The Casa de las Conchas dates back to the end of the 15th century. The Gothic building was built around a trapezoidal courtyard and had a façade punctuated by small doorways and recesses. This bold structure played a major role in the development of the Renaissance in Salamanca. In the course of its subsequent history, however, it underwent a number of changes, including the erection of a new façade in 1701 and a reduction in the height of the tower in 1772. Prior to its rehabilitation, the building had been closed to the public for over 20 years.