Castle of Aguas Mansas

Last updated
Castle of Aguas Mansas
Native name
Castillo de Aguas Mansas (Spanish)
Agoncillo - Castillo de Aguas Mansas 5.jpg
Location Agoncillo, La Rioja, Spain
Coordinates 42°26′46″N2°17′29″W / 42.44611°N 2.29139°W / 42.44611; -2.29139
Built13th and 14th centuries
Restored1990
ArchitectRodrigo Alfonso de Medrano (rebuilt in the 14th century)
Architectural style(s)Moorish, Roman, Gothic
Official nameCastillo de Aguas Mansas
TypeNon-movable
CriteriaMonument
Designated1983
Reference no.RI-51-0004824
Spain location map with provinces.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of Castle of Aguas Mansas in Spain

The so called castle of Aguas Mansas (which could be translated as castle of Calm Waters or Quiet Waters) is a remarkable medieval castle, which is in an excellent state of conservation, located in the municipality of Agoncillo in La Rioja, Spain. It was built during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Castle of Aguas Mansas is a magnificent medieval castle located in the urban center of Agoncillo. It is accessed from the square, in front of the parish church of Nuestra Señora La Blanca. Declared a National Historic Artistic Monument in 1983, this castle was built in ashlar stone in various periods (13th and 14th centuries), with a rectangular floor plan and towers at all four corners, connected by curtain walls.

Contents

The coat of arms of the House of Medrano with a cross fluery can be seen on the entrance of the castle, located on its eastern facade, a sign of its historical ownership and lordship. [1] [2]

The complete restoration of the Castle of Aguas Mansas to serve as the municipal offices of the Agoncillo City Hall has been a lengthy process, beginning effectively in 1989 when the Culture Department of the Government of La Rioja, in agreement with the City Hall, decided to intervene to save it from ruin. The significance of its restoration is understood as perhaps the most important piece of medieval civil architecture in La Rioja.

The interior combines history and modernity, and it is currently restored and used as the Town Hall, Library and other Agoncillo Town Departments that can be visited -always after booking the aforementioned dependencies- on working days during the opening hours of the administration. [3]

History

Coat of Arms of Agoncillo Escudo de Agoncillo-La Rioja.svg
Coat of Arms of Agoncillo

The Codex Vigilanus mentions the conquest of a Muslim castle in this area by Sancho Garcés, king of Pamplona at the beginning of the 10th century. Subsequently, several documents of the 11th and 12th centuries name a fortress called Aguas Mansas (Calm Waters) or Aguas Muertas (Dead Waters) and brought attention to the high quality of its defences. This may be the reason this site was so coveted, and in 1191, Alfonso VIII reached an agreement with Pedro and Gómez García about the state surrounding lands.

13th century

In approximately 1211, a captain of the Medrano family held the lordship of the castle and town of Agoncillo. Medrano's son was suffering from a mysterious and untreatable ailment. In 1211, Saint Francis of Assisi roamed those very paths of Agoncillo. In a saintly manner, he visited Medrano's Agoncillo castle, placed his mystical hands upon the ailing Medrano boy, and miraculously healed him, securing the Medrano lineage in the lordship of Agoncillo. This act ensured the continued prominence of the Medrano family in Agoncillo, which remains renowned for its reverence toward the humble saint of Assisi. [4]

The coat of arms of the House of Medrano with the Cross of Calatrava, seen on the entrance of the castle, located on its eastern facade, is undoubtedly the shield from their ancestors Martín López de Medrano and Pedro Gonzalez de Medrano, who attended the victorious day of Las Navas de Tolosa (16 July 1212), forming part of the brilliant retinue that accompanied Sancho VII of Navarre, and constituted the most significant nobility of the Kingdom. [5] They took up arms: gules shield with the argent (Pedro) and Or (Martín) crosses, figured as that of Calatrava . [6] [7] [8]

14th century

In 1337, Rodrigo Alfonso de Medrano, chief crossbowman of Alfonso XI, bought the village of Agoncillo, La Rioja and the castle of Aguas Mansas from Sancho Sánchez de Rojas. [9] Rodrigo Alfonso de Medrano started carrying out several remodelling works, adapting it to the style of the 14th century. In Rodrigo Alfonso de Medrano's testament in 1345 he noted having spent big amounts of money in "...building the castle and the village" (in Old Spanish "...fazer el castillo e la villa"). [9]

During the battles between Peter the Cruel and Henry of Trastámara, the castle passed onto the hands of Charles II of Navarre, although for a short period. In 1392, it was once again owned by Rodrigo Alfonso de Medrano, Lord of Agoncillo, who bequeathed it to his nephew Diego López de Medrano.

Architecture

Castle of Aguas Mansas in Agoncillo, La Rioja (Moat in view) Castle of Aguas Mansas in La Rioja.jpg
Castle of Aguas Mansas in Agoncillo, La Rioja (Moat in view)

The floor plan of the castle is almost rectangular with four prism-shaped towers on each corner, whose machicolations are still preserved to the current day. The castle was built with dimension stones and in two stages, the first in the middle of the 14th century over a former building and the second at the end of the 15th century. It also features an impressive moat. The highest tower has four floors and a door with a pointed arch. The smallest tower, called de las palomas (of the doves), has some well preserved modillions which supported the machicolation. The parade ground, restored in the 16th century, has a cloister shape, is built at two levels and the gallery of the main floor rests on semicircular arches. An integral restoration was carried out in 1990, removing some utilitarian rooms created in the 18th and 19th century, returning it to its former appearance.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">García Ramírez of Navarre</span> King of Pamplona from 1134 to 1150

García Ramírez, sometimes García IV, V, VI or VII, called the Restorer, was the King of Navarre (Pamplona) from 1134. The election of García Ramírez restored the independence of the Navarrese kingdom after 58 years of political union with the Kingdom of Aragon. After some initial conflict he would align himself with king Alfonso VII of León and Castile, and as his ally take part in the Reconquista.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfonso of Molina</span> Lord of Molina and Mesa

Alfonso of León, Lord of Molina was an infante (prince) of León and Castile, the son of King Alfonso IX of León and his second wife Queen Berengaria of Castile. He was the brother of King Ferdinand III of Castile and León, and father of Queen Maria of Molina, wife of King Sancho IV. He became Lord of Molina and Mesa after his first marriage to Mafalda González de Lara, the heiress of those lands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medrano</span> Surname list

Medrano is a Spanish surname of Basque origin that means "abundance, to grow, to prosper, or to improve." It is a surname of high nobility established in the old Kingdoms of Navarre, Aragon, Castile, France, etc. They are all descendants of their progenitor, Prince Andrés Vélaz de Medrano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medrano, Spain</span> Municipality in La Rioja, Spain

Medrano is a municipality in La Rioja, Spain. It is situated 17km from the capital Logroño. There are 346 inhabitants and it covers 7.46km².

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedro Fernández de Castro (died 1214)</span> Castilian nobleman

Pedro Fernández de Castro "the Castilian" was a Castilian nobleman, son of Fernando Rodríguez de Castro and Estefanía Alfonso la Desdichada. He inherited the Infantazgo of León from his parents and was mayordomo mayor of Fernando II and his son Alfonso IX of León.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agoncillo, La Rioja</span> Municipality in La Rioja, Spain

Agoncillo is a town and municipality in La Rioja province in northern Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ausejo</span> Municipality in ESP

Ausejo is a town and municipality in the province and autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain. The municipality covers an area of 56.58 square kilometres (21.85 sq mi) and as of 2011 had a population of 1122 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Church of Santa María de Palacio (Logroño)</span> Historic site in Logroño, Spain

The Church of Santa María de Palacio is a church located in Logroño, Spain. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1943.

The Lordship of Cameros was a frontier lordship in the Sierra de Cameros in the province of La Rioja during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. It was originally part of the southern border of Navarre, comprising much of the territory that had been the Kingdom of Viguera in the first quarter of the eleventh century. It passed to Castile after 1076.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle of Nalda</span> Medieval building in Nalda, La Rioja, Spain

The Castle of Nalda is a medieval building located in Nalda, La Rioja (Spain).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juan Martínez de Medrano</span> 14th-century nobleman

Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar, nicknamed the Elder, was the regent of the Kingdom of Navarre from 13 March 1328 until 27 February 1329, a judge of the Navarrese Cortés, Baron and Lord of Arroniz, Sartaguda, Viana, Fontellas, Monteagudo, and Villatuerta, ricohombre of Navarre, a significant representative of the ricoshombres and estates of the realm and the lieutenant of the Governor of Navarre from 1329–1330. Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar was a prominent figure of the Navarrese high nobility and main head of his lineage. Juan participated in the most relevant political events that occurred in the Kingdom of Navarre in the first half of the 14th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquisate of Vessolla</span>

The Marquessate of Vessolla is a Spanish noble title created by Royal Decree on September 6, 1702, by King Philip V of Spain, in favor of Don José de Elío y Ayanz de Navarra de Esparza Artieda y Vélaz de Medrano. He was a native of Elío, Navarra, and served as the equerry and royal steward to Queen Mariana de Austria. He held the rank of maestre de campo in the Tercios de Navarra, a captain of infantry in the valley of Urraúl, a nobleman of Navarra, mayor of Pamplona, and a representative of the military estate in the Kingdom in 1685.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juan Vélaz de Medrano IV</span> 15th century noble, Royal Chamberlain and Knight of King Charles III of Navarre

Juan Vélaz de Medrano IV was the royal chamberlain for King Charles III of Navarre in 1414 and King John II of Aragon and Navarre in 1432. Juan was a noble, ricohombre and knight from the Kingdom of Navarre. He was the baron and lord of Igúzquiza, Arguiñano, Arzoz, Artazu, Zabal, Orendáin, the 1st lord of Learza and the alcaide of Monjardín Castle and Viana. In 1437, Juan founded the Mayorazgo of Vélaz de Medrano, the oldest hereditary mayorazgo in Viana, Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquisate of Fontellas</span>

The Marquessate of Fontellas is a hereditary Spanish noble title granted by King Charles IV, along with the title Viscount of Amaláin, in favor of the 14th Lord of Fontellas, José Joaquín Vélaz de Medrano y Gante, 7th Viscount of Azpa, by Royal Dispatch on 19 April 1793. Its name refers to the municipality of Fontellas in the province of Navarre, which had been the lordship of the Peralta family from 1438 until the early XVI century when it passed to the Gante lineage and finally the Medrano lineage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palace of Vélaz de Medrano</span> Former seat of the Medrano family in Igúzquiza

The Palace of Vélaz de Medrano is the former seat and residence of the noble Medrano family in Igúzquiza, Navarre. The palace was directly linked to the lordship of Igúzquiza, perpetually held by the Medrano family. The castle-palace of Vélaz de Medrano is currently privately owned and listed in the Spanish Historical Heritage, obtaining the protection of the generic declaration of the Spanish Historical Heritage decree on April 22, 1949, and protected by Law 16/1985 of June 25, 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diego López de Medrano y Zúñiga</span> Castillian noble

Diego López de Medrano y Zúñiga was a noble, knight and the lord of Fuenmayor, Almarza de Cameros, Azofra and Montalvos in the region of La Rioja, Kingdom of Castile and León. Diego was born into the ancient House of Medrano, high nobility and ricohombres from the Kingdom of Navarre and Castile; and the House of Zúñiga on his mothers side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">María Ramírez de Medrano</span> 12th century noblewoman of León and Castile

María Ramírez de Medrano was a wealthy noblewoman from the illustrious Medrano family, high nobility in the Kingdom of Castile, originally from the Kingdom of Navarre. She was the Lady of Fuenmayor, and founder of the hospital, convent and commandery of San Juan de Acre in Navarrete, La Rioja in 1185 for the Order of Saint John; and to provide assistance and protection to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. María Ramírez de Medrano was the wife of Fortún de Baztán, lord of Baztán, descendant of the early Navarrese kings. María's son Don Martín de Baztán y Medrano was the bishop of Osma in Soria.

Lorenzo de Medrano y Treviño was a noble from the House of Medrano, the Spanish Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers, the sole representative of the Spanish Military Corps of Engineers, artilleryman, and brigade sergeant major of the coast of Granada, notable for his extensive military service during the Peninsular War. Medrano played critical roles in several key battles and military engagements, including the defense of the Júcar River crossing, the Battle of the Fields of Tudela, and the sieges of Morella and Sagunto castles. He was particularly distinguished during the "Escape of the Sappers" at the outset of the Peninsular War, leading troops from Alcalá de Henares to Valencia. Lorenzo was the younger brother of the important military leader and liberal politician Diego de Medrano y Treviño.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diego López de Medrano, Lord of Agoncillo</span> Castillian noble and ambassador, Lord of Agoncillo

Diego López de Medrano y Hurtado de Mendoza was a noble from the House of Medrano in La Rioja during the successive reigns of John I of Castile, Henry III of Castile and John II of Castile. Diego was a royal ambassador, lawyer and Lord of Agoncillo, Velilla and San Martín de Berberana in the Kingdom of Castile and León. He was briefly the lord of the castle of Islallana, until he sold it to his uncle Rodrigo Díaz de Medrano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juan Fernández de Medrano y Sandoval</span> 17th-century Spanish nobleman and Cicstercian monk

Juan Fernández de Medrano y Sandoval was a Spanish nobleman and monk of the Order of St. Bernard of Cistercians at the Monastery of San Prudencio de Monte Laturce in Clavijo and a member of the prominent House of Medrano. Juan renounced his inheritance to join the monastic life. His detailed will, drafted in 1616, reflects his dedication to religious service and familial responsibilities, distributing a significant fortune to various family members and religious institutions, including his monastery. Fernández de Medrano is remembered for his role in the monastic community and his contributions to the legacy of his family during Spain’s Golden Age.

References

  1. ↑ "The Castle of Aguas Mansas". www.coursehero.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  2. ↑ https://lariojaturismo.com/lugar-de-interes/palacio-fortificado-de-aguas-mansas-de-agoncillo/960cb6a1-8155-479d-8d05-7bb24face845
  3. ↑ "Castillo de Aguas Mansas". La Rioja Sin Barreras (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  4. ↑ Revista Hidalguía número 9. Año 1955 (in Spanish). Ediciones Hidalguia. pp. 181–182.
  5. ↑ V. El sequito Del Rey Fuerte – Pamplona 1922.
  6. ↑ https://www.euskalmemoriadigitala.eus/applet/libros/JPG/022344/022344.pdf
  7. ↑ Piferrer, Francisco (1858). Nobiliario de los reinos y señorios de España (revisado por A. Rujula y Busel) (in Spanish).
  8. ↑ https://www.revistahidalguia.es/producto/revista-hidalguia-numero-9/
  9. 1 2 Castle of Aguas Mansas https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/61671.pdf

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.