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Palace · Burgos, Castela e Leão
Casa del Cordón
15th-century Gothic palace of the Constables of Castile, with the Franciscan cord carved into the façade, where the Catholic Monarchs received Columbus after his second voyage to America.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Casa del Cordón
Casa del Cordón is the palace of the Constables of Castile, built at the end of the 15th century by Pedro Fernández de Velasco and his wife Mencía de Mendoza, on the former Mercado Mayor square, today praça da Liberdade. The design is attributed to Juan de Colonia and his son Simón, the same architects who worked on parts of the cathedral.
The name comes from the large Franciscan cord carved in stone that frames the main door and links the coats of arms of the Velasco and Mendoza families, on a light-stone façade with towers at the corners. The building was heavily altered over the centuries.
The house holds episodes of Spain's history. It was there that the Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus in 1497, after his second voyage to America. It was also where Philip the Handsome, husband of Joanna the Mad, died in 1506.
Today the palace houses a financial institution and hosts exhibitions in part of the building. Even without going in, it's worth stopping to see the façade on the route between the Espolón and the city's shopping area.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
10 to 20 minutes; longer if there's an exhibition open.
Best time
During the day, as part of a stroll through the center. Internal exhibitions have their own opening times.
How to get there
It is located on the praça da Liberdade, in the center, about a 5-minute walk from the Espolón and 10 minutes from the cathedral.
Tip
Notice the stone cord above the door: it is the mark that gave the palace its name and a Franciscan symbol common at the time.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Casa del Cordón
Why is it called Casa del Cordón?
Because of the Franciscan cord carved in stone that surrounds the main door and links the owners' coats of arms.
What happened at the Casa del Cordón?
The Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus there in 1497, after his second voyage to America, and Philip the Handsome died in the palace in 1506.
Can you enter the Casa del Cordón?
The palace houses an institution and hosts exhibitions in part of the building. The façade can be seen from Plaza de la Libertad.