Tower of Velasco

Torre de los Velasco is a medieval defensive tower standing in Villasana de Mena, the main town of the Valle de Mena municipality in Burgos province. Built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, it stood for generations as the visible symbol of the Velasco family's lordship over this stretch of the valley.

Where does this tower come from?

The tower was most likely raised on the initiative of Sancho Sánchez de Velasco, meant as a clear statement of the newly established Velasco dominion over Villasana. It originally formed a corner bastion of the town's defensive walls, guarding the settlement from the riverside. In the following centuries, during the bloody feuds between the Velasco and Salazar factions that convulsed the region, the tower served an active defensive role and anchored the local nobility's power. Ownership later passed to the ancestors of the Counts of Noblejas.

The building was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest) in 1949, a designation that today protects it as one of the most valuable pieces of defensive architecture in Las Merindades.

What will you see there?

The tower has a rectangular floor plan measuring roughly 13 by 11 metres, with walls 1.40 metres thick running uniformly along its entire height. That sheer mass explains why the structure has survived in reasonably good condition after more than seven centuries.

It stands on Calle Polideportivo, right in the heart of Villasana de Mena's historic quarter (Conjunto Histórico), surrounded by stone houses from the same era. Walking through the old town, it's worth paying attention to how the tower relates to the surrounding buildings — it once marked the defensive line of the whole settlement.

How do you get to Villasana de Mena?

Villasana de Mena sits in the northern part of Burgos province, in the Las Merindades region, close to the border with the Basque Country — Bilbao is just over an hour away by car. The town makes a convenient base for exploring other landmarks of the Mena valley, including the nearby castle at Lezana.

A Municipal Tourism Office operates locally, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The office runs guided walking tours of Villasana's heritage sites — the best way to learn more about the tower's history and, when available, step inside.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in this part of Burgos are mild and the surrounding hills and valleys look their most scenic. In summer, plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day — and time it around the tourism office's opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tower? Access to the interior depends on how visits are currently organised — your best bet is to contact the Villasana de Mena Municipal Tourism Office, which runs guided tours of the town's heritage sites.

How is this tower different from the castle at Lezana? They are two separate Velasco family structures in the same valley: Torre de los Velasco stands in Villasana de Mena and served as the town's defensive tower, while the castle in nearby Lezana is a separate, larger stronghold belonging to the same lineage.

Is there an entrance fee? The exterior can be viewed for free while strolling through Villasana de Mena's historic centre. Check with the tourism office for details on any charges for guided interior visits.

What's the best way to get there? By car is most convenient — Villasana de Mena lies along the main roads connecting Burgos with the Basque Country. The nearest city with good flight connections is Bilbao.