Mazarron prepares to open its restored 180-year-old Casino
The Casino de Mazarrón 1844 is reopened on November 30 at the start of the annual fiestas in the municipality
At the start of the annual fiestas patronales in the municipality of Mazarrón (the official opening speeches are in the evening of November 30) preparations are also being made for the opening of the recently restored casino in the centre of the town.
The Ateneo Cultural building reopens at last as the “Casino de Mazarrón 1844” on November 30 at 22.30, the name derived from the fact that it is generally believed that the institution has served as a meeting place for discussion and debate for 180 years.
History of the Casino
Very little concrete evidence exists regarding the origins of the building in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which was designed in an interesting eclectic style, and it is not even known who the architect was or exactly when it was built. What is certain is that it was originally intended either as a luxurious residence or a place of leisure, and for this reason it has always been known as the Casino.
During the economic boom of the late 19th century in Mazarrón the newer Casas Consistoriales were created as a home to the local council, coinciding with courts of law, a prison and the Casino, where the upper classes would probably have enjoyed masked balls, card games and New Year’s Eve parties, according to Town Hall chronicler Mariano Guillén.
One of the most interesting interior features is an unusual winding wrought iron staircase which appears to have been inspired by the designs of Gustave Eiffel. However, it was far from practical due to its steepness, and it seems odd that this was the only way of moving from one floor to another!
Future activities
Local Mayor Ginés Campillo believes that the building has become far more important and valuable as a consequence of its restoration, and hopes that it will now be enjoyed by the local population. At the same time, he explains that further work is in the pipeline to make it even more accessible to residents.
Architect Rafael Pardo also expresses satisfaction at the completion of the work, explaining that the building has been restored not only aesthetically but also structurally, and that modern conveniences such as a new staircase, a lift, adapted toilets and energy-saving technology have been added.
Meanwhile, Councillor Jorge Durán has outlined some of the first activities to be held in the “new” casino, including a photography exhibition concerned with the history of the casino of Mazarrón and a series of lectures and conferences about the building and the institution.
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