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 Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.
In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.