Images of El Palau de Beceite
Explore the exterior and interior appearance of this emblematic building, a witness to the history and evolution of Beceite.
El Palau de Beceite: A journey through time
The former palace of the lord of Beceite, transformed into a cultural epicentre that still resonates today with the medieval history and community life of the Matarraña.
El Palau: Beceite's medieval legacy
El Palau, located in the upper part of the village of Beceite, is an ancient building of medieval origin, much modified over time, that was the former palace of the lord of this territory, the Archbishop of Zaragoza. Two towers flanked the building, marking the entrance to the new Pilar neighbourhood.
Beceite belonged to the ancient tenure of la Pena de Aznar Lagaya, made up of Valderrobres, Fuentespalda, Torre del Compte and Mazaleón.
Historical and social functions
In the past, this palace served as the place where the Archbishops of Zaragoza collected tithes and first fruits in kind, playing an important role in the organisation and governance of the population during the Middle Ages. Near El Palau stood the threshing floors for processing cereals, the old cemetery, the medieval ice house and the communal terraces for fodder.
From ecclesiastical ownership to public and private hands
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, owing to the state's disentailment of ecclesiastical property, this building and its grounds passed into private and public hands. During the 20th century, El Palau had various functions and an intense collective life, hosting activities such as the Mutual Aid Society, dances, cinema screenings, theatre, a bar, among others.
What is the historic El Palau de Beceite used for today?
Today, the original building is divided into three parts: two in private ownership and one municipal section that houses the headquarters of the Asociación Cultural del Palau. It is used for a variety of activities throughout the year, including English classes, dance classes, art exhibitions (painting and photography), as well as special events such as mushroom exhibitions and tastings of dishes prepared with mushrooms during the Feria del Bolet.
Matarraña · Tourism
Plan your experience
Discover accommodation, local guides and services for your route through Matarraña.