Torre del Infantado

The Torre del Infantado is a medieval castle or defensive tower located in Potes, in the region of Liébana, Cantabria. It is located in the town center of the village, with coordinates near 43.15416, -4.62350, and is one of the most representative monuments of the historical civil architecture of the town. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, although some sources relate it to the Linajes de la Lama and, later, to Don Tello, Lord of Liébana. Later it passed to the house of Mendoza, linked to the Marquis of Santillana and the Duchy of Infantado, from which it takes its present name. In the 16th century an Italianate reform associated with the Dukes of Infantado is documented. Architecturally it is a square fortification, with several bodies, roof and defenses in the corners. It is built mainly in ashlar, with ashlar reinforcements in corners and openings. It retains a very marked image due to its crenellated appearance and the tower-manor house that made it a symbol of noble power in Liébana. It is currently of Cultural Interest and houses municipal offices and exhibition spaces. After its restoration, it was opened to the public with an exhibition dedicated to Beato de Liébana, reinforcing its role as a heritage and tourist resource of the first magnitude in Potes.