Casa Cervantes, Art Nouveau building in Cartagena, Spain.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cartagena).
City Hall of Cartagena, Spain
130 m
Church of Santa María de Gracia
101 m
Virgin of Rosell
132 m
Gran Hotel de Cartagena
160 m
Casa Llagostera
45 m
Church of Santo Domingo
77 m
Casino of Cartagena
13 m
Palacio de Molina
188 m
Monument to the Processionist
180 m
Casa Galiana
86 m
Monument to the Spanish Marine Infantryman
180 m
Monument to Gregorio García Segura
163 m
Monument to the replacement Navy sailor
192 m
Monument to Vicente Ros
179 m
Casa de Pedro Marín
174 m
Four Saints of Cartagena
132 m
Rodríguez Yúfera building
125 m
Casa Serrat
61 m
Casa Portela
96 m
Palacio Pascual de Riquelme
155 m
Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Cartagena building
93 m
Casa Alessón
174 m
Bust of Nicomedes Gómez
143 m
Casa Clares
109 m
Mancomunidad de los Canales del Taibilla building
79 m
José Bonmatí building
78 m
Palace of Admiral Escaño
47 m
Torres building
154 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes