Casa del Almirante, Tudela

Casa del Almirante in Tudela is a Renaissance-era brick palace on Calle Rúa, at the heart of the old town of this Navarrese city on the Ebro river. Built between 1520 and 1555 in the plateresque style, it replaced an earlier 15th-century mansion and was commissioned by the Cabanillas Berrozpe family, heirs of the Gómez de Peralta line.

Who owned the palace over the centuries?

Ownership passed through several noble families after the Cabanillas Berrozpe: the Castillo Cabanillas y Gómez de Peralta line held it in the 17th century, the Ximénez de Cascante y Ximénez de Antillón family in the 18th, and the Baron de la Torre in the 19th. The origin of the "Admiral's House" name is not firmly established — it may refer to José Ezquerra del Bayo, one of the owners who served in the merchant navy, or to the ship's-wheel motif carved into the balcony decoration.

What makes the facade worth seeing?

The three-storey brick facade is capped by a gallery of paired arches and oculi beneath a carved wooden eave. The first floor carries two large balconies decorated with plateresque reliefs — mythological figures and candelieri ornament — each framed by a tondo holding a female and a male bust, thought to portray the palace's founders. The top floor has three lintelled windows below a frieze of geometric and plant motifs, characteristic of Spanish Renaissance decoration from the first half of the 16th century.

What is the building used for today?

In 1976 the palace was bought by María Carmen Forcada González, who carried out restoration and consolidation work; the facade itself was cleaned and reinforced in 1997. Following her donation, the building passed to the city of Tudela and now houses the Fundación María Forcada and Tudela-Cultura. Its rooms regularly host contemporary art and photography exhibitions along with other cultural events, so the character of the interior changes with each new show.

How do you get there and when should you visit?

Casa del Almirante sits within walking distance of Tudela's main old-town landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa María, making it an easy stop on a walk through the historic centre. Tudela's tourism office also runs a monumental route linking the palace with the Palacio Marqués de Huarte and the Palacio de San Adrián. Because the building operates as a working cultural venue, access depends on the current exhibition schedule, so it is worth checking opening times before visiting. Tudela lies in the Ribera de Navarra region, known for its vegetable and fruit produce, and a stop at the palace pairs naturally with a walk to the nearby bridge over the Ebro and the old Jewish quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casa del Almirante? A 16th-century Renaissance palace in central Tudela, now home to the Fundación María Forcada and Tudela-Cultura.

Why is it called the "Admiral's House"? The name's origin isn't confirmed — it's linked either to a former owner who served in the merchant navy or to the ship's-wheel motif on the balcony decoration.

What can visitors see inside? The building functions as a cultural centre and regularly hosts art and photography exhibitions plus other cultural events.

Is admission free? Exhibitions at Casa del Almirante are generally free, though it's best to confirm current hours and the exhibition on display before visiting.