For those who do not know, the so-called tower house is not a tower-house at all. It is a palace ordered to be built by the Lords of Hormaza: Francisco de Sales de Hormaza y Larragoiti (b. Bilbao, 1752 - d. Bilbao, 1786) + Joaquina de Allende Salazar y Zubialdea in the second third of the XVIII century (1760) by an unknown author in a sober baroque style.
It has approximately 400 m2. of surface per floor: in the ground floor were the stables; in the main floor the rooms, the lounges, the dining room, the kitchen, pantries and toilets; and in the second floor the rooms of the service were found. The lantern, now a glazed viewpoint, and the side wing facing the garden seem to have been added in later renovations.
On the steps leading to the main entrance are two figures of lion sculpted in white limestone and in the centre of the square is the sculpture "Allegory of the Fortune of Seafarers at Sea" made from the same material.
The most outstanding element of the palace of Hormaza (which is the most appropriate denomination for its origin) is, without a doubt, the beautiful baroque corner coat of arms.
The Palace as it can be seen today was ordered to be built on the 18th century building by José María de Lizana y Hormaza (b. Durango, 1843 - d. Antwerp 1911), VI Marquis of Casa Torre as a summer palace (as it was fashionable at that time).
Restored in 2011, it houses an Exhibition Hall and the Historical Interpretation Space of Santurtzi.