Former Prison of the Inquisition

In spite of the fact that in Villamesías exists the House of the Inquisition or of the Commissioner of the Inquisition, in the north entrance of the population, there is a house about which legends and histories run about basements that served as temporary prisons for the prisoners of the Holy Office.
It has been a long time since the situation of the construction interior has been known. There is a small balustrade half wall and half iron fence that separates the courtyard of the building from the street where it is located.
In the center there is a well, which is said to provide ventilation to the prisons that are located in the subsoil. Inside, large vaults support a space that has not yet been studied or defined. Many things are said, but little is known about the truth.
The trellis on one of its windows is powerful and very artistic. It is topped with a large cross that shows the strong character of the building.
The street where it is located is called Hospital Street, but there is no historical information in the documentation about the existence of such a hospital. There is no other building on the street that is as likely to be. It may be a definite clue to locate this important site and link it to the prison and other activities of the Inquisition.
In almost every town there was a house with these characteristics. Their mission was to collect the sick and cure them to the best of their ability. They stopped for the poor and the homeless. Occasionally it was also used by travelers passing through the town who could not find another shelter or inn to stop at on their way.
The hospital operated on alms and patronage, or mandas. Occasionally, for each will that was signed, a part of the tax paid went to the funds of the institution, and there could also be a confraternity in charge of its maintenance.
They are stories that run from generation to generation, so that the memory recalls facts and places that are significant in the history and culture of Villamesías.
This place connects with other important heritage sites. If we come from the road, we can continue the street until we find the Barrio de las Cábilas to continue to the southern end of the town, where the House of the Inquisition is located.
If you have arrived on the street, it is advisable that you get to the road, there you can decide whether to visit the Laguna del Pozo Nuevo and enjoy a natural environment without leaving the countryside or go down the road and continue to know the important buildings that are located along the old National V. On your way you will reach the square and you will find some establishments where you can have a drink, taste the local meats or buy some typical products.