Palacio de los Faes de Miranda

The Palacio de los Faes de Miranda in Carabanzo is a rural Baroque palace standing in the parish of the same name, in the municipality of Lena, Asturias. It was built in the last third of the 17th century for Matías Faes Miranda, who held the post of oidor (judge) at the Real Audiencia in Manila, in the Philippines — one of the highest judicial offices an Asturian could reach within the Spanish colonial administration of the time.

What does the palace look like?

The building has a rectangular main body of two storeys with a tower attached at one corner that rises an extra floor higher, reaching three levels in total. The walls are built of rubble masonry, while the corners, balconies, eaves, lintels, and door and window surrounds are carved from finely worked ashlar stone. This contrast is typical of Asturian noble architecture: a plain rubble-stone volume set off by precise stonework concentrated at the key points of the facade.

What is shown on the coat of arms?

On the south side facade sits a large stone coat of arms belonging to the Faes family, flanked by two lions. Family crests like this one were a standard feature on Asturian palaces, meant to display the founder's lineage and status to the parish and to travelers passing through.

Do historical sources mention the palace?

Yes. Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, the Enlightenment writer, jurist, and traveler, described this palace in his diaries — a sign that the building was notable enough to catch the attention of one of Spain's leading Enlightenment intellectuals during his travels through Asturias.

What condition is the palace in today?

The palace has stood in ruins since the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Today only the tower survives in reasonably good condition, while the rest of the structure is ruined and used as a stable. In 2017, heritage authorities halted restoration work on the building after it was denied protected status as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest); it currently appears on the Red List of Endangered Heritage (Lista Roja del Patrimonio) maintained by Hispania Nostra.

Despite the decay, the site has not been abandoned by the local community: the palace serves as the setting for the Fiesta Astur-Romana de Carabanzo, a local festival celebrating the region's pre-Roman and Roman history, which briefly brings the ruins back to life each year.

Who is this place for?

This spot suits visitors interested in Asturian noble architecture and Spain's colonial history — Faes Miranda represents a type of local elite who built fortunes in overseas administration and then invested them in residences back in their home parishes. It's worth knowing that the building is largely a private ruin rather than a museum-managed monument, so a visit means viewing it from the outside rather than touring interior rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the Palacio de los Faes de Miranda? It was built in the last third of the 17th century for Matías Faes Miranda, who served as an oidor at the Real Audiencia in Manila, in the Philippines.

Can visitors go inside the palace? No — the building is in ruins, with only the tower reasonably preserved and the rest of the structure used as a stable. Only exterior viewing is possible.

What does the coat of arms on the facade represent? It is the Faes family coat of arms, flanked by two lions, located on the south side facade of the building.

Does the palace have any role in local life today? Yes — it serves as the venue for the Fiesta Astur-Romana de Carabanzo, a local festival tied to the region's history.