Uncastillo town hall

Uncastillo Town Hall stands at the heart of this historic town in the province of Zaragoza, in Aragon, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Renaissance civic architecture in the region.

When was the current town hall built?

The building was constructed between 1565 and 1568. It replaced earlier, improvised meeting places and has served as the permanent seat of local government ever since.

Where did the town council meet before this building existed?

Before the town hall was built, Uncastillo's medieval council held its sessions inside the churches of San Miguel and San Felices, having no dedicated building of its own. That changed after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries: the municipality purchased a group of abandoned properties that had belonged to the local Jewish community, including the main synagogue, the women's synagogue, a communal bread oven and an adjoining courtyard. The new town hall was raised on that very site.

What architectural style does the building follow?

The town hall belongs to the type of 16th-century Aragonese noble palaces, shaped by clear Italian Renaissance influence. It is built entirely in ashlar stone on a roughly trapezoidal plan, with the façade divided into three levels by horizontal string courses. The main floor is marked by tall, prominent window openings, while the top level opens onto a gallery of lintelled openings. A decorative crest and a row of gargoyles run along the roofline.

What makes the entrance portal worth a look?

The building's centerpiece is its monumental main portal: a round arch flanked by engaged columns and topped with an entablature and triangular pediment. The stonework is richly carved with Italian-inspired motifs - medallions bearing human busts, grotesque figures and candelabra-style foliage. This portal is by far the most photographed detail on the façade.

Can visitors see the town hall while exploring the old town?

The building faces the main square of Uncastillo and still functions as the seat of local government, so its façade and portal can be freely admired from the outside while walking through the historic centre. It is a natural landmark for anyone mapping out a walking route past the town's other monuments, such as its churches and defensive walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Uncastillo's town hall built? The current building dates from 1565-1568, during the Renaissance period.

Does the town hall stand on an earlier historic site? Yes. It occupies the former location of the main synagogue, the women's synagogue and a bakery that belonged to the local Jewish community before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain, after which the town purchased and repurposed the site.

What architectural style does the building represent? It is an example of an Aragonese Renaissance palace with strong Italian influence, most visible in the decoration of its entrance portal.

What is the most distinctive feature of the building? Its monumental entrance portal, featuring a round arch, a pediment and richly carved stonework with bust medallions, grotesques and floral candelabra motifs.