Casa Señorial, Casa Solariega, Pazo or Casona? The Diversity of Spanish Manor Houses
Spanish manor houses are known by various names such as Casa Señorial, Casa Solariega, Pazo, or Casona. They all reflect different regional styles and historical eras. Similar to castles and palaces, these terms are often used interchangeably. Although the differences are usually subtle, each term conveys its own unique characteristics.
Casa Señorial – Manor House
A Casa Señorial refers to magnificent houses in Spain, which still shape historic city centers or stand alone with the character of a manor house. Common to these generously proportioned and elaborately decorated houses is their impressive architecture, which, starting from the Renaissance, reflects the stylistic elements of different eras. Their heyday was in the 17th - 18th centuries, the Baroque period, when the Spanish economy flourished and the opulent buildings embodied the wealth of their owners. Also from the 19th century, there are impressive Casas Señorials in neoclassical and eclectic styles in Spain.
Casa Solariega – Manor House, Noble Seat, Ancestral Home
These Spanish manor houses are architecturally and culturally significant buildings. Traditionally built as family estates, they were closely linked to the origin and history of certain families over generations. This is still evident today in historical relics, coats of arms, or archives. Casas Solariegas are representative historical properties, similar to Pazos, with imposing facades and large courtyards, often with landscaped gardens and chapels. They are found in almost all regions of Spain, with architecture varying regionally, incorporating local styles and building materials. They were built over several centuries, starting in the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance and Baroque, into modern times. Many have been expanded and renovated over the centuries, showcasing elements from various eras, emphasizing their significance as cultural heritage reflecting the lifestyle of the Spanish upper class.
Pazo – Manor House/Country House
An exquisite example of Galicia's rich architecture is the Spanish Pazo. It refers to a grand country house, traditionally built from granite and of timeless beauty. Spacious courtyards and artistically designed gardens with open views of the surrounding landscape characterize these robust buildings with their imposing facades. The park-like gardens often feature old trees and traditional Galician elements such as hórreos (granaries) or wells. Grand exterior staircases and balustrades are prominent, and often, private chapels are integrated into the estates, serving as private places of worship for the residents. The first Pazos appeared in the 12th century, during the Galician Middle Ages. Their golden age was in the 15th - 17th centuries, developing, especially during the Renaissance, into the imposing manor houses of the upper class that we know today. Many existing and restored Pazos date from the 18th century, showing Baroque and Neoclassical influences. They are used in various ways as cultural centers, boutique hotels, or exclusive private residences, and are impressive testimonies to the noble culture of rural northern Spain.
Casona – The Rural Manor House
Primarily in northern Spain, in Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, the large, rurally located manor houses are called Casona. Built from locally available stone, these robust, long-lasting houses with their impressive architecture blend into the landscapes of the provinces, where the valleys are green, the cliffs rugged, and the Atlantic harsh. Characteristic features include elaborate woodwork on verandas, balconies, and the roof structure. Many Casonas feature a central courtyard surrounded by arcades or covered galleries. The first of these grand manor houses of wealthy landowners and noble families were built from the 15th century in the style of Renaissance architecture. Later buildings, with their ornate portals and elaborate stucco work, correspond to the Baroque period, before Neoclassicism in the 18th and 19th centuries brought a return to clearer lines. Always, the Casonas reflected the history and status of their families, whose coats of arms adorned the facades and richly decorated portals.
