Palace of Valdesoto

Palace of Valdesoto (Palacio de Valdesoto) is a 17th-century noble residence in the village of Valdesoto, in the municipality of Siero, in central Asturias.

What is this building?

The palace is also known as Palacio del Marqués de Canillejas, and locally as the old palace or house of the Carreño-Solís (Carreño) family, its original owners. It ranks among the most significant noble residences in central Asturias and is listed as an asset of cultural interest.

When was it built, and what is its history?

The palace dates to the 17th century, built by members of the Carreño-Solís family. Over the following centuries it underwent alterations, with the most significant architectural additions and reforms carried out in the 19th century. The building has hosted royal visitors: King Alfonso XIII stayed here, and in 1924 the then Prince of Asturias, Alfonso de Borbón y Battenberg, visited the palace. On January 9, 1982, it was formally declared a monument, confirming its historical and architectural value.

What does the architecture look like?

The building follows the sober, unadorned strand of Asturian Baroque typical of the region's noble residences. It has a roughly square floor plan, two storeys arranged around a central courtyard, and a chapel attached to the east side. This layout — a courtyard at the heart of the building and a private chapel — was standard for Asturian palaces of the period.

What about the gardens?

The palace is surrounded by an extensive Italian-style garden covering roughly 70,000 square metres. It is considered one of the finest examples of a classical, formal garden in Asturias, laid out with the geometric paths and structured plantings characteristic of Italian-inspired gardens of the Baroque era and later periods.

Can you visit the palace today?

Palacio de Valdesoto currently operates as a venue for weddings and events, with a restaurant on the grounds — confirmed both by the venue's own website and by listings on restaurant and travel review sites. This means the building combines its role as a historic monument with active use as a gathering place for family and corporate events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Palace of Valdesoto located? In the parish of Valdesoto, in the municipality of Siero, central Asturias, in northern Spain.

Does the palace have another name? Yes — Palacio del Marqués de Canillejas, a name tied to the noble title held by the family that owned the building.

Who built the palace, and when? The Carreño-Solís family built the residence in the 17th century; it underwent major alterations in the 19th century.

Is the palace a protected heritage site? Yes — it was formally declared a monument on January 9, 1982, protecting its historical and architectural value.

Can visitors tour the interior or the gardens? The palace currently functions as a wedding and event venue with an on-site restaurant. Since it operates commercially, it's worth checking availability directly before planning an individual visit.