Palacio Pemartín

Palacio Pemartín in Jerez de la Frontera is one of the finest historic town palaces in this Andalusian city of sherry and flamenco, now home to the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco.

Where does this palace come from?

The building on Plaza de San Juan stands on foundations going back to the 15th century. Its first owners were Álvar López de Hinojosa, a member of the city council known as caballero veinticuatro, and his wife Isabel Melgarejo. From that era survives a wooden alfarje ceiling, dated between 1465 and 1505, covering the entrance hall and painted with the coats of arms of the López and Hinojosa families. In the second half of the 18th century, between 1773 and 1776, the palace underwent a major renovation commissioned by Petronila María de Villavicencio, Marchioness of Mesas de Asta, which is why the building is also known as the Palace of the Marquises of Mesas de Asta. That renovation gave the facade facing the square, the courtyard, and the main staircase the Andalusian Baroque appearance visitors see today. The building carries the status of Bien de Interés Cultural, Spain's highest heritage protection category.

What will you see inside?

The interior brings together two distinct stylistic periods. The Mudéjar alfarje ceiling in the entrance hall is the oldest and most valuable feature of the building, an intricately carved timber structure that reflects Andalusian-Islamic craftsmanship. It contrasts with the 18th-century Baroque courtyard, where floral decoration, stained glass, and ornamental rocaille give the space the lighter, more theatrical feel typical of Jerez noble residences of that period. Since 1988 the palace has housed the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco, an institution dedicated to documenting and promoting the art of flamenco across Andalusia, which makes a visit here a way to combine architectural heritage with the region's living culture.

How do you get there?

The palace stands on Plaza de San Juan, right in the historic center of Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz. This part of the city concentrates most of the old town's monuments, so Palacio Pemartín can easily be reached on foot as part of a walk through the historic center, without needing any additional transport.

When is the best time to visit?

Andalusian summers can be very hot, so spring and autumn are generally more comfortable seasons for exploring Jerez's historic center on foot. Jerez is also known for its flamenco and sherry-related events throughout the year, so checking the city's cultural calendar before your trip can help you combine a visit to the palace with other seasonal happenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palacio Pemartín? It is a historic town palace in Jerez de la Frontera whose oldest surviving elements date to the 15th century, now serving as the headquarters of the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco.

Why is it also called the Palace of the Marquises of Mesas de Asta? Because in the 18th century the building was thoroughly renovated by Petronila María de Villavicencio, Marchioness of Mesas de Asta, who gave it the Baroque facade, courtyard, and staircase seen today.

What is the most valuable architectural feature of the palace? The Mudéjar alfarje ceiling in the entrance hall, dated between 1465 and 1505, decorated with the painted coats of arms of the founding López and Hinojosa families.

Where exactly is the palace located? On Plaza de San Juan, in the historic center of Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia.