Fonda La Plaza: a manor house with history in Valderrobres

“Fonda La Plaza” is a genuine medieval treasure in Valderrobres. This square-plan stone manor house, topped with a tower on one of its sides, stands in majesty. Its main façade opens onto the Plaza de la Constitución, offering a privileged view, while at the rear it sits beside the river, near the old entrance gateway to the town.

This impressive building consists of two distinctive modules. The first, three storeys high, features two small lower doorways with depressed round arches, topped with inscriptions. One of the most notable reads: “Fonda Blanc: CASA DE VIAJEROS DE ENRIQUE BLANC”. The openings on the two upper floors are rectangular in shape and feature carved stone balconies, adding a touch of distinction.

The second module is wider and its main façade features a round arch with voussoirs as the entrance. On the upper floors, the openings have wrought-iron balconies, and the name of the inn is framed in wrought-iron lettering at the centre of the façade. The fourth floor has six small round-arched windows and gargoyles that channel rainwater, elements that accentuate its historic character.

The building is crowned with decorative pinnacles, which also adorn the tower, enhancing its profile. The side façades feature openings with small wrought-iron balconies arranged irregularly, creating an interesting visual pattern. The rear façade is distinguished by a wide timber balcony structure across three levels. The lower level is made of carpentry and glazing, while the upper ones consist of simpler wooden balconies supported by columns of the same material, reflecting a functional and aesthetic adaptation over time.

In former times, this property belonged to the de Figuera family, who were the founders of the well-known Fábrica Fort de Valderrobres. Today, this beautiful, well-preserved building is owned by the Blanc family, keeping alive its rich heritage and its central role in the history of Valderrobres.