The Palacio de Rubalcava in Orihuela, Spain, is a hidden gem nestled within the historic charm of this ancient city. With its elegant architecture and rich history, this palace offers a captivating glimpse into the opulence of the past and serves as a cultural hub in the present.
Constructed in the 1930s, the Palacio de Rubalcava stands on the site of the former Casa Abacial of the Church of Santiago. Originally the residence of the noble Sagredo Bassieres and Heredia family, the palace was named after the Marquises of Rubalcava. In 2010, the Orihuela City Council acquired the palace, transforming it into a venue for public events and cultural exhibitions. Over the years, it has housed the Association of Moors and Christians, the Archaeological Museum, and the municipal department of Social Services.
The palace's architectural significance has been recognized in the Provisional Guide to Architecture of Orihuela and is part of the Special Protection Plan for the historic center of Orihuela. This ensures its preservation and continued role as a cultural landmark.
The Palacio de Rubalcava boasts three main floors, each offering a unique glimpse into the grandeur of its past. The ground floor originally served as offices and living quarters for caretakers, while the first floor housed lavish salons and the main kitchen. The second floor contained the private chambers of the marquis family, complete with a secondary kitchen.
Visitors can admire the palace's grand entrance, featuring a neoclassical dome and a marble staircase adorned with Valencian tiles. The staircase leads to the principal floor, where opulent salons are decorated with exquisite ceramics from Manises, including plates, spice jars, and serving dishes from the 18th century onwards.
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The grand staircase is a masterpiece of design, accessed through a spacious entrance hall. The staircase is crowned by a dome adorned with the family’s heraldic shields, painted in oil. Visitors can also appreciate various portraits and a tapestry of King Philip III that add to the historical ambiance.
The hall, or estrado, is another highlight, featuring a beautifully carved and gilded wooden ceiling. This space connects to the second-floor salons, including the renowned Salón Rosa, once adorned with Queen Anne-style furniture and a mahogany piano from the 19th century.
The Salón Rosa, though no longer in its original state, was once a neobaroque jewel within the palace. It featured pink silk-upholstered furniture and baroque pieces, creating a luxurious setting. The Sala de las Columnas, with its regal red fabrics and dory columns, showcased exquisite ceramics from France, Manises, and Valencia.
Sadly, many of these original furnishings have been lost over time, but the palace still retains its architectural beauty and historical significance.
The palace once featured a stunning mirador, a covered balcony supported by pilasters in the Plateresque style. Although it no longer exists, the mirador offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Other notable rooms include the chapel and various salons, each with its distinct style and purpose. The ballroom, with its rococo flair, and the soberly furnished black salon, with its Castilian and Renaissance influences, are just a few examples of the diverse design elements found throughout the palace.
Today, the Palacio de Rubalcava is open to the public, offering guided tours that allow visitors to explore its storied halls and admire the collections of paintings, ceramics, and other artifacts spanning the 17th to the 20th centuries. Highlights include religious-themed paintings, intricate tapestries, and a variety of furniture styles, from Renaissance to Provençal.
The palace is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all visitors.
In conclusion, the Palacio de Rubalcava is more than just an architectural treasure; it is a testament to Orihuela's rich cultural heritage. Its walls echo stories of nobility and grandeur, inviting you to step back in time and explore the elegance of a bygone era.
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