Hospital Bazán, nestled in the charming streets of Marbella in the province of Málaga, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and culture. This magnificent building, originally constructed in the mid-16th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past while serving a modern purpose today. Its name derives from its function as a hospital between the 17th and 19th centuries, established by Don Alonso de Bazán, a notable figure who was the regidor of Marbella and the warden of its castle.
The architecture of Hospital Bazán is a testament to the blend of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance elements that characterize the domestic noble architecture of the period. The building is a harmonious union of what were once two separate structures built on a steeply sloped terrain. This unique topography results in a continuous change of levels within the interior, adding to the building's charm and complexity.
As you step inside, you are greeted by a quadrangular main courtyard. The north and west flanks of this courtyard are adorned with brick arches framed by alfices resting on Tuscan columns. This serene space invites you to pause and appreciate the architectural beauty and historical significance of your surroundings.
On the western side of the courtyard lies the chapel, which once served as the hospital's place of worship and the Bazán family pantheon. This rectangular and irregularly shaped chapel, oriented north-south, features a square presbytery covered by a hemispherical vault. The vault rests on pendentives decorated with painted shields and bordered by plaster lambrequins in bas-relief. This sacred space is a poignant reminder of the building's historical role in providing spiritual solace and care.
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Another courtyard, connected to the main one on the eastern side, leads to a recently formalized nucleus. This area features a vertical space with a skylight that traverses all levels, organizing circulation and distributing the peripheral galleries. The semi-basement level houses two rooms, one of which contains a well and is covered by two lowered barrel vaults supported by a pilaster and rough marble columns without capitals. These columns support escarzano arches, adding to the architectural intrigue of the space.
On the ground floor, three rooms stand out, particularly a rectangular hall with a Mudejar pair-and-knuckle roof. The first floor boasts another room from the original building, also featuring a Mudejar pair-and-knuckle roof with lace braces. The second floor includes the tower area, where the interior roof showcases a Mudejar structure with a bordon lime, pair, and row without knuckles, complemented by some lace braces and others without decoration.
One of the most distinctive features of Hospital Bazán is the tower-mirador, located in the southwestern corner. This rectangular tower, constructed from sandstone ashlar, opens to the west with a single semicircular arch adorned with an intrados and rosettes on the arch band, framed by an alfiz and a stone parapet featuring the Bazán family crest. The southern side of the tower boasts a gallery of three arches framed by a common alfiz, similar in style but with slight variations in decorative details. This tower not only adds to the building's architectural splendor but also offers a glimpse into the lives of the Bazán family.
Over time, the hospital gradually lost its original function and, during the 19th century, transitioned to a purely residential use. However, in 1989, the building underwent a significant restoration, transforming it into the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving. This restoration breathed new life into the historical structure, allowing it to continue serving the community in a new and meaningful way.
Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural and categorized as a Monument, Hospital Bazán is a cultural treasure that invites visitors to explore its rich history and architectural beauty. As you wander through its halls and courtyards, you can almost hear the echoes of the past and feel the presence of those who once walked these same paths.
Today, the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engraving housed within Hospital Bazán offers a unique opportunity to experience both the historical and artistic heritage of Spain. The museum's collection includes works by some of the most renowned Spanish artists, providing a fascinating contrast to the building's historical architecture.
In conclusion, a visit to Hospital Bazán is a journey through time, offering a captivating blend of history, architecture, and art. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or an art lover, this remarkable building in the heart of Marbella is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its walls tell stories of centuries past, while its current role as a museum ensures that it remains a vibrant and integral part of the community.
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