The Edificio del Obrero Extremeño in Almendralejo, Spain, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and social history of the region. This architectural gem, inaugurated in 1930, originally served as the headquarters for the society El Obrero Extremeño. Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, it continues to draw visitors with its striking design and historical significance.
Constructed between 1928 and 1930, the Edificio del Obrero Extremeño boasts a remarkable façade that stretches 23 meters along the bustling street of Carolina Coronado. The building’s design is a harmonious blend of elegance and grandeur, structured over three levels. The first two floors form a cohesive unit, featuring a prominent terrace supported by four pairs of columns and adorned with balustrades. A mosaic frieze, crowned with pinnacles, adds a decorative touch, all supported by substantial double brackets. This impressive structure advances over three semi-circular arches on the ground floor, which house lintelled doorways and balconies on either side.
The third floor, added later, presents a solid appearance with five openings that complete the façade. Flanking the façade are two oval plaques, each inscribed with significant historical details. On the left, the plaque commemorates the founding of the society on December 24, 1895, with Federico Zambrano González as its first president. The right plaque marks the building's inauguration on December 8, 1930, under the presidency of Guillermo Barrero Fernández.
Step inside, and you'll find the building organized around a small cloistered patio. This area is characterized by two large semi-circular arches on each side, supported by Tuscan-style granite columns. Above these arches are three narrow balcony windows with semi-circular tops and balustrades on each side. The walls are topped with a simple cornice supported by channel brackets, creating a refined and elegant atmosphere.
The cloistered corridor surrounding the patio features a flat wooden roof, with a notable tile baseboard that adds interest and charm. This space seamlessly integrates with the central area, creating a vibrant living space with a distinct Andalusian character. The patio connects with adjacent rooms through doorways capped with semi-circular arches, enhancing the sense of openness and flow.
The area between the patio and the façade, corresponding to the building's first bay, is occupied by a spacious hall divided into two sections. The right section serves as the building's entrance hall, featuring three steps in the middle and a marble niche-monument dedicated to the society's first president and founder. This monument includes a bust and a finely crafted allegorical bas-relief, crowned with the society's emblem.
Adjacent to the vestibule on the left is a large room with a flat roof supported by four square pillars. This room features the same tile baseboard found in the patio and large windows that provide views of the street, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
On the left side of the patio, occupying what structurally constitutes the second and third bays of the building, is another extended room. This space connects with the central patio through three semi-circular arches, featuring the same distinctive tile baseboard. The ceiling is adorned with groin vaults of low curvature, divided into two sections by a transverse arch corresponding to the bay.
The rear area of the patio corresponds to the fourth bay, currently housing a bar decorated in the style of the 1960s, reflecting a period of renovation. This blend of historical and modern elements adds to the building's charm and appeal.
In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Edificio del Obrero Extremeño was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural on September 5, 1995. This designation highlights the building's importance as a cultural monument and ensures its preservation for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
In conclusion, the Edificio del Obrero Extremeño is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Its stunning architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Almendralejo. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this iconic building offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of the community it represents.
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