palace of Martimporra

Palace of Martimporra is a 17th-century noble residence standing in Martimporra, the capital of the municipality of Bimenes, in central Asturias. It ranks among the best-preserved examples of rural palatial architecture in the region and is a worthwhile stop for anyone tracing Asturias' network of historic manor houses.

What is the history behind the palace?

The palace was commissioned in the 17th century by Juan de Valdivieso and Cecilia Estrada, Marquises of Villapañés. Ownership later passed to the Marquis of Casa Estrada, which is why the estate is sometimes referred to as the Palace of the Estrada family of Martimporra. Since September 21, 1982, the whole complex has held the status of Historical-Artistic Monument, Spain's highest category of heritage protection.

What does the architecture look like?

The building was raised on a square floor plan with two storeys. Its most distinctive feature is a pair of corner towers that rise noticeably above the roofline of the main structure, giving the whole ensemble the fortified-yet-domestic silhouette typical of Asturian noble residences of the period. The plain stone facade and restrained proportions reflect a rural, provincial take on palatial architecture, quite different from the more ornamented town residences built in the same era.

What else is there to see on site?

Standing directly in front of the palace is a private chapel, also dating from the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgen del Camino (Our Lady of the Road). Together, the palace and the chapel form a single coherent architectural ensemble — a layout common to Asturian noble estates, where residence and place of worship functioned as one combined household unit.

How do you get to the palace?

Martimporra sits within the municipality of Bimenes, in central Asturias, close to larger towns such as Infiesto and Pola de Siero. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of inland Asturias — green valleys dotted with scattered rural settlements. The easiest way to reach it is by car from Oviedo or Gijón; the local roads wind through scenic farmland, which is itself part of the appeal of the trip.

When is the best time to visit?

The palace is privately owned, so visits are generally limited to viewing the exterior and its immediate surroundings. Spring and early autumn are the best times to come, when the surrounding hills are at their greenest and temperatures are comfortable for walking the rural lanes of Bimenes. In summer, the area tends to be quieter than Asturias' coastline, making it a good pick for travelers after a low-key, historic atmosphere away from the crowds.

Why is this palace worth seeing?

The Palace of Martimporra offers a rare chance to see authentic, unpolished Asturian noble architecture without the crowds that gather at the region's better-known monuments. The combination of defensive-style towers, a plain stone structure, and the adjoining chapel gives a full picture of how a provincial landed estate functioned in 17th-century Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the Palace of Martimporra? The building is a protected monument but remains privately owned, so interior visits are generally not available to tourists without prior arrangement with the owners.

How old is the palace? It dates from the 17th century, commissioned by Juan de Valdivieso and Cecilia Estrada, Marquises of Villapañés.

What does Historical-Artistic Monument status mean? It is Spain's highest tier of cultural heritage protection, granted to the palace and its adjoining chapel on September 21, 1982.

Is there anything else to see near the palace? Yes — a 17th-century chapel dedicated to the Virgen del Camino stands directly in front of the palace, forming a single architectural ensemble with the residence.