Rehabilitation of the Hospital del Rey

Dating of the building: 12th century.

Applicant: University of Valladolid.

Reason for the award :

For the rehabilitation of Hospital de Rey for the Law School of Burgos.

The University of Valladolid transformed an old medieval hospital for pilgrims into a modern Law School.

In the last years of the 12th century, Alfonso VIII decided to found a hospital that would shelter the poor and pilgrims on their long journey to the tomb of the Apostle Santiago. Over the centuries, the building modified its uses and underwent extensions and reforms, such as the construction of Romeros Gate, an excellent example of 16th century Plateresque architecture with its characteristic decoration of medallions, rosettes, and pilasters.

After centuries and no longer in use, the University of Valladolid, with the help of the government, decided to transform the old hospital into a Law School, the Vice Rectorate (nowadays Rectorate), as well as an Assembly Room for the university campus of Burgos on Valladolid University, respecting the original stone and incorporating materials of similar nobility such as wood and copper. A new Aula Magna was built on those sites that had disappeared over time, hospital rooms were adapted to classrooms, library, vice-chancellor’s office or administration. The layout of the interior was planned around the landscaped courtyard. All the departments opened on to the cloister. Seventeen architects worked on a project of such magnitude.

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