Palacio de los Cordova, Granada

The Palacio de los Cordova was first built at Placecta de las Descalzas. Constructed between 1530 and 1592, it was owned by Luis Fernandez de Cordova, the Great Lieutenant of Granada. In the intervening years, the palace was sold by the Cordova family, until by the early 20th century, the building was set for demolition. Through its history at the site, it was used as a factory and warehouse by a number of companies. It was demolished in 1919 and replaced by a theatre. The palace’s many treasures were moved to the Villa Maria estate outside the city limits.

In the 1960s, Granada’s mayor, Manuel Sola, persuaded distant relatives of Fernandez de Cordova to fund the complete rebuilding of the palace. A plot was selected at Cuesta del Chapiz, close to the Darro river. The building was completed in 1965, under the supervision of Malaga based architect Alvarez de Toledo, with all of the palace’s preserved treasures returned to the new building. Appropriately enough, the palace now houses the City Historical Archive, a council funded research facility charting the colourful, turbulent history of Granada. First opened to the public in 1984, the building is open throughout the year, and is free to visit.