Casa de los Picos (House of the Peaks), Segovia

House of the Peaks is a remarkable building. It serves as the home of the Segovia School of Art.

Originally constructed in the late 15th century, it was built as a fortified house by Don Pedro López de Ayala with the purpose of defending the Puerta de San Martín, which was unfortunately demolished in 1883. Over time, the property changed hands and was eventually acquired by Alonso González de la Hoz, who held the position of Accountant Mayor of the Kingdom. After Alonso's passing, the house was inherited by his son Juan de la Hoz, who served as an Alderman of Segovia.

The standout feature of the House of the Peaks is its striking façade adorned with 617 granite peaks. These decorative elements give the building its name and make it instantly recognizable. Additionally, the Renaissance courtyard of the house is highly regarded for its architectural beauty.

As you explore it, you will notice the heraldry of the de la Hoz family adorning the lintels of the five balconies and the access door. Furthermore, the hall and patio are adorned with vibrant Talavera tiles, depicting various buildings from Segovia.

Throughout its existence, the House of the Peaks has changed ownership multiple times. In the 1970s, it came under the possession of the Ministry of Education, who undertook a thorough rehabilitation and adaptation of the building. This renovation aimed to transform the Casa de los Picos into the headquarters of the Segovia School of Art and Superior Design, which opened its doors in 1977.

The Casa de los Picos bears decorative resemblances to other prominent buildings across Europe. It shares design elements with the Casa de las Conchas in Salamanca, the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, and the Casa dos Bicos in Lisbon.