Palace of Quintanar

Quintanar Palace is a Renaissance-era mansion in Segovia and one of the city's most notable examples of noble urban architecture. Standing on Plaza del Conde de Cheste, right in the heart of historic Segovia, it now serves as a center dedicated to design culture.

How do you get there?

The palace sits in central Segovia, within easy walking distance of the cathedral and the main square, Plaza Mayor. The best way to reach it is on foot through the narrow streets of the old town, which also lets you take in other landmarks along the way. Segovia is well connected to Madrid by high-speed rail, with journeys of around 30 minutes; from the train station, a short bus or taxi ride into the center is the easiest option, after which the historic quarter is best explored on foot.

What will you see?

The building's origins trace back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was built as the residence of one of Segovia's influential noble families. Its present form reflects a typical 17th-century Segovian mansion, arranged around a central courtyard, with further remodeling carried out in the 18th century. The facades display the sgraffito technique so characteristic of Segovia — patterns scratched into layers of differently colored plaster to create decorative motifs. Inside, surviving mural paintings hint at the wealth and status the owning family once held.

Between 2007 and 2011 the palace underwent an extensive restoration, reopening in March 2011 with a new purpose: a hub dedicated to design culture. The building is managed by the regional government of Castilla y León, which organizes exhibitions, workshops, and events focused on design research, production, and outreach. This combination gives Quintanar Palace a double identity — historic architecture paired with a living cultural function — making it an unusual stop on Segovia's heritage trail.

While exploring the interior, it's worth pausing to appreciate the proportions of the courtyard, the stonework details, and the contrast between the sober stone structure and the decorative sgraffito covering the facades. This craft technique, typical of the region, sets Segovian palaces apart from noble houses found elsewhere in Spain.

When should you visit?

The best time to come is whenever a current exhibition is running, so it's worth checking the program ahead of your trip since the displays change periodically. Segovia can get crowded in summer with visitors heading to the aqueduct and the Alcázar, so spring or autumn tend to offer a calmer experience. Being a lesser-known stop on the tourist circuit, the palace rarely involves queues, making it a good complement to a visit focused on the city's main landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Quintanar Palace originally used for? It was a noble residence, built in the 15th and 16th centuries and expanded over subsequent centuries, belonging to one of Segovia's prominent families.

What is the building used for today? Since 2011 it has functioned as a design culture center managed by the regional government of Castilla y León, hosting themed exhibitions and events.

What is the sgraffito visible on the facade? It's a traditional Segovian decorative technique in which patterns are scratched into layers of colored plaster — a defining feature of local architecture.

Is it worth combining with other Segovia landmarks? Yes — the palace is close to the cathedral and Plaza Mayor, so it fits naturally into a walking route through the historic center.