The Episcopal Palace of Murcia is a historic building located in Cardenal Belluga Square. It is the official headquarter of the Diocese of Cartagena. Built in the 18th century with very unique architectural elements, it is one of the most important works of monumental heritage in Murcia. Several master stonemasons collaborated in its construction. It is a magnificent example of rococo style, with a square floor plan, between Italian and French, with sober volumes and delicate decorative grace, evident in its beautiful façades.
It was built with clear influences from the last Italian mannerism. Mural treatments based on fresco ornamentations are a feature of roman and Neapolitan palaces.
From the interior there some things of great interest: the imperial staircase, the courtyard, organized in three arcades in Doric order and a more compact upper body, and a small chapel with circular plan and rococo style that is open 24 hours.
The so-called Hammer of the Palace (the bishop's viewpoint); it is an outgoing breakwater built before the construction of the main body began in order to have a viewpoint over the Segura River and the Paseo del Arenal or Glorieta.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.