Casa Palacio

Casa Palacio is a historic noble residence standing right in the center of La Guardia de Jaén, a small town in the province of Jaén, Andalusia.

Where is Casa Palacio located?

The building occupies the most prominent spot on the town's main square. Today the square is called Plaza de Isabel II, but it has carried several names over the centuries — first Plaza de la Fuente, then Plaza Real, before receiving its current name in 1835. Casa Palacio dominates this space and catches the eye immediately as soon as you step into the square from the old town.

What is the story behind the building?

The residence dates back to 1566, when Gonzalo Messía Carrillo de Fonseca, the first Marquis of La Guardia — a title granted to him by King Philip II — decided to build a house worthy of his newly awarded rank. The design is largely attributed to Francisco del Castillo "el Mozo," one of the notable 16th-century architects active in Renaissance Andalusia. The Messía family left a lasting mark on the town: the same family also rebuilt the local castle, originally an Arab fortress, turning it into a palace-citadel during the 14th and 15th centuries — today considered the architectural jewel of La Guardia.

What else is there to see on the square?

Plaza de Isabel II is more than just Casa Palacio. The square is also home to two Renaissance fountains from the 16th century, one of them known as Fuente del Pilar, alongside a 19th-century manor house that completes the historic ensemble. A walk around the square offers a cross-section of several centuries of local architecture — from the Renaissance to the 1800s — all within one compact space.

What is worth seeing nearby?

A few minutes' walk from Casa Palacio stands the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the only surviving part of the town's former Dominican convent. Its chancel was designed by Andrés de Vandelvira, one of the most important Renaissance architects to work in the province of Jaén. It is also worth climbing up to La Guardia castle, whose late Gothic gateway shows how a defensive fortress gradually turned into a palatial residence.

How do you get to La Guardia de Jaén?

The town sits in the province of Jaén, not far from the provincial capital. Traveling by car is the most convenient option, since La Guardia de Jaén lies along the roads connecting the city of Jaén with the southeastern part of the province. Once there, Casa Palacio and the surrounding landmarks are all within a few minutes' walk of the center, so the entire old town can be explored on foot.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when temperatures in Andalusia are milder than during the height of summer. The stone buildings around the square and the narrow streets of the old town look their best in the morning light or in the late afternoon, once the sun is no longer directly overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the inside of Casa Palacio? The building today serves a representative role within the town's public space — anyone planning a visit should check directly with the La Guardia de Jaén town hall for current details on interior access before traveling.

Why has the square changed its name over the years? The square has carried several names throughout its history — Plaza de la Fuente, then Plaza Real, and finally Plaza de Isabel II, adopted in 1835.

Who built Casa Palacio? The residence was commissioned in 1566 by Gonzalo Messía Carrillo de Fonseca, the first Marquis of La Guardia, with the architectural design mainly credited to Francisco del Castillo "el Mozo."

Is there any written history of the building? Yes. Local historian Jesús López Cardenete wrote a monograph titled "Casa Palacio de la Guardia," published in the Fundación Caja Rural de Jaén series, which documents the residence's history in detail.