The rehabilitation works at the historic Casa de los Frailes in Herencia have revealed a surprising architectural find: an ancient manor supposedly dating back to 1647, during the reign of Felipe IV. This emblematic building, which will be transformed into a tourist accommodation and integrated into the Hospederías network of Castilla-La Mancha, is showing its original splendor as the restoration work progresses.
During the first phase of consolidating and rehabilitating the building, experts have discovered eight impressive red sandstone columns with Tuscan capitals, representative of the classical architecture of the time. These structures, which had remained hidden for centuries, confirm the grandeur and characteristic style of a manor house from the mid-17th century. The direction of the work has emphasized the importance of this historical recovery, which will restore part of the original appearance to the building.
A look into the past and a proposal for faithful restoration
The work, led by Ángel Ramón Tajuelo of Traza2, and under the archaeological supervision of Carmelo Fernández Calvo, has required adapting the initial project to preserve the authentic look of the Casa de los Frailes. According to the responsible parties, it will be proposed to Heritage to remove the wall that currently separates the gallery from the courtyard, so that the columns regain their visual prominence. The space would be closed with glazing, allowing for the maintenance of thermal insulation conditions without distorting the building’s aesthetic.
In the upper gallery, the wooden uprights hidden behind a wall for decades will also be restored. With these interventions, the building will preserve a homogeneous set, faithful to its original construction, while ensuring the durability and functionality necessary for its future use as a lodging.
The galleries from the 1950s, a later addition
During a visit to the works, the mayor of Herencia, Sergio García-Navas, along with the councilor for Tourism, Mª Eugenia Díaz-Pacheco, and the councilor for Economic Promotion, José Manuel Bolaños, had the opportunity to tour the site and listen to the explanations of the archaeological director. According to Fernández Calvo, the galleries surrounding the courtyard were added in the 1950s, when the Mercedarian Order acquired the property and made modifications to protect the building from the weather. This adaptation is part of the recent history of the building, which is now being harmoniously integrated with its original design.
An investment in heritage and tourism
The rehabilitation of the Casa de los Frailes represents a significant investment for Herencia, with a budget of 750,000 euros in this first phase. The project not only aims to preserve the historical and religious heritage of the locality but also to turn the building into a high-quality tourist attraction. The future lodging will have 26 rooms and 52 beds, as well as common areas such as a kitchen, dining room, laundry, and restaurant, all in a central location and with great architectural beauty.
A new boost for cultural tourism in Herencia
The enhancement of the Casa de los Frailes as a tourist accommodation is a commitment to cultural tourism and the heritage of Herencia, aiming to offer visitors an enriching experience in a unique historical environment. With this project, the municipality hopes to attract more travelers interested in the Manchego legacy and the history of its buildings.
Spanish post in Descubren un palacete del siglo XVII en la Casa de los Frailes de Herencia
