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The House of Shells has its name due to the façade of the house being decorated with shells. The building dates from the late 15th Century and represents different architectural styles such as the late Gothic style, with Renaissance and Mudéjar elements. This mansion could be considered the most representative civil building of the art of the era of the Catholic King and Queen. As in the culture of the 15th Century, within this house can be seen to blend together Gothic, Moorish and Italian influences. Its founder was Dr. Rodrigo Arias, chancellor of the Ordén de Santiago (Order of Saint James), hence the use of the shell, the symbol of this order, as an ornamental motif. The windows on the ground floor are protected by exquisite bars which have been referred to as "the most beautiful of Gothic Spanish ironwork". The patio is one of the most typical of Spanish cloisters. Of great interest is the staircase, covered by a coffered ceiling of Italian influence.
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Western Europe
