While its name might suggest a traditional gambling establishment, the Casino Ferrolano, located in the charming city of Ferrol within the A Coruña province of Spain, is primarily celebrated as a magnificent historical and architectural landmark. Far from a typical modern casino, this building offers visitors a captivating journey into the past, showcasing exquisite artistry and preserving the essence of a bygone era.
The building itself is a significant part of Ferrol's rich architectural heritage, belonging to the city's notable modernist route. Designed by the brilliant architect Rodolfo Ucha, who left his distinct mark on numerous buildings in the city, construction began in 1920. Visitors consistently praise its beautiful and well-preserved classic interiors, making it a must-see for anyone interested in history and design.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of the Casino Ferrolano is its private meeting room, affectionately known as 'La Pecera' or 'The Fishbowl'. Situated just to the right of the entrance, this room holds a unique historical significance, having been the traditional gathering place for "the big fish" – politicians, businessmen, and military figures – who met there to debate critical matters. The room is exceptionally well-preserved and truly impressive, primarily due to the spectacular ornamental frescoes that adorn its walls and ceiling.
These remarkable paintings were commissioned in 1925 and meticulously crafted by hand by the artist Felipe Bello Piñeiro. His technique involved first applying tempera paint and then oil. The artistry features predominant earth and green tones, complemented by vibrant yellows and reds, drawing inspiration from oriental motifs with intricate branches, trees, seeds, and flowers. A closer look also reveals an allegory to San Andrés de Teixido and a hidden dedication. Historically, the paintings suffered damage from smoke due to the room's use by smokers, but they underwent a careful cleaning and restoration in the 1980s. Many visitors highly recommend learning the complete, romantic, and tragic story behind the origin of these paintings and the life of the painter himself, adding a deeper layer to the experience.
The Casino Ferrolano is a multi-story building, with some reviews mentioning tours of its four floors. Beyond 'La Pecera,' the rest of the building is also impeccably maintained, reflecting its historical grandeur. In the past, it served as a hub for the city's affluent classes, offering spaces for card games like dominoes, dining rooms, and even its own barbershop. Today, it continues to host cultural events, such as musical performances (some part of programs like 'Espazos Sonoros') and private functions, including dinners in a very private and charming circle.
Visitors frequently commend the staff for their exceptional attention and willingness to share the building's rich history. Guides like Carlos, the manager, and Rosa have been praised for providing detailed tours, making the experience even more enriching. Attending an event or simply exploring this iconic edifice provides a fascinating insight into the life and architecture of Spain's recent past. Overall, the Casino Ferrolano offers a unique and highly recommended experience for adults interested in history, art, and architecture.
A beautiful building, with an interior that is undoubtedly worth visiting. The best - by far - is the private meeting room that is just to the right of the entrance, known as “the fishbowl” (because in the past “the big fish” met there to debate). It is super well preserved, and it is very impressive to see the paintings on its walls and ceiling, which were made by hand by the artist Felipe Bello Piñeiro. Regarding this room, it is also worth listening to the complete story behind the origin of these paintings, and the romantic and tragic story behind the life of a painter...Otherwise, the rest of the casino building is also very well preserved as it was in the past. On the first floor we were able to attend a musical performance that was part of the Espazos Sonoros Program, organized by A Deputación de A Coruña.Overall, a very good experience, and I would recommend visiting this iconic building to any adult who wants to learn about the history and architecture of our recent past.
Interesting building with a lot of history and worth knowing. Ferrol belongs to the modernism route since it preserves at least 20 buildings in this style, many built by the Vigo architect Rodolfo Ucha. In 1920, work on the Casino began and in 1925 the painter Felipe Bello Piñeiro was commissioned to paint the Conversation Room. Start by covering the plaster with tempera paint first and then oil paint. The most used colors are earth and green tones, with oriental inspiration, with branches, trees, seeds and flowers in yellows, reds...but there is also an allegory to San Andrés de Teixido. Also if we look closely we can read a dedication. This room was a meeting place for politicians, businessmen and especially the military, men especially and smokers, so the paintings were damaged, darkened and in the 80s it was cleaned and restored by a local painter.
A gem located in the Magdalena neighborhood that is a must-see. The building is by Rodolfo Ucha, a brilliant modernist architect who left his mark on numerous buildings in the city. Carlos, the manager, had the detail of showing me the 4 floors of the casino, explaining each one of them, without a doubt a trip in time where you could imagine what the life of the wealthy classes was like playing dominoes or cards on designated tables, going to the casino's own barbershop, eating in the dining rooms or debating in La Pecera, this spectacular room with ornamental frescoes by Bello Piñeiro on the floor that faces the street. Marvelous!
Having dinner with friends in a very private circle. The Casino as usual, very classic and well preserved. The food, ordered in advance, was excellent. The attention of the staff is impeccable. In short, lovely place!
Beautiful building that is worth a visit if you pass through Ferrol. Charming Rosa, she showed us around the building and told us the History of the Casino.