THE CASINO

As the saying goes, "if walls could talk…" the old and well-loved Casino could tell us many stories, tales and anecdotes, which are an important part of the history of the city, sometimes as the protagonist, at others the silent witness. That, together with the unique beauty of the building, has made the Casino one of the important parts of Murcia's identity, and one of which the Murcians feel very proud.

The old part of the Casino was designed and built by Francisco Bolarín (1852), who in Murcia was called "the younger" ("el joven") to distinguish him from his father, who was also an architect.

The facade: this is the work of the architect Pedro Cerdán Martínez. The style is eclectic, with decorative classical and modernist elements.

The Moorish patio: built on two levels, and finished off by a great iron and glass dome. Highly decorative, it is inspired by the Royal Halls of La Alhambra and El Alcázar in Seville.

The Gallery is an enormous covered passage, somewhat like a private street. It is used to access the different areas of the Casino as well as being a meeting place.

"El Congresillo" is the popular name of the interior hall which was the meeting place of the influential characters in the economic and social life of Murcia, who had considerable influence on politics and the making of decisions.

"El Patio Pompeyano" is decorated with a beautiful statue by the sculptor Jose Planes. It has fourteen columns -made out of one Ionic capital- which as a whole have a great artistic effect.

The "Dance Hall": splendid witness to the social life in Murcia for more than a century, it was built by the famous architect José Ramón Berenguer in the neo-Baroque style. The valuable paintings which adorn the room -four matrons in the clouds- represent the music, the sculptures, the paintings and the architecture. Four medallions represent the illustrious sons of Murcia: Romea, Salzillo, Floridablanca y Villacís.

"The Ladies Powder Room": as well as the luxurious style, the fresco which decorates the ceiling particularly stands out. The work of the painter Marín Baldo, it shows an allegory of the night represented by the goddess Selene. The eyes of the winged woman falling in flames have become famous for the optical effect, which makes them appear to be following you from any part of the room.

The library, the billiards room and two tearooms with enormous windows looking out onto calle Trapería, also stand out. The Murcians, with the subtle humour which characterises them, have named these windows the fishbowls (las peceras).


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