Bermúdez Tower

Valle-Inclán Museum

House History

The origin of such distinct architecture speak out Caramiñal wealthy around 16th century. Then this place was promoted to Village. Juan Domínguez Giance and Constanza Domínguez de Búa stand out amongst the most ambitious characters in the local XVI century. They are a wealthy couple, which gathered a relevant heritage from merchant business, property and farmer’s income. They promoted this building.

As centuries went by, the main Caramiñal house became the father family place for Valle-Inclán. It was first transferred as «foro» ownership– which was the local property rent pattern from the middle ages- at the end of the XVIII century. Then it was privately held as a consequence of «desamortización» (Spanish disestablishment) laws by mid 19th century. Don Ramón del Valle-Inclán Peña was actually fond of this family heritage both at informal speech and in front of the press. This place was also mentioned in his work as a symbol of local ancient lineage. He declared to have lived here after his first transoceanic trip to America, in May 1893.

This place is «National Historic-Artistic Monument» after Royal Decree Real Decreto 249/1976 (issued at January 9th, 1976). After restoration work was completed, this is the main site for a pioneering literature focused collection in this country. The museum opened the doors at May 16th 1987.

«My Bermúdez Tower place is the most beautiful house in Galicia. It is 16th century, genuine architecture, with outstanding gargoyles. It is whole Renaissance».

Ramón del Valle-Inclán, 1922

House Style

We witness one of the most outstanding classic-shape documented private houses from the northwest of Iberian Peninsula. It was built between 1540 and 1545. Its roots are in the school of the brilliant Spanish Renaissance architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón.

The building is a perpendicular assembly of a noble tower and a palace body besides the remains of a sumptuous corridor. From its facades we highlight the main one, which is a round way arch supported by pilasters upon podium, with entablature and triangle pediment. Above the stair shelf a second door opens with shaped semi-circle arch and S-type parchment keystone. We appreciate the same classic value adding in the fine ornament —as monument unique—, based on the architecture treaty and on the engravings by the fashionable book.

Plateresque style focus on some elements decoration, like portals, windows, holders, pilasters, friezes, cornices, gargoyles,… which also meet late gothic and «Roman-like» avant-gardes.
Proportions and geometry are equally clear.

THE INTERIOR EXHIBITION