick facades left from Aragon's Renaissance period. Only the front of the original palace survives today, yet its carved decoration still stops passers-by walking through the streets around Plaza del Justicia.

What is the history behind the building?

Construction was completed in 1555, a date carved into the frieze above one of the facade's windows. No records confirm who commissioned the house or who lived there afterward. Art historians attribute the facade to the sculptor Gil Morlanes "the Younger," and the building's current name comes from his surname. Over the centuries the interior was remodeled repeatedly, so almost nothing of the original layout remains — what survives is essentially the street-facing wall.

What will you actually see on site?

The facade is built in brick, itself a hallmark of Aragonese Renaissance architecture rather than the stone more common elsewhere in Spain. Windows and balconies are framed by pilaster-like estipites, and above the openings run two types of friezes: straight ones and curved ones. The straight friezes carry scenes from the Roman world, while the curved ones depict episodes tied to the history of Israel. That pairing of classical and biblical imagery is unusual for a private residence and is the main reason the facade is ranked among the most valuable Renaissance works in Aragon. It rewards a slow look — the relief carving reveals its detail only on close inspection, not from a quick glance while walking past.

How do you get to Casa de los Morlanes?

The building stands in Zaragoza's historic center, close to Plaza del Justicia, within easy walking distance of the city's main landmarks, including La Seo Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It sits squarely on the typical old-town walking route, so no separate trip is needed if a visit to central Zaragoza is already planned. The simplest approach is on foot, combining the stop with a walk through the surrounding squares and lanes of the old quarter.

Can you go inside?

Casa de los Morlanes belongs to the city of Zaragoza and today houses several municipal offices: social action services, community and specialized social services, the youth department, the CIPAJ youth information center, and the Zaragoza Filmoteca (municipal film archive and cinema). That means much of the building functions as office space, and public access to the interior is limited — the facade is the main reason to stop by. Anyone interested in the Filmoteca's screening schedule can check current listings, which also offers a chance to see part of the building's interior.

Why is it worth a stop?

In 2002 the building was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's legal category for protected heritage sites, confirming its historical and artistic value. For visitors exploring Zaragoza on foot, Casa de los Morlanes is an easy addition to the route — no ticket or booking is required, and the facade itself can be admired in a few minutes on the way between other sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Casa de los Morlanes built? The facade was completed in 1555, a date recorded in the frieze above one of its windows.

Who designed the facade? It is attributed to the sculptor Gil Morlanes "the Younger," whose name the building carries today.

Can visitors go inside? The building now houses municipal offices and the Zaragoza Filmoteca, so interior access is limited — most visitors view the facade from the street.

Is it a protected heritage site? Yes, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2002.