"Within the heart of Tineo, at the start of the Pio Cuervo street, rise a pair of high towers, part of this magnificent building which has challenged and resisted the passage of time for many centuries...." Built in 1525, the Palace of Merás represents an example of the palaces risen in Asturias in the 16th century in terms of civil architecture. Its structure is typical of those times with a main façade flanked by two towers and a central patio supported by four walls. Although the patio is a representative example of those times, it offers a contrast with the building's main façade that displays a modern and freely decorated structure typical of the Renaissance. The courtyard shows a lower level divided into segmental arches supported by solid Tuscan columns separated by double trabeated openings with narrow columns topped with pseudo-ionic capitals made of ashlar. Fluted columns topped with Tuscan capitals supporting a series of fluted lintels constitute the main façade. Gothic pinnacles were engraved above the balconies and the fronton above the main doorway displays the coat of arms which belonged to the Merás family. It represents the cross of Calatrava with four open palms, Red Beard's head, the crowned head of the king of Argel, his flag and his scimitar together with five heads of Turkish men used to decorate the border. An eagle embraces the arms displayed and one can read the following quote: "Omnia vincit virtus" (Virtue conquers all). This coat of arms was given by Captain García Fernández de la Plaza, knight of the order of Calatrava who killed the famour heroe “Red Beard”.
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