Palacio De Nava Y Grimón

Palacio De Nava Y Grimón

Nava y Grimón work started on this palatial building in 1585, on the orders of Tomás Grimón, magistrate of Tenerife. The building is considered an unusual example of Canary Island architecture because of the hybrid style of the facade, which is a mixture of Manierism, Barroque and neo-classical. This is due to the fact that two centuries passed, between it first being built and the last alterations done in 1776 by Tomás de Nava y Grimón y Porlier, fifth Marquis de Villanueva del Prado. The building reflects the evolution and the changes in artistic sensibility that occurred over the period of alterations and extensions. The central body is stone, similar to the stone in the Salazar Palace (presently the Episcopal Palace). This was done around 1681 by the quarry workers themselves. During the time of the fifth Marquis de Villanueva del Prado, the building housed the famous Tertulia de Nava, a group of intellectuals who enjoyed great influence in the period of enlightenment. The coat of arms of the Marquises de Villanueva del Prado is carved in stone in the centre of the facade.