Colegio de Fonseca (Fonseca College), Santiago de Compostela

Fonseca College is a historic building associated with the University of Santiago de Compostela. The origins of Fonseca College date back to the 16th century when Archbishop Alonso III de Fonseca gathered the dispersed studia, creating a centralized educational institution. He utilized his family's old house as the initial nucleus for the college. The construction of the building took place between 1522 and 1544, with Juan de Álava designing the plans under the supervision of Alonso de Covarrubias. The construction was later carried out by Alonso de Guntín and Jácome García. The façade, completed in 1688 by Diego de Romay, is a later addition.

In 2015, when the Camino de Santiago in Spain was expanded and recognized by UNESCO as "Caminos de Santiago de Compostela: French Camino and Caminos del Norte de España," Fonseca College was included as an associated element in the retrospective inventory.

The Plateresque-style façade of Fonseca College consists of two sections. It features the Fonseca coat of arms and sculptures of the Doctors of the Church. Diego de Romay, the architect responsible for the completion of the façade, incorporated enigmatic dragon motifs that some authors associate with Mayan-inspired images.

Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a vestibule with a ribbed vault. To the left of the vestibule is the Mudejar coffered ceiling room, known as the Salón de Grados, which was once used as a refectory. Adjacent to it is the Gothic chapel, also designed by Diego de Romay, which now serves as an exhibition hall.

The central courtyard of Fonseca College is surrounded by a Plateresque-style cloister, designed by Gil de Hontañón. The intricate architectural details of the cloister contribute to the overall beauty of the college.