The fabulously wealthy Rabassa de Perelló family build themselves a home in Valencia, Spain, in 1750. They hired the most prestigious architects and builders, and spared no expense on the materials and artwork. The result is an elaborately ornate, even overdone, Baroque palace.
It’s impossible to walk past the palace without stopping in stunned silence at the elaborate alabaster sculptures which frame the principal entrance. A statue of Our Lady of the Rosary stands above the door, while two rivers (symbolizing the “Dos Aguas” of the family’s title) cascade down either side of the niche. Closer to the ground, two buckled-over giants are supporting an intricately-decorated scene of trees, leaves, fruits, animals, the family crest and, of course, abundant waters.
The inside is even more astounding. The Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas has been fully restored with many of its original furnishings, and is also the home of the González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts. Quite a sight! Get a mini-tour with lots of pictures and video from Jürgen Horn and Mike Powell at For 91 Days.