The restoration of the dome of the Episcopal Palace of Tarazona has led to the discovery of two 16th-century friezes that had remained hidden beneath layers of lime. The work, carried out by the Fundación Tarazona Monumental over nine months, has revealed an exceptional artistic ensemble, comparable to the most important Renaissance works in the city.
Unexpected Discovery During the Restoration
The finding surprised the restorers who worked on the rehabilitation of the dome between January and October 2025. Restorer Miguel Ángel Agoiz explained that «the dome, as a whole, was in very poor condition. The friezes were, in fact, imperceptible. But after the restoration, we were pleasantly surprised: their quality is exceptional, surpassing what we expected.»
The work carried out included sealing structural cracks, cleaning plasterwork and sculptures, and chromatic reintegration of mural paintings. According to the Fundación Tarazona Monumental, the artistic value of the ensemble is comparable to that of the façade of the Town Hall or the Catedral de Tarazona, known as ‘the Sistine Chapel of Spanish Renaissance.’
Characteristics of the Recovered Friezes
First Frieze: Of a decorative nature and executed in grisaille, it is located at the base of the lantern. It contains monochromatic representations in an illusionistic style, similar to those on the portal of the Chapel of the Purification of Santa María de la Huerta.
Second Frieze: Located on the drum of the dome, it features golden lettering on a blue background. According to historian Jesús Criado Mainar, it corresponds to a fragment from Genesis (28, 12-13 and 16) that says: «Jacob saw a ladder whose top touched the sky, and on it angels were ascending and descending. He said: truly this place […]. Year 1551.»
Although the phrase is incomplete because it could not be fully recovered, it reinforces the symbolism of the noble staircase of the palace as a way of ascending between the earthly world and the divine.
The noble staircase was built by master builder Juan de León el Viejo between 1549 and 1552. On top of it rose a dodecagonal drum and a semi-spherical dome, culminating in a lantern. The decorations were attributed to the artist Alonso González at the request of Bishop Juan González de Munébrega.
The iconographic program combines mythological, monarchical, and religious representations with a clear propagandistic intent. It includes portraits of Carlos V, his son Felipe II, and the promoting bishop, along with six sculptures: three represent lovers of Jupiter and the others embody different virtues, all supported by deformed anthropomorphic figures.
Julio Zaldívar, manager of the Fundación Tarazona Monumental, explains that it is «an allegory of the prolific descent of the god Jupiter. Through it, Carlos V, aged and nearing his abdication, seeks to consolidate his image as a divinized monarch, paving the way for his successor, Felipe II.»
State of the Palace and Future Projects
The Episcopal Palace was declared a Cultural Heritage Asset (BIC) by the Government of Aragon in 2020. In Renaissance style, it was formerly a Muslim zuda and later a castle and residence for the bishops of Tarazona since the 14th century.
The Fundación Tarazona Monumental, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Diocese, and the Town Hall of Tarazona, has carried out these structural works. In the near future, support is expected for rehabilitating the building’s façades. Restoration work on the «New Bishops’ Room,» a 15th-century chamber covered by a coffered ceiling that also hides surprises beneath its coverings, will commence soon.
Public Access
The Episcopal Palace offers guided tours from Tuesday to Sunday, managed by the Fundación Tarazona Monumental. The tours will soon include the history and educational explanation of the restored dome. Currently, the former residential area, the noble rooms, and the ecclesiastical dungeons are open for visitation.
