Amid the green hills of Galicia, far from bustling tourist routes, lies a true gem—Pazo de Oca. This estate, one of the region’s most iconic alongside Faramello and Meirás, is often called the ‘Northern Generalife’ or the ‘Galician Versailles.’ The property is considered the grandest and best-preserved example of traditional manor house architecture. Today it is managed by the Fundación Casa Ducal de Medinaceli, headed by Pablo Hohenlohe, a member of a noble family rivaling the House of Alba in influence. Pazo de Oca is just one part of a vast family legacy that also includes the famous Casa de Pilatos in Seville.
The origins of this architectural ensemble, a harmonious blend of stone and living nature, are closely linked to the French court. Its creation was inspired by baroque court gardens, which became fashionable in Spain in the early 18th century following the arrival of French architects at the court of the first Bourbon, King Philip V. The construction of the estate was overseen by the sixth Señor de Oca, whose wife, the Countess of Amarante, served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella Farnese. The estate, built on the ruins of a 15th-century fortress, welcomes visitors with imposing granite gates and a tall crenellated tower. Unlike its ‘elder brother’ in Paris, this complex does not seek to overwhelm with grandeur, but rather blends organically into the landscape. Centuries-old trees, twin ponds, ornamental fountains, and, above all, a riot of camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons make a visit here truly unforgettable.
For decades, the impressive gardens, palace, and chapel have drawn the attention of filmmakers. This location was featured in Pedro Almodóvar’s film La piel que habito. However, its cinematic history goes back much further: in 1924, the classic film La casa de la Troya, based on the novel by Alejandro Pérez Lugín, was shot here.
Thanks to the efforts of Pablo Oenlohe and the Fundación Casa Ducal de Medinaceli, this corner of Galicia continues to strengthen its reputation each year as a favorite destination for high society. Recently, the sisters Cecilia and Allegra Oenlohe, great-granddaughters of the Duchess of Medinaceli, hosted a lavish summer party that gathered 250 guests from elite circles. The estate’s gardens, available for private events, have been the stage for grand weddings, such as the union of influencer Lucía Bárcena and businessman Marco Juncadella. That celebration was attended by aristocrats like Jaime de Marichalar, as well as popular content creators including María Pombo and María Turiel. In May of last year, Luna Medina Orleans-Braganza and Giovanni Rapazzini de Buzzaccarini exchanged vows here in an intimate ceremony with just fifty guests, coinciding with their son’s first birthday.
