Palacio Lezama-Leguizamón, also known locally as Palacio De Luis Lezama Leguizamon, stands majestically on the promontory of Arriluce in the upscale neighborhood of Neguri, Getxo, Spain. This elegant and stately palace, designed by architect José María Basterra in 1902 at the behest of businessman Luis Lezama Leguizamón, is a true gem of early 20th-century Biscayan architecture. The palace was later remodeled by the renowned architect Manuel María Smith, adding to its grandeur and historical significance.
The palace's location on Arriluce's slopes offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Abra, where the Bilbao estuary meets the sea. Its grandiose appearance and topographical position give it a theatrical aspect, making it one of the most recognizable and representative buildings of Biscayan architecture from the early 20th century. The palace is a prime example of domestic architecture aimed at the high bourgeoisie of Vizcaya during the turn of the century.
The initial construction of the palace featured solid, quadrangular volumes with a classical cut. However, from 1919 onwards, Manuel María Smith initiated a series of structural reforms that transformed the building almost entirely, making it one of his most personal and significant works. The palace is a complex construction of several articulated parts: the main residence, a tower, and a library, all visually dominated by the robust, plateresque-style tower.
The U-shaped palace boasts pitched roofs on all its sections except for the tower, which has a terraced roof. The building, made of sandstone ashlar, showcases extraordinary conceptual richness. The most prominent façade faces the sea and is dominated by the silhouette of the tower. This façade comprises three sections of varying heights and dimensions: the central tower, the gallery section with semicircular arches, and the library.
The tower is crowned with a crest adorned with pinnacles and features a coat of arms on the right angle, along with a stepped alfiz housing a twin semicircular arch and wide windows on the upper level. Inspired by the 16th-century Palacio de Monterrey in Salamanca, the tower includes an array of plateresque decorative elements: a corner coat of arms, various windows, moldings, and an elegant finish with pinnacles and cresting.
Adjacent to the tower is the former house library, topped with a hipped roof and pinnacles at the corners. The library, which once housed the finest private collection on the Iberian Peninsula, was tragically lost to a fire in 1933. On the other side of the tower, the third section features a gallery with seven semicircular arches on the ground floor. The columns are stout, with moldings on the arches' rosettes. The upper floor includes a large lowered arch and a solarium on the second floor.
The area around Arriluce promontory is home to a collection of early 20th-century houses originally belonging to the high bourgeoisie. These residences have been renovated to varying degrees over the years. Notable among them are the Ampuero Palace, designed in 1928 by Manuel María Smith for the businessman and politician José Joaquín Ampuero del Río and his family, and the Arriluce Palace, which retains the original character of architect Oriol's work. Other prominent palaces in the vicinity include Palacio Mudela, Palacio Eguzkialde (popularly known as the House of the Mayoress), Palacio San Joseren, Palacio Kai-Alde, Itxas Begi, and Palacio del Marqués de Olaso.
This area boasts a rich variety of architectural styles, ranging from neo-Basque to neo-mountain regionalism, and neo-medievalism. The common characteristic among these buildings is their uniqueness, complemented by well-maintained gardens on the escarpments, adding to the area's scenic relief.
Today, Palacio Lezama-Leguizamón remains under the ownership of the Lezama-Leguizamón family. In the 1960s, the palace underwent a renovation that allowed it to be divided into three distinct homes, all still inhabited by the family. The palace is now part of the catalog of buildings with special protection, recognized as one of the most famous and photographed landmarks in Getxo.
The Palacio Lezama-Leguizamón is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Biscay. Its walls and gardens echo the stories of the high bourgeoisie, the architectural evolution of the early 20th century, and the enduring legacy of the Lezama-Leguizamón family. A visit to this palace offers a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance, grandeur, and historical significance.
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