It is one of the most popular palaces in Salamanca and one of the best examples of civilian Gothic Spanish architecture. Construction was ordered by Don Rodrigo Aryans Maldonado, kindred to the Catholic Kings and knight of the Order of Santiago.

Construction lasted from the end of the 15 th century to the beginning of the 16 th century. The shells are the main ornamental motif of the facade. Shells appeared on the coat-of-arms of Maldonado's wife. It was a symbol of love and also the motif of the order of Santiago to which Maldonado belonged. This may explain the use of this symbol on this building.