Torre De Las Cigüeñas Palace

The Palace of the Tower of the Storks (Palacio de las Cigüeñas) is a magnificent example of medieval architecture located in the heart of the ancient city of Cáceres. Built in the 15th century on the foundations of a Muslim fortress, this fortified mansion stands out among other buildings for its majestic 25-meter tower. It is the only defensive structure in the city that has preserved its original height and crenelated top.

Stork Tower Palace. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The palace earned its poetic name thanks to the many white storks that have chosen its high tower for their nests over the centuries. Today, the building in Spain belongs to the Ministry of Defense, yet it remains hospitably open to tourists wishing to touch the history of Extremadura.

Inside the palace is the Museum of Weapons, and its facade is decorated with the elegant coats of arms of the noble Ovando and Mogollón families. Visitors appreciate this site for the opportunity to see authentic interiors and climb to the observation deck, which offers the best panoramic view of the historic center.

To confirm current information before your visit, you can contact the site administration by phone. Please note that the palace is an active military office, so access may be restricted during official events.

The main impression from visiting the palace is, undoubtedly, climbing to the top of the tower. From here, you’ll find one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the tiled roofs, church bell towers, and narrow streets of the old town. It is an ideal spot for those who want to take memorable photos of Cáceres from a bird's-eye view.

Inside the building itself, it is worth visiting the Museum of Weapons (Museo de Armas), which features an interesting collection of exhibits detailing the region's military history. You can see a historical Gothic staircase and stroll through the inner courtyard, which charms with its silence and elegant arcades.

While examining the facade, pay attention to the arched portal and family coats of arms, as well as the "conopial" (flamboyant Gothic) style windows. After touring the palace, be sure to walk through the adjacent San Pablo Square, where you can fully experience the austere beauty of Castilian medieval architecture.

The Palace of the Tower of the Storks is located at the highest point of the historic quarter, on Plaza de San Pablo. The easiest way to get here is on foot, following the signs from the city's main square — Plaza Mayor. A walk through the picturesque medieval alleys will take no more than 10 minutes.

If you are arriving in Cáceres by train or bus, you can use public transport or a taxi to the borders of the old town. The entire historic center in this part of Spain is a pedestrian zone, so you cannot drive directly to the building. It is best to leave your car at the Plaza de América parking lot and walk to the palace.

The history of the palace is inextricably linked to the name of Captain Diego de Cáceres-Ovando, who began construction in the 1470s. At that time, the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand were struggling against the local nobility and, in 1476, ordered the "shaving" of all the city's towers to strip them of their defensive significance. However, an exception was made for Diego due to his loyalty to the crown, and in 1480, he received official permission to build the tower in its original form.

The building was erected on the site of an ancient Moorish alcazar, and fragments of the old fortress walls can still be found in its masonry. For centuries, the palace served as a residence for influential families until it passed into state ownership in the mid-20th century. Since 1957, the building has belonged to the Ministry of Defense of Spain and is used as an army headquarters.

It is noteworthy that the Tower of the Storks is the only element of private fortifications in the city that has preserved its original crenellations on corbels. All other towers in Cáceres were truncated by order of Queen Isabella, making this site a unique architectural testimony to that era.

For a leisurely tour of the palace and its exhibits, you will need about 1–1.5 hours. This is quite enough time to explore the museum's weapon collection and spend time on the tower's observation deck enjoying the views.

Since the site is closely surrounded by other historical monuments, it is convenient to combine your visit with a general walk through the old town without setting aside a separate day just for this palace.

Since the palace houses a military delegation, its schedule can be inconsistent. Typically, the Museum of Weapons and the tower are open to visitors on weekdays in the morning, roughly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on-site or calling the contact number before your visit, as working hours may depend on state protocol events.

The palace's location in the heart of the Casco Antiguo makes it an ideal starting point for further exploration of Spain and its cultural heritage. Literally around every corner, another architectural masterpiece or a cozy square with centuries of history is hidden.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the medieval city, which is entirely included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here is a list of nearby interesting places: