Torre de Pero Niño
14th-century Gothic tower in Sovilla with a permanent audiovisual exhibition on Admiral Pero Niño and his chronicle “El Victorial”.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Torre de la Aguilera stands on a hill in the former county of Buelna, in the Sovilla district of San Felices de Buelna. It was built at the end of the 14th century by Alfonso Niño and then passed to his brother, Admiral Pero Niño, first lord of Cigales. It is a Gothic tower with a rectangular plan measuring 12 by 8 metres, designed as a 14-metre-high cube, and was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1983.
Originally it had three floors: the ground floor served as a storehouse and stable, the middle floor was the residence of the tenente (lieutenant), who administered the county on behalf of its lord, and the upper floor was reserved for surveillance and service. On the east and south façades there was a covered wooden gallery (cadalso); today the holes where its beams were fitted can be seen. The windows of the second floor were used for defence with crossbows.
Today the tower is part of the cultural centres of the Gobierno de Cantabria and houses the permanent exhibition “Pero Niño: Vida y andanzas de un caballero medieval”, based on “El Victorial”, the chronicle of the admiral’s deeds. The visit begins with an audiovisual on the archaeological heritage of the valley; then, with audiovisuals and holograms, the ensign Gutierre Díez de Games recounts the chivalric and courtly life of Pero Niño, from his childhood at court to his death.
Highlights
- Gothic tower of the late 14th century, Bien de Interés Cultural
- Permanent exhibition on Admiral Pero Niño and “El Victorial”
- Audiovisuals and holograms with the ensign Gutierre Díez de Games
- View of the holes of the former wooden gallery
- Audiovisual introduction to the archaeological heritage of the valley
Permanent exhibition
- Pero Niño: Vida y andanzas de un caballero medieval – Exhibition with audiovisuals and holograms based on “El Victorial”, which tells the life of Admiral Pero Niño and the chivalric society of the Late Middle Ages.
- Founded
- 1400
- Operated by
- Gobierno de Cantabria (Centros culturales de Cantabria)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children aged 4 to 12, large families, people over 65 or pensioners, unemployed people, student card holders, and people with a 65% disability (with accreditation) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12: €2. The normal rate applies from the age of 13. |
| Seniors | €2Over 65s or pensioners, with accreditation. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2People with a 65% disability, with accreditation. |
| Students & apprentices | €2With a student card. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2 per personGroups of 11 or more people; school groups also pay €2. |
| Families | €2Large families, with accreditation. |
Free admission for members of ICOMOS, official guides of Cantabria and holders of the Pasaporte Cultural (with accreditation). It is advisable to buy tickets in advance on the website; no changes or refunds are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre is adapted for people with reduced mobility. Only accredited guide dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The centre has car and bus parking.
The tower is in Sovilla, in San Felices de Buelna.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Toilets and a visitor information point.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are self-guided; at the start, the guide gives a brief introduction in Spanish to the permanent exhibition. Guided visits for educational centres and groups are available with prior booking. It is advisable to check the real-time capacity before going; tickets are also sold at the ticket office on the day, subject to availability. |
