Palacio de los Luna

Palacio de los Luna stands in the historic center of Daroca, in the province of Zaragoza, and ranks among the most important civil Mudéjar buildings in Aragón. The palace was raised between 1396 and 1410 at the order of Pedro Martínez de Luna, later known as the antipope Benedict XIII, or "Pope Luna" — one of the most influential figures of the Luna family at the time. The architect Mahoma Rami is believed to have taken part in its construction.

What does the palace look like from the outside?

The building follows a U-shaped floor plan wrapped around a courtyard added in the 16th century, with numerous rooms arranged around it. The structure rises across three levels: a ground floor split into two sections, a main floor, and upper granaries. The facade features Gothic plasterwork with ornamental moldings and arches, while the main floor projects outward on a distinctive wooden eave.

What makes the interior so valuable?

The palace's greatest treasure lies in its wooden coffered ceilings (artesonados) on the main floor, which cover almost the entire surface of the rooms. The coffers are richly decorated with heraldic emblems — the arms of the papacy and the Luna family appear alongside those of other noble houses, including Gotor, Heredia, and Zapata. This mix of ecclesiastical and family symbolism reflects the founder's dual standing as both a religious authority and a member of the aristocracy.

How has the building been protected and restored?

Palacio de los Luna was declared a National Monument on June 3, 1931, and in 2002 the Aragonese government listed it as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Property). The building has gone through several rounds of conservation work: an initial phase, funded by the Aragón government with around 300,000 euros, focused on structural consolidation. A second phase, launched in June 2011, concentrated on recovering and safeguarding the coffered ceilings of the main floor.

Who owns the palace today?

Two-thirds of the building currently belong to the Fundación Campo de Daroca, which oversees its restoration and its use for cultural purposes. The remaining third is privately owned and used as a residence, which means access to the full building is limited.

Why is Palacio de los Luna worth seeing?

The palace is one of the best-preserved examples of Mudéjar architecture in Aragón, combining Gothic detailing with the region's characteristic decorative woodwork. For anyone visiting Daroca, it forms an essential stop on a walk through the historic center, alongside the town walls and collegiate churches that together make up one of the most valuable historic ensembles in Aragón.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Palacio de los Luna? The palace was commissioned by Pedro Martínez de Luna, the future antipope Benedict XIII, and built between 1396 and 1410.

What is the palace's most distinctive feature? Its wooden coffered ceilings on the main floor, decorated with the heraldic arms of the papacy, the Luna family, and other Aragonese noble houses.

Is the building legally protected? Yes — it has held National Monument status since 1931 and has been listed as a Cultural Heritage Property of Aragón since 2002.

Can the whole palace be visited? Not entirely — two-thirds of the building belong to a foundation managing its restoration, while the remaining third is a privately owned residence.