Casa de las Cadenas

The House of the Chain is the name given to the Chaves-Orellana family palace. The founder of Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) was a member of the Chaves-Orellana family. A large chain hangs over the lintel of the door, representing that the house was declared a place of sanctuary by King Phillip II. On his way to Portugal, to claim the throne, King Phillip lodged at this house (March 13th, 1583). Houses used as shelter by the royal family were given the official title of sanctuary and were marked by a large ring or chain over the door. They were then responsible for housing whoever might need aide, including criminals. Many churches also had the chain of sanctuary hanging over their door. (Lancia Publications, page 26)

(Tower on the right)

The Torre del Alfiler (Tower of the pin) gets its name from the narrow pin-like structure it has on the top. Richly-colored tiles form the coat-of-arms of the Chaves Orellana family (five keys for the Chaves', ten circles for the Orellanas'). This was most likely a defensive tower that was cut down by the order of the Catholic Monarchs. (Lancia Publications, page 27)