The palace began in the 13th century on an ancient Roman fortification. Sancho VII started it, and Theobald I and Theobald II extended it. Charles III the Noble commissioned the major works, with Queen Eleanor of Castile driving the expansion. Saúl de Arnedo was commissioned for the work from 1406, and it was nearly complete by 1424.
The style is Gothic with French influence in the towers, windows and balconies. Hispanic and Mudéjar elements appear in the coffered ceilings, tiles and plasterwork. The Tower of Homage is about 130 feet (40 m) high, with 133 steps to the top.
Espoz y Mina burned the palace in 1813 to prevent French occupation. Restoration ran from 1937 to 1967, led by José and Javier Yarnoz Larrosa. The Old Palace is now a Parador hotel, and the rest is open to visitors.
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