Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba

Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba is a medieval fortress-palace standing in the heart of Cáceres' old town, one of the most striking buildings within the UNESCO-listed Ciudad Monumental.

What's the story behind the palace?

Construction was commissioned by the couple Isabel de la Cerda and García de Golfín, lord of the Casa Corchada, with work stretching across the 14th and 15th centuries. From the outset it was built as a fortified house, with four corner towers and thick walls typical of the noble families who competed for power in medieval Cáceres. Three of the original four towers survive today, their tops cut down centuries ago as punishment following noble feuds, while at the center stands the great keep — the torre del homenaje — raised in 1513 and crowned with battlements. That tower escaped demolition thanks to a royal decree granted in 1506 by Ferdinand V the Catholic.

The palace also has a weighty place in modern Spanish history. On 26 August 1936, General Francisco Franco set up his headquarters here, staying for 38 days — it was within these walls that he was proclaimed head of state of the rebel-controlled zone, before his official proclamation in Burgos.

What will you see on site?

The façade is a textbook example of Castilian defensive architecture: massive stone walls, narrow windows and arrow slits sit alongside coats of arms marking the noble lineages who owned the building over the centuries. The keep, the tallest element of the whole complex, dominates the skyline of the district and remains one of the recognizable silhouettes when viewing Cáceres from Plaza de Santa María. The building is privately owned and kept in excellent condition, with its interiors currently used for hospitality and event purposes, giving visitors a chance to glimpse parts of the space without the constraints of a formal museum visit.

How do you get there?

The palace sits right in the middle of the Ciudad Monumental, a few minutes' walk from Plaza Mayor, the natural starting point for exploring the old town. The historic center is best covered on foot, weaving between cobbled lanes and a string of other noble palaces; car parking is available around the perimeter of the old city walls.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking around Cáceres, since summers in Extremadura can get very hot. The palace's exterior architecture can be admired year-round, regardless of opening hours for any events held inside.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the palace? The building is privately owned and its rooms are mainly used for hospitality and event activities, so access to the interior depends on what each space is currently being used for.

Why is the central tower taller than the others? In 1506, Ferdinand V the Catholic issued a royal decree protecting this tower from the demolition ordered at the time for noble fortifications, which is why it kept its full height and battlements.

What historical significance does the palace hold for 20th-century Spain? General Francisco Franco based his headquarters here for 38 days starting on 26 August 1936, and it was here that he was proclaimed head of state of the rebel zone, ahead of his official proclamation in Burgos.

Is the palace within the UNESCO-protected area? Yes, it stands inside the Ciudad Monumental de Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside the old town's other historic palaces and churches.