Palace of Vélaz de Medrano
| Palace of Vélaz de Medrano | |
|---|---|
| Native name Vélaz de Medranotarren Gaztelua-Jauregia (Basque) | |
Palace of Vélaz de Medrano | |
| Location | Igúzquiza |
| Coordinates | 42°38′58″N 2°05′15″W / 42.649356°N 2.087417°W |
| Built | 11th century |
| Restored | 15th century |
| Architect | The Medrano family, 11th century • Ferrán Vélaz de Medrano y Ruen, 15th century |
| Architectural style(s) | Moorish, Gothic |
| Official name | Palacio de Vélaz de Medrano |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | April 22, 1949 |
The Palace of Vélaz de Medrano (Basque: Vélaz de Medranotarren Gaztelua-Jauregia; Spanish: Palacio de Vélaz de Medrano, also known as Castillo Palacio de Cabo de Armería de los Vélaz de Medrano de Igúzquiza) is a historic castle-palace located in Igúzquiza, Navarre, within the valley of Santesteban de la Solana. It served as a palacio de cabo de armería (armory corporal) of the Kingdom of Navarre in the merindad of Estella, and stood as the ancestral seat and principal residence of the noble Medrano family, the hereditary lords of the Basque lordship of Igúzquiza for centuries. From their fortified castle-palace, they safeguarded the routes leading from Álava and Logroño, while defending the valley of Santesteban de la Solana. Today, the building remains privately owned and is recognized as part of Spain's Historical Heritage. It has been protected under the general declaration of 22 April 1949 and the provisions of Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage.
The Palace of Vélaz de Medrano was also certified and protected by the Commission of Historical and Artistic Monuments of Navarre, a public institution responsible for the conservation and safeguarding of antiquities. This commission served as a direct predecessor—alongside the Council of Culture—to the modern Prince of Viana Institution, which oversees Navarre's cultural heritage. In addition, the palace has been recognized by the Scientific Committee of Hispania Nostra, which has included it in the official Red List of Heritage at Risk (Lista Roja del Patrimonio).