Palacio de Campo Real - Jerez de la Frontera - Andalusia

The Palau de Campo Real or Palau de Benavente is of medieval origin ; The facade is neoclassical.

According to tradition, after conquering the city , Alfonso X the Wise gave the site of the current palace to a noble knight of the city who had helped him in the conquest. The noble families gradually mixed with other noble families of the city, such as the Benavente and Cabeza de Vaca families in the 16th century.

The origins of the building date back to 1545, according to the tombstone on the front of the residence, built by Pedro Benavente Cabeza de Vaca y Carvajal on the site of an Islamic building . Inside is the oldest cellar in Jerez.

The estate's heirs were the Marquises of Campo Real.

The current façade, in Renaissance Neoclassical style, was built in 1785 by José Vargas y Sánchez . It has two floors. The main entrance is flanked by two Ionic columns and crowned by a balcony under an arch.

The patio is rectangular in plan on four sides and is decorated with vegetal and heraldic motifs. One of the medallions depicts the marriage of Pedro Banavente and Beatriz Bernalte.

In the past, the palace has hosted grand gala balls, charity events and classical music concerts .

It is currently owned by Manuel Alfonso de Domecq-Zurita, Viscount of Almocadén, member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters of San Dionisio de Jerez.

Willem Vandenameele