The Casa del Artesano in Jumilla

A restored 16th century residence is home to the craftsmen and women of Jumilla

The Casa del Artesano or arts and crafts centre of Jumilla is housed in the Casa Honda, a Renaissance building which dates from the first 30 years of the 16th century, consisting of two floors and with a distribution of living spaces which follows the model of Roman villas.

The living areas are all around a central patio which boasts a water feature and which is also adorned with four sandstone and limestone columns. On the lower floor the patio is surrounded by plasterwork decoration and “grottoesque” friezes, a style which has its origins in the decorated caves which were discovered in Rome in the 15^th century: these were eventually found to be part of the palace of Nero. The designs contain floral motifs, human figures and mythological beasts, the extravagance of which was very popular throughout Europe during the Renaissance.

Other ornamental features are in the “candelieri” style, which consists of reliefs with floral designs.

For much of its history the Casa Honda was rented out as accommodation, but the building was acquired by the Town Hall in the early 21^st century and restored before being converted into the home of the local Artisans’ Association. It is now used for exhibitions, as a point of sale for arts and crafts and for other cultural events, and on the second floor is a large area devoted to the holding of courses and workshops.

Opening hours: weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 14.00 (except 1^st and 6^th January, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, 1^st May and Christmas Day).

Address: Calle Rico, 12, 30520 Jumilla (click for map)

Telephone: 663 202132

Email: asociacion@artesanosdejumilla.es

For more information about visiting Jumilla, including what's on, local news and all of the bodegas on the Jumilla wine route, visit the home page of Jumilla Today.