Castillo de Vélez-Blanco

It was built by Pedro Fajardo y Chacón after being ranked as I Marquis of Los Vélez by the Catholic Monarchs after the Granada War.

Works started in late Gothic style, soon moving to early Renaissance and although its outside resembles a castle it was built as a refined palace in the inside.

Today, its Torre del Homenaje keep is an outstanding feature, over 65 feet (20 m) high, an emblematic element of the castle and a symbol of the power over the wealthy aristocrat's estate.

[3] The property was ever since neglected, during the Peninsular War the rich interior was the subject of looting and during the 19th century the Patio was used to store grain and reed, as found in a document kept in the Medina Sidonia Foundation [es] library.

Its Labours of Hercules and Thriumphs of Caesar friezes were found in 1992 in the basement of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Paris, where they are now exhibited.