Casa Cervantes, Art Nouveau building in Cartagena, Spain.
Casa Cervantes is a four-story building with white balconies and bronze plaques depicting Roman deities, along with decorative elements representing trade and mining. The facade features a blend of Novelda marble, artificial stone, and brick with preserved modernist ornaments and the original owner's initials.
Construction of the building began in 1897 on commission from mining entrepreneur Serafín Cervantes Contreras and concluded with its inauguration in February 1900. Its creation took place when Cartagena was flourishing as a mining and trade hub, with such buildings reflecting the city's economic prosperity.
The ground floor once housed Café España, where composer Antonio Álvarez Alonso created the Spanish pasodoble 'Suspiros de España' in 1902. This artistic connection has rooted the building in local music history.
The building sits on Calle Mayor in central Cartagena, making it easy to reach on foot. The Mediterranean Foundation now operates it as a cultural center and library, with public spaces open to visitors.
The building was the birthplace of one of Spain's most celebrated melodies of the early 20th century, composed in a popular cafe on its ground floor. This artistic creation makes the house more than just an architectural landmark.
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