Palacio de San Boal, Salamanca

This attractive 16th century Renaissance palace is located in the unusual little square that bears the same name, close to the Calle Toro. The design of the facade and doorway present a rare combination of decorative styles and the hallway inside still bears the remains of an old staircase decorated with plant motifs. The Renaissance-style courtyard contains pillars with semi-circular arches and fine medallions. There's an inscription here that refers to a tale about the old residents. Apparently, a sacristan tried so hard to wrench a ring from the finger of the seemingly deceased Marchioness of Almarza that the shock brought her back to life. The palace now houses the Spanish-Japanese Cultural Center.