Palacio de Beniel

The Palacio de Beniel, located in the charming town of Vélez-Málaga in the province of Málaga, Spain, stands as a testament to the town's rich history and architectural splendor. This 17th-century palace is regarded as one of the most significant civil buildings in Vélez-Málaga and currently houses the Fundación María Zambrano and the Department of Culture of the Vélez-Málaga City Council.

The Historical Background

The story of the Palacio de Beniel begins with the union of two prominent families: the Molina family from Murcia and the Medrano family from Soria. It all started on January 20, 1536, when Antonio de Molina, along with four other knights, ended the life of Alonso Carrillo de Albornoz in San Sebastián. As a result, Antonio was forced into exile and sought refuge in Vélez-Málaga. This marked the beginning of the relationship between Vélez and Beniel.

Antonio de Molina married María de Medrano, the daughter of Juan de Medrano, the warden of Vélez-Málaga's fortress, and Francisca de Barrionuevo. Antonio eventually secured a position as a councilman in the Vélez-Málaga City Council, serving until 1570 when he passed the role to his eldest son, Juan. Both father and son played significant roles in defending the city during the Morisco Rebellion.

One of Antonio's other sons, Alonso de Molina de Medrano, was a notable figure. He held various prestigious positions, including Inquisitor in Córdoba and Zaragoza, and later served on the Royal Council of the Indies. He was also a Knight of Santiago and held other significant titles. Alonso married Francisca de Hinojosa y Montalvo, but the couple had no children.

The Construction of the Palace

Alonso de Molina de Medrano commissioned the construction of the palace as a residence. The contract was signed in Málaga on December 6, 1609, and the construction began in January 1610. By July 1612, the palace was nearly complete, with only a few finishing touches remaining. The final cost of the construction was 3,275 ducats.

Since Alonso had no descendants, he established an entailment to preserve his legacy, bequeathing the palace and his estate to his nephews, the Marquises of Beniel. Alonso passed away in 1616, and his remains were interred in the main chapel of the Royal Convent of Santiago in Vélez-Málaga, alongside his parents' remains.

Municipal Ownership

In 1861, Escolástica Palavicino, the widow of the Marquis of Beniel and Peñacerrada, authorized the sale of the palace to the Vélez-Málaga City Council. Throughout its history as municipal property, the palace has served various purposes, including a grain store, a municipal secondary school, and housing for the courts, civil registry, post office, and the Infantry Battalion.

In 1899, the palace was vacated to become the town hall, a role it fulfilled until 1982. By 1988, the building was fully restored and became the headquarters of the Fundación María Zambrano, which houses the philosopher's donated collection and library. It also serves as the Department of Culture of the Vélez-Málaga City Council.

Architectural Features

The Palacio de Beniel is a striking example of Mannerist architecture with a touch of proto-Baroque style. The main entrance is flanked by noble coats of arms, a nod to the marquisate. The building features an imperial staircase with a Renaissance-style ceiling and two floors plus an attic. The courtyard showcases stone columns supporting semicircular arches, reflecting a blend of classical and Mudéjar traditions revived in the Baroque period. The interior boasts wooden coffered ceilings and wrought-iron balconies.

Today, the palace includes a permanent exhibition hall, a municipal archive with historical documents, photographs, newspapers, and other significant artifacts from Vélez-Málaga's past. One room is dedicated to the local poet and painter Joaquín Lobato, displaying works created by students about the author.

The central courtyard also houses archaeological finds from local excavations. The palace is a venue for various events, including civil weddings, exhibitions, cultural activities, and serves as a polling station during elections. It is connected to the Exile Studies Center, which features an auditorium with a capacity for 250 people.

In conclusion, the Palacio de Beniel is not just a historic building; it is a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of Vélez-Málaga. Its walls echo the stories of its past inhabitants and the significant events that have shaped the town's history. Visiting this palace offers a unique glimpse into the architectural and historical legacy of this enchanting Andalusian town.