Discover the Hostal Vell and Casa Caldú in Monroyo

The Placeta Vieja in Monroyo is home to a group of houses of great architectural and artistic interest, with Casa Caldú and Hostal Vell standing out among them.

Located on the corner of Calle Collado, Casa Caldú has a rich history. Local tradition holds that it was the meeting point where the Order of Calatrava collected the tithes. These tithes, a tax destined for the Church and equivalent to one tenth of income, make this house a crucial element in the medieval economy of Monroyo.

Hostal Vell, on the other hand, is a majestic manor house that displays a fascinating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Its main entrance preserves a noble coat of arms that is believed to have belonged to Count Borrás. From the medieval period until the mid-20th century, this building served as an inn, giving it its popular name. Its historical importance is heightened during the Spanish Civil War; in 1938, after the occupation of Monroyo on 1 April by Francoist troops under the command of General Camilo Alonso Vega, the building was used as a headquarters. The Monroyo area was the scene of intense fighting and aerial bombardments during this conflict, making Hostal Vell a silent witness to those turbulent times.

The Placeta Vieja is, without doubt, one of the most singular and enchanting corners of Monroyo. Its configuration, small and elongated, stands out as a vital confluence point where several streets meet: Llana, Santo Domingo, Collado, Gigantes and Hostal. This peculiar intersection reflects the intricate medieval urban structure of Monroyo. The town, built on a hillside, features an elevated central nucleus and streets that adapt to the terrain, curving and crossing diagonally, with a limited number of transverse roads.

The perimeter of the square is defined by a circular rubble masonry wall, ingeniously designed to mitigate the effects of possible floods and prevent the entry of vegetation or mud carried by the gorge. On its walls, historic iron rings can still be seen, used in former times to tie up animals while their owners waited in long queues to fetch water. The fountain entrance has a stone trough, which was filled to provide water for the horses, adding a touch of history and functionality to this emblematic place.