This monument, declared of Cultural Interest in 2003, was founded by the fifth Count of Benavente in 1516, Don Alonso Pimentel and his wife Doña Ana de Velasco as a hospital for pilgrims.
Its creation must be framed within other foundations that are made along the Jacobean routes, whose purpose was to serve as lodging and care for pilgrims in need. It was erected in 1517 and for its location the site of the old church and hospital of Santa Cruz, which was in this place, was chosen. Faithful testimony to this is the inscription in Gothic characters, still legible, on the main doorway. The inscription reads as follows:
“THIS HOSPITAL WAS BUILT AND ENDOWED BY THE ILLUSTRIOUS LORDS DON ALONSO PIMENTEL QUINTO CONDE AND DOÑA ANA DE VELASCO E HERRERA, HIS WIFE, AND TITLED IT OF OUR LADY OF MERCY BECAUSE OUR LORD HAS IT FOR HIS SOULS; IT WAS BEGUN AND ENDOWED IN THE YEAR OF MDXVII; IT WAS FINISHED IN THE YEAR OF XVIII”.
Due to its geographical location, Benavente was an obligatory stop for pilgrims taking the old Silver Route to Santiago de Compostela, linking up with the French Route in Astorga. Although the Hospital, in principle was intended to accommodate pilgrims, it was also empowered to care for the sick passing through Benavente.
The façade is a beautiful example of the first Spanish Renaissance, when this new style is still influenced by the Gothic style. The façade is formed by a semicircular arch with a large number of voussoirs framed by a large alfiz. In its superior cornice it carries an inscription made in French or Gothic minuscules, above it appears a high relief that represents the scene of the Pietà. The whole is crowned by a frontispiece with a shell in the center and candlesticks. On both sides of the high relief of the Pietà are the coats of arms of the founders. The decoration is of vegetal simulation and the sills in which the frame is finished recall the gothic style.
In the entrance door are to admire the knockers made in wrought iron. One of them represents Santiago Apostle as a pilgrim and is fully decorated.
Inside, the harmonious square patio with arches supported by columns stands out. The upper floor is surrounded by galleries with different parapets on each side.
