Castle-Palace of the Marquises of Villafranca dominates Villafranca del Bierzo on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route in León. Constructed primarily during the 16th century under the Marquesate established by King Ferdinand the Catholic in 1486, this squared palace features rounded turrets at each corner and rooms arranged around a central courtyard, prioritizing residential grandeur over military defense. Though damaged and partly dismantled during the Peninsular War, continuous occupation by the Marquises' descendants has preserved the structure better than many contemporaries. As a Protected Cultural Asset, the castle remains inhabited today, with exterior access available while interior visits require permission from the present owners.
