Miranda de Ebro town hall

The Miranda de Ebro town hall, known locally as the Casa consistorial de Miranda de Ebro, stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry and architectural elegance of the town of Miranda de Ebro in Castilla y León, Spain. Nestled in the heart of Plaza de España, this neoclassical building is a focal point within the Historical Ensemble of the city, drawing visitors with its timeless charm and storied past.

The Historical Evolution of Miranda de Ebro Town Hall

The origins of the Miranda de Ebro town hall are deeply rooted in the aftermath of a natural disaster. In 1775, a devastating flood swept away the medieval bridge over the Ebro River, along with the Torre del Concejo, which housed the municipal council. This calamity necessitated the creation of a new municipal building. On June 23, 1775, the municipal council sought permission from the Council of Castile to erect a new town hall on the Plaza del Rey, now known as Plaza de España.

The initial architectural project was crafted by Francisco Alejo de Aranguren, with modifications introduced by the renowned architect Ventura Rodríguez in March 1778, incorporating the principles of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. Construction commenced that same year, under the supervision of Javier Ignacio de Echeverría and Domingo de Urizar. The project, costing 190,000 reales, reached completion in May 1788, with the grand inauguration taking place on August 19 of that year.

Since its inauguration, the Miranda de Ebro town hall has served as the principal seat of the municipal government. Over time, the building has undergone several adaptations and expansions to meet the growing administrative needs. Notable improvements include the renovation of the main staircase and the plenary hall. In 2013, the installation of an interior elevator eliminated architectural barriers, enhancing accessibility.

Architectural Splendor

The Miranda de Ebro town hall is a monumental neoclassical structure, designed to fulfill its civic function while embodying the stylistic directives of the late 18th century. The building's façade is characterized by its clarity of lines and simplicity of volumes, horizontally structured into two floors. The ground floor features rusticated stonework reminiscent of Italian Renaissance palaces. The central section is marked by a triple arcade leading to the portico, separated by Tuscan semi-columns, evoking the grandeur of Roman triumphal arches.

The upper floor boasts a continuous balcony with wrought iron railings crafted by José de Astala, a master from Orduña. This balcony unifies the façade, which is punctuated by seven windows topped with alternating curved and triangular pediments. The central section is accentuated by pilasters culminating in a triangular pediment at the cornice level, within which the city’s coat of arms, carved from Treviño stone, is displayed. A clock with a carillon later adorned the building, adding to its historical charm.

Inside, the Miranda de Ebro town hall preserves its monumental staircase, despite various reforms. The building is distributed over a ground floor, two main floors, and an attic, with the second floor being the most prestigious, housing the Mayor's office and the Plenary Hall.

From Medieval Churches to the Modern Town Hall

The journey to the current Miranda de Ebro town hall has seen several iterations. Initially, the municipal council convened in the porches or surroundings of medieval churches such as San Martín and San Nicolás, as stipulated in the Miranda de Ebro charter. Over time, the church of Santa María replaced San Martín as the primary meeting place.

In the 13th century, the construction of San Juan church in Aquende led to the establishment of the town’s central hub around the Market Square. The first official council seat was located in the San Juan Palace, built around the 1330s. However, following a flood in 1419, the council meetings became itinerant, held in various locations including the cemetery and cloister of San Juan church.

With the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1493, the former synagogue was donated to the municipal council by the Catholic Monarchs. The synagogue was remodeled and expanded to include a tower, serving as the town hall and jail. Despite the historian Francisco Cantera Burgos suggesting the synagogue was located on La Fuente street, evidence points to its location near the bridge entrance to Aquende.

The Torre del Concejo, built on the bridge in 1581, served as the town hall until the 1775 flood destroyed the medieval bridge and the tower, prompting the construction of the current Miranda de Ebro town hall in Plaza de España.

Expanding Administrative Spaces

As municipal services expanded, the Miranda de Ebro town hall extended its facilities beyond the main building. Adjacent to the town hall is the old Alhóndiga building, connected to the main municipal structure. In 1915, the town purchased the site of the former Countess of Bornos palace for expansion, but the new building was not constructed until 1930, designed by Sixto Erquiaga and Fermín Álamo. This building initially housed the grain exchange and the fire department, later accommodating various municipal departments.

Other municipal offices, such as the Revenue Department, are located in different buildings around Plaza de España. The Casa de los Encío on La Fuente street, an 18th-century mansion, now serves as the Youth House and Social Services offices, with plans for future accessibility improvements. The Casa de Pachín on Travesía de Santa María, built in 1914, houses the Workshop School, Public Works offices, and the municipal housing company Viranda.

In recent years, the town hall has sought new locations for municipal offices across the Ebro River. Social Services and Urban Planning departments now occupy the former Tax Agency building on Ronda del Ferrocarril, while the Raimundo Porres Civic Center in the La Charca neighborhood hosts a second Citizen Service Center, providing administrative services to both the eastern and western parts of the city.

In conclusion, the Miranda de Ebro town hall is not only a center of municipal governance but also a symbol of the town's resilience and historical continuity. Its neoclassical architecture and rich history make it a must-visit landmark for those exploring the heritage of Miranda de Ebro.