Restoration of the Tower of don Beltrán de la Cueva

Queveda, Cantabria, Cantabria.

Dating of the building: 16th century.

Applicant: José Miguel Merino de Cáceres.

Reason for the award :

The jury valued not only the restoration of the building itself but its readjustment as a heritage asset for contemporary purposes, as the Solana Museum.

The Beltraneja tower is a clear example of the integration of vernacular mountain architecture in a magnificent defense tower from the Early Modern Age.

This unique building from the late 15th century is named after its most prominent resident, Juana la Beltraneja, daughter of the King of Castile Henry IV. It is believed that the tower was built by Don Beltrán de la Cueva, the king’s favourite, and alleged natural father of Doña Juana.

The building has a defensive section; the ashlar tower, where the coat of arms of the Cueva lineage stands out, and other living quarters, added in the 17th century, built in mountain architectural style. Outstanding are the corridor or solarium, facing south, and the socarreña or shed for farming tools.

Others awards in Cantabria: