Palacio Huerto Ruano

The Palacio Huerto Ruano is a captivating gem nestled in the heart of Lorca, Spain, along the bustling Avenida Juan Carlos I. This architectural marvel, now a municipal property, serves as a cultural beacon for the city, hosting exhibitions and housing a museum. Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1993, the palace is a testament to Lorca's rich historical tapestry and architectural elegance.

The History of Palacio Huerto Ruano

The story of the Palacio Huerto Ruano begins with Raimundo Ruano Blázquez, a prominent politician and businessman. Having spent part of his youth in Edinburgh managing his father's commercial enterprise, Ruano returned to Lorca with a vision. In 1877, he commissioned the construction of this splendid urban villa, designed by the Lorca architect Francisco Navarro Alcaraz, with construction overseen by master builder Juan Gil. Although the main structure was completed by 1879, the intricate interior decorations took until 1890 to finish.

Initially, the palace was a private residence, but its function evolved over the years. By 1903, it housed a branch of the Banco de Cartagena, reflecting the economic and political interests of the Romanones family. In 1917, the building changed hands to Simón Mellado Benítez, a former mayor of Lorca, and later to the Cachá family. The renowned architect Víctor Beltrí undertook a significant renovation in 1925, infusing the building with modernist elements.

The palace's transformation continued into the late 20th century when the local government initiated efforts to preserve it as a historic monument. In 1996, the municipal corporation acquired the property, safeguarding it from deterioration and ensuring its role as a cultural landmark for future generations.

Architectural Splendor

The Palacio Huerto Ruano is a striking example of eclectic architecture, harmoniously blending classical elements with the European stylistic trends of the Restoration era. The building features a square floor plan and two stories, flanked by two polygonal towers crowned with spires. The central facade is adorned with a cornice and a curved pediment embellished with reliefs of cherubs and vegetal motifs.

The ground floor facade is constructed from ashlar masonry, while the upper floor showcases stucco work that mimics brickwork. Large lintelled windows, decorated with floral reliefs, flank the main entrance. These windows are separated by pilasters that extend to the upper floor, where they feature different decorative elements. A marble staircase with a balustrade leads to the main door, which is similarly adorned with a triangular pediment.

The upper floor boasts a grand central balcony with wrought iron railings, providing a regal vantage point over the entrance. This balcony is flanked by smaller balconies, each with their own decorative flourishes. The facade is further enhanced by a frieze of floral and vegetal reliefs running beneath the cornice.

Interior Elegance

Stepping inside the Palacio Huerto Ruano, visitors are greeted by an imperial staircase with bronze railings and glass balustrades, designed by Víctor Beltrí and crafted by the Valarino factory in Cartagena. The entrance hall and staircase are adorned with paintings by Wssel de Guimbarda, depicting allegories of the Arts and the Four Seasons.

The palace's interior features several notable rooms, including the Ballroom on the upper floor and the neo-Nazarite Meeting Room, which is richly decorated with horseshoe arches, polylobed arches, colorful tiles, and intricate plasterwork.

Gardens and Surroundings

Outside, the palace is encircled by an iron fence, with an entrance gate flanked by stone pillars supporting sculptures symbolizing Industry and Agriculture. The garden, designed as a social and recreational space, features a small pond at its center, crowned by a stone sculpture of a child playing with a goose, crafted by the Lorca sculptor Juan Dimas Morales.

A Cultural Treasure

Today, the Palacio Huerto Ruano stands as a cultural treasure, offering a glimpse into Lorca's past while serving as a vibrant center for art and history. Its blend of architectural styles, rich history, and cultural significance make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the region. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Palacio Huerto Ruano promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.