The Ateneo Cultural or Casino in Mazarron

This late 19^th century building was constructed during a period of great prosperity in Mazarrón

Work has been completed in the town of Mazarrón to restore and renovate the old Ateneo Cultural, or Casino, which was built in the late 19^th century at a time when there was great wealth and prosperity in the area due to the mining activity in the mountains just north of the town centre.

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 this period the construction of new buildings represented a shift in the local balance of power, which had previously been held by the Marquises of Los Vélez (represented by the castle) and the Catholic church (represented by the Iglesia de San Antonio). After Mazarrón was declare dan independent town in 1572 the local government sat in the Casa de Concejos, but during the boom of the late 19^th century the newer Casas Consistoriales was created, 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 is far from practical due to its steepness, and it seems odd that this was the only way of moving from one floor to another!

The plans to restore the building were presented in early 2022 and in late 2023 the "new" building was officially opened with the purpose of hodling events and activities. A second staircase has been installed, although the original iron one remains in place!

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