The Real Casino de Murcia might evoke images of roulette and blackjack, but it offers visitors a completely different experience. This establishment is far from a gambling hall; it is a historic gentlemen’s club that has been a cornerstone of Murcia’s cultural and social scene since 1847.
Situated on Calle Trapería, this exclusive society club is an architectural treasure that combines artistic styles from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Spain. Its unique blend of architectural designs makes it one of Murcia’s most stunning sights. Read on to discover why the Real Casino should be at the top of your list when visiting Murcia.
A Brief History
The Real Casino de Murcia was established on June 11, 1847, as a social club for the local elite. After moving locations a few times, it settled permanently in its current spot in 1853, where it eventually expanded to its final form in 1901.
Throughout the decades, this gentlemen’s club has remained a vital part of Murcia’s social fabric. Despite facing challenges, including a period of decline in the 1970s due to financial issues, it has managed to maintain its splendor. Its significance was officially recognized in 1983 when it was declared a national monument.
With the dedication of its members and support from both public and private contributions, the Casino underwent a thorough restoration from 2006 to 2009. This restoration effort thoroughly revived many of the building’s rooms to their original, historic splendor. Following the restoration, the king honored the Casino with the title ‘real’ (royal), underscoring its prestigious status within the community.
A Unique Blend of Architectural Styles
The Real Casino de Murcia is strikingly different from a casino. The Real Casino de Murcia stands out from the typical casino experience found abroad. Rather than finding gaming tables inside, you are greeted by an enchanting Arabic courtyard embellished with gold leaf, an English library, and a lavish ballroom adorned with chandeliers that have observed more than a hundred years of gatherings and events.
The Casino is not just a blend of various styles, but also a combination of different buildings. Over the years, several buildings were acquired to eventually shape the current complex. The layout still clearly shows that this historic building was initially made up of several separate structures. Most notably, the central axis, which was once a street flanked by buildings, is now connected under one continuous glass roof.
The facade, in the Art Deco style dating back to 1902, was designed by the same architect who designed the covered market hall of Murcia. As visitors step inside, they first encounter a space styled in Neo-Baroque design, complete with a grand staircase leading to the central hall. Interesting to note are the areas on both sides of the staircase, called ‘peceras’ (fishbowls) because of their many windows. These areas are restricted to visitors, but from the staircase, you can see elderly gentlemen reading their newspapers through the windows.
Moving forward, visitors enter one of the most magnificent areas of the Casino. The central hall, built in a Moorish style, takes inspiration from the Alhambra in Granada. Its dome, made of steel and stained glass, is the highest point of the Real Casino. The intricate Moorish details, the gold leaf, and the inscriptions are simply stunning. This hall leads to the long hall, which is the central core of the complex.
This long hall acts as the main corridor of the building. It was originally the street running between the various buildings. It still sits lower than the surrounding rooms, so visitors need to step up a few stairs to enter it. Today, this once outdoor space is covered with a glass roof.
The first room along this hall is the English library, built in 1915 by a British architect. The distinctly English features, though somewhat unusual in Spain, are nonetheless beautiful. The spiral staircase, the book-filled gallery, and the dark wooden bookcases would not be out of place in an English film.
One of the most ornate and beautifully decorated rooms in the Real Casino is the ballroom. Constructed between 1817 and 1857 in a Neo-Baroque design inspired by historic French palaces, it includes mirrors, ceiling paintings, an authentic wooden floor, and small balconies where musicians once entertained on ball nights. Also notable are the chandeliers, sourced from the palace of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico in Trieste. After his deposition and execution, these chandeliers were sold and acquired for the ballroom, marking the first introduction of electric lights in Murcia.
Visitors can also explore other rooms such as the armory, ladies’ dressing room, tea salon, Pompeian courtyard with its extensive use of marble and columns, blue courtyard, and additional historic halls.
Visiting the Real Casino
Although the building continues to serve as a private club for Murcia’s gentlemen’s society, many beautiful rooms on the ground floor are open to the public. There’s an audio tour available that you can listen to on your own phone, so remember to bring headphones.
With around 150,000 visitors each year, it is the most visited non-religious attraction in the region and justifiably so. The site can get quite busy, even outside peak tourist seasons, so it’s recommended to arrive at opening time to avoid the crowds.
Save this pin for later
