Barceló Foundation (Courtyard)

Description

The entrance hall, that had been subject to refurbishment works, presents a wooden ceiling and a richly ornamented portal of the former studio to the left, showing the coat of arms of the San Simón family: winged lions and vegetation, such as clusters and vine. The inner courtyard, that is partly covered with a wooden ceiling, features a square-based pillar and lateral pilasters with convex mouldings and a capital decorated with a coat of arms of the San Simón family; two semicircular arches lead to the open courtyard. The staircase is located to the right of the covered span and features a stone handrail with several ornaments and is decorated with a sculpture in the form of a monkey playing with a turtle. Pascual-Llabrés, 2001, p. 91

The upper, open side of the courtyard walls follow up this interesting beast iconography portraying anthropomorph elements and fantasy animals. The first staircase landing leads to a small studio doorway with convex mouldings showing the coat of arms of the San Simón family as well as anthropomorph cantilevers. On the upper part of the staircase, on the first floor, we find a sculpture of a lion. The wide staircase landing on the first floor shows 10 doorways or balcony windows. Ten convex moulding windows or doorways are present on the third floor. On the ground floor we find an exhibition hall with an outstanding ceiling.

Historical reference

This was the former location of the Sanglada family residence, that was united to the current Casal Balaguer. After marriage between Lluís San Simón Orlandis and Elisabet de Montaner y de Villalonga in the middle of the XIXth century, the house became the ownership of the family of Count San Simón. The San Simón family pulled down the old building and sponsored the construction of the current building. The new building was built following the neo-Gothic style and erected in the year 1883 based upon the design made by Bartomeu Ferrà. The house was also the residence of the Rullán family and became known as Can Rullán. The house has been the head office of the Barceló office since the year 1990.

Reference:

- Gambús-Massanet, 1987, 86

- Murray-Pascual, 1999, p. 199

- Pascual-Llabrés, 2001, p. 113

- Valero, 2004, p. 146

- Catalogue of the Town Council of Palma, 2005.