The Casa de los Pérez-Monte or Casa de los Irurita in Lorca
A 16th century aristocratic residence in the historic centre of Lorca
The Casa de los Pérez-Monte, also known as the Casa de los Irurita and Edificio Castelar, is one of the many palatial residences which were built by wealthy aristocratic families in past centuries in Lorca, earning the city the nickname of “La Ciudad de los Cien Escudos (the city of 100 coats of arms).
Originally this property was built in the Renaissance style during the 16th century, following the design of sculptor and architect Jerónimo Quijano, best known for his contribution to the Cathedral of Murcia, but numerous modifications and reforms have been carried out since. The house was commissioned by Captain Sancho Martín Leonés as a home for his family, and he certainly spared no expense on the project: the stonework of the main doorway, the coat of arms and the windows were entrusted to master mason Domingo de Plasencia in 1556, although they were unfinished when the craftsman died eight years later.
Later in the century Captain Leonés’ two daughters, Catalina and María, married two brothers from the northern region of Navarra, Sancho and Martín de Irurita, hence the name by which the property is now more commonly known. Catalina and Sancho had five children, and it was Melchor who eventually inherited it in 1598 and ensured that the building project was fully completed by Lorenzo de Goenaga, who had also worked on the church of San Patricio.
It was not until the early 20th century that substantial reform work was carried out, although nowadays the stand-out features on the main façade remain the simple Renaissance-style doorway, decorated columns and attractive upper-floor balcony, an addition which was made in 1915. There has been some speculation over the significance of two male faces which are sculpted onto the top of the columns alongside the main door, with some having suggested that they represent Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, doorways and transitions. Above this doorway is the family coat of arms.
Further restoration work was required following the earthquakes which hit Lorca on 11th May 2011, and as of July 2017 the building is still supported by scaffolding and is visibly in poor condition.
The Casa de los Irurita is situated at Calle Corredera nº 67, very close to the church of Santiago and the Roman milestone which stood on the road between Lorca and Cartagena, as well as the rival palace of the Casa de los Marín Ponce de León.
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