Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
A medieval fortified house in Cáceres, showcasing Gothic and Mudejar architecture with impressive towers and noble lineage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval fortified house in Cáceres, showcasing Gothic and Mudejar architecture with impressive towers and noble lineage.
"A must-visit heritage site in Cáceres, offering a glimpse into medieval grandeur and history."
📸 Capture the Towers
Don't miss photographing the iconic towers, especially with storks nesting on them in season!
🚶♀️ Explore Intramuros
The palace is in Cáceres' UNESCO-listed old town, Intramuros. Explore the surrounding medieval streets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower Views
Upper levels of the palace
Ascend the medieval towers for panoramic views of Cáceres' monumental old town. A truly breathtaking perspective.
Architectural Details
Exterior and interior courtyards
Admire the blend of Gothic and Mudejar styles, including the impressive coats of arms of the founding families.
The Adarve Connection
Rear of the palace
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Adarve from the back of the palace, a unique historical perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Palace's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Towers
Don't miss photographing the iconic towers, especially with storks nesting on them in season!
🚶♀️ Explore Intramuros
The palace is in Cáceres' UNESCO-listed old town, Intramuros. Explore the surrounding medieval streets.
✨ Guided Tours Recommended
A guide can truly bring the history to life, making the visit more enriching.
🌙 Moonlit Magic
For photographers, capturing the palace under a crescent moon can be a magical experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Towers
Don't miss photographing the iconic towers, especially with storks nesting on them in season!
🚶♀️ Explore Intramuros
The palace is in Cáceres' UNESCO-listed old town, Intramuros. Explore the surrounding medieval streets.
✨ Guided Tours Recommended
A guide can truly bring the history to life, making the visit more enriching.
🌙 Moonlit Magic
For photographers, capturing the palace under a crescent moon can be a magical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba as a significant historical site within Cáceres' beautiful monumental zone. Many highlight the impressive medieval architecture, the defensive towers, and the rich history of the Golfines family. The views from the upper levels and the connection to the Adarve are often mentioned as enjoyable aspects of the visit. Some note that a guided tour enhances the experience.
"We have visited the Golfines palace above and we liked it very much. At the back there is a wonderful view of the Adarve.
This is a medieval building located in the monumental part of the city of Cáceres.
The Adarve is a late medieval tower built during the 14th and 15th centuries.
We loved the visit. I recommend it to everyone."
Antonio Marco
"We are fortunate to be able to see such a heritage site in Cáceres. Thanks to Tatiana, our eyes are able to enjoy such beauty. Indispensable."
P Moriano
"Palace of the Golfines de Arriba (15th century), on Calle del Adarve de Santa Ana, in Cáceres (Extremadura). A late Gothic and Mudejar fortified house built by Don García Golfín, married to Doña Isabel de la Cerda, brother of Don Sancho Paredes Golfín - the lord of the Palacio de Abajo - and son of Doña Ynés Álvarez de la Mota and Don Pedro Alonso Golfín, 3rd lord of Casacorchada and Torre Arias, of the French lineage of the Golfín marches, whose first ancestor from Cáceres was Captain Don Alfonso Pérez Golfín, who took part in the Crusade of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212). A large tower, which stands out in the whole city, and the start of three angular towers that were truncated - by order of the Catholic Monarchs (c. 1480) -, the central one being later refurbished, providing it with battlements and Gothic windows. Two courtyards and a chapel with a ribbed vault."
Ladelamanofurada
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba is located in the heart of Cáceres' monumental old town, known as Intramuros. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring the historic center. If arriving by car, be aware that parking in the old town is restricted, so it's best to use public parking areas on the outskirts and walk in.
Yes, the palace is situated within the well-marked monumental zone of Cáceres. Follow signs for the 'Ciudad Monumental' or 'Casco Antiguo,' and you'll find it along Calle del Adarve de Santa Ana.
Walking is by far the best way to explore the narrow, winding streets of Cáceres' old town. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are required to enter the Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. It's recommended to check the official tourism website for Cáceres or the palace itself for the current schedule before your visit.
The palace is generally open on weekends, but hours might differ from weekdays. Confirming the schedule in advance is always a good idea to avoid disappointment.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the official ticketing page or by contacting the palace directly.
Booking tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your entry and potentially save time queuing.
📸 📸 Photography
The towers offer fantastic vantage points for panoramic shots of Cáceres. The exterior facades, especially the coats of arms, and the courtyards are also highly photogenic. Capturing the palace against the moon is a unique photographic challenge. 
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the palace, but it's always best to check for any specific rules or areas where photography might be restricted. Tripods might also have limitations.
Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for photography, offering softer shadows and a warmer glow. The 'golden hour' can make the medieval architecture truly shine.
Drone usage is typically heavily regulated in historic city centers like Cáceres due to preservation concerns and air traffic. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the medieval fortified house, including its courtyards, a chapel with a ribbed vault, and learn about its history from its construction in the 14th century to later renovations. The defensive towers are a key feature.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing time to explore the different sections and appreciate the historical details.
Due to its medieval nature and historic structure, accessibility might be limited in certain areas, particularly the upper levels of the towers. It's advisable to inquire directly with the palace about specific accessibility provisions.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the palace's rich history and architectural significance.
The Adarve is a late medieval tower built during the 14th and 15th centuries, and the palace offers a view of it from its rear. It's an integral part of Cáceres' historic defensive structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour if available, as a good guide can make history come alive for younger visitors. The views from the towers might be a highlight for older children. Be mindful that some areas might have limited accessibility, so keep an eye on younger children in stairwells and uneven areas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to capture the palace from different angles within the charming streets of Cáceres' old town. The unique perspective of storks nesting on the towers adds a special touch during certain seasons.
For a truly unique shot, consider planning for a moonlit capture, as demonstrated by some photographers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Golfines Family Legacy
This fortified house wasn't just a residence; it was a statement of power. Its construction on Calle del Adarve de Santa Ana places it within the strategic monumental zone of Cáceres. The palace has undergone several renovations, with significant work in the 16th and 18th centuries, reflecting evolving architectural styles and needs while preserving its core medieval character. The presence of two courtyards and a chapel with a ribbed vault further highlights its importance as a noble residence.
Visitors can feel the weight of history within these walls, imagining the lives of the Golfines family and the events that unfolded here. The palace stands as a remarkable example of late Gothic and Mudejar fortified architecture in Extremadura, offering a tangible connection to Spain's medieval past.
Architectural Marvels and Defensive Design
The architectural style is a fascinating blend of late Gothic and Mudejar influences. This is evident in the details of the windows, the ribbed vaulting in the chapel, and the overall construction. The palace was built upon earlier remains, indicating a long history of occupation and development on the site. The later renovations in the 16th and 18th centuries added layers of architectural history, demonstrating how the building adapted over centuries.
Key visual elements include the impressive coats of arms adorning the main façade, particularly above the balcony, which clearly identify the Golfines and Cerda families. These heraldic symbols are not just decorative; they are historical markers of the families who commissioned and inhabited this significant structure. The courtyards within the palace offer a glimpse into the domestic life of a noble family, providing spaces for respite and social gathering within the fortified walls.
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