Casino of Murcia sightseeing, history and interesting facts

The Casino of Murcia, whose full name is the Royal Casino of Murcia (Real Casino de Murcia), is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a major attraction. In the past, it served as a meeting place for the local bourgeoisie, while today it functions as a private club that brings together people of culture interested in both the history and the future of the Murcia region. In the article below, you’ll learn what the Casino of Murcia is, discover its fascinating history, and find out why it’s worth a visit. I’ve also gathered for you a collection of facts and curiosities about this truly remarkable monument.

Casino of Murcia practical information

You can visit the Casino of Murcia from Monday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. I recommend visiting during the week, as the casino halls can be crowded on weekends, effectively hindering your visit.

Ticket prices are reasonable, and the monument is worth every euro spent.
A standard ticket costs 5 euros, a concession 3 euros.
On Sundays, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, you can enter the casino for free.
The ticket price includes an audio guide with detailed descriptions of all the rooms in the building.
*Please note that prices are subject to change, so the above information should be considered a guide only, not a definitive statement.

The casino has a restaurant, the Real Casino de Murcia, which is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, and from Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The time to visit the monument is about an hour, although you can stay longer.

Before heading out, it’s worth checking the official website for information about upcoming events. The Casino in Murcia often hosts exciting presentations, meetings with interesting people, thematic conferences, and many other events that might interest you.

The Casino of Murcia and its history

The construction of the building that houses the Casino of Murcia was completed in 1847. It was originally designed to serve as the new headquarters for an association representing the wealthy middle and upper-middle classes of the Murcia region. At that time, the local bourgeoisie gathered in various places, including the residence of the Marquis of Vado. Apparently, one day the nobleman grew tired of the constant crowds of guests in his home and, to rid himself of them, proposed building a new clubhouse.

The building that now houses the Casino of Murcia dates back to 1847, and its architecture is a fascinating blend of many styles and artistic movements — a reflection of the social and cultural complexity of 19th-century Spain. The club officially opened in 1853, and from that moment, the local middle class could meet in luxurious interiors to share their interests, forge and end great friendships and romances, and discuss the latest gossip and news. Over the years, the building underwent numerous changes, with its interiors constantly redesigned to keep up with shifting fashions and trends. The casino’s current eclectic and modernist appearance is the work of architect Pedro Cerdán, who designed many similar buildings throughout the Murcia region and in Valencia.

The major social and economic crisis that struck Spain at the end of the 20th century unfortunately did not spare Murcia. The Casino, like many other institutions and monuments, fell into decline due to a lack of funding and proper maintenance. It wasn’t until 2009 that a thorough restoration was carried out, after which the Casino of Murcia reopened its doors. The event was so significant — and the place so valued — that King Juan Carlos of Spain himself granted it the title of Royal.

Visit and tour of a popular monument

The Casino of Murcia is located on the popular Trapería Street, which runs through the city center. Right next to it stands the famous Cathedral of Murcia, which I also highly recommend visiting. As you stroll through the area, you’re unlikely to miss the Casino — its impressive façade stands out and catches the eye from afar. On both sides of the entrance doors, you’ll see glass-walled rooms known as “aquariums,” decorated with ornaments and sculptures by the Spanish artist Manuel Castaños. Once you step inside, you’re greeted by beautifully illuminated marble stairs and another set of doors in an Arabic style. And here comes the first surprise — the initial interior of the Casino is designed in the Hispano-Moorish style, directly inspired by the palaces of Granada.

The corridor beyond the Arabic doors is covered with a glass roof, allowing natural light to fill the entire space. One fascinating detail is the intricate decorations and Arabic inscriptions on the walls. To create them, 20,000 sheets of paper-thin gold were used. This interior was completed in 1901, attracting great attention at the time and setting off a trend for incorporating Arabic decorative elements into architecture.

A wide corridor runs almost the entire length of the building, with entrances to numerous galleries and rooms along the sides. One of the most interesting spaces is the library, dating back to 1913. The magnificent wooden galleries, accessed by spiral staircases located on one side of the room, and the shelves filled with centuries-old volumes, made a strong impression on me. Beneath the galleries are desks and red leather-covered armchairs for readers. The room’s lighting system is particularly clever — the lamps are connected by a network of ornate copper tubes, leaving no visible electrical cables anywhere. A wonderful room! If I ever get the chance, I’ll definitely borrow the idea for my own home.

Right next to the library, you’ll find the ladies’ dressing room and a charming tearoom. Both are beautifully decorated, featuring delicate plaster ornaments and intricate stucco work. The walls are adorned with paintings by local artists depicting everyday scenes from Murcia’s past. Be sure to also step into the room located opposite the library — this is the so-called Congresillo, a meeting space once used by the city’s influential citizens. Inside, you’ll find fascinating paintings and prints by the artist Obdulia Miralles.

The most iconic part of the historic Casino is its stunning ballroom. This two-level hall, designed in the Neo-Baroque style, is richly decorated with figures representing poetry, painting, and music, as well as portraits of notable residents of Murcia. The floor is particularly interesting — it’s made using a rare artisanal technique called intarsia, which involves fitting together small pieces of different materials to form an intricate pattern. The result looks both exquisite and luxurious. The room is further enhanced by beautiful chandeliers crafted in Paris in 1886.

At the heart of the building lies the Pompeian courtyard, designed in a Neoclassical style and surrounded by fourteen Ionic columns. The space is filled with sculptures and scenes from Greek mythology. You’ll see a statue of Venus, depictions of Zeus, and reproductions of the Danaid and Amazon sculptures — the originals of which are housed in the Vatican Museums.

A few words to conclude our visit

The Casino of Murcia is a fascinating historic site that we thoroughly enjoyed visiting. What surprised us most was the strong Arabic influence, reminiscent of the palaces of Granada. The beautiful paintings displayed on the walls of the ballroom and other rooms were also truly captivating. Among them are works by artists such as Germán Hernández, Pablo Picasso, and Antonio Gil Mojtejano. Of course, my personal favourite was the magnificent library with all its furnishings — a place I’d happily recreate in my own home.

I highly recommend visiting the Casino of Murcia, especially since you can easily combine it with a tour of the Cathedral of Murcia, one of the city’s most valuable and well-known landmarks. After your visit, please let us know what impression the Casino made on you — perhaps you noticed something we missed or learned a new detail worth adding to the article. We’d love to hear from you!

Casino in Murcia information and interesting facts

Murcia’s Royal Pride — Its official name is the Real Casino de Murcia. The word “Real” (meaning “Royal”) was added only after renovations during the reign of King Juan Carlos I.
Its origins date back to the 19th century. The institution was founded on June 11, 1847, as a private club for Murcia’s elite.
Construction took decades. Initial work began in 1853, with subsequent additions and modernizations continuing until the early 20th century.
A National Treasure — In 1983, the building was declared a National Historic Landmark and a national monument of exceptional cultural importance.
A Major Renovation — A comprehensive restoration was carried out between 2006 and 2009. Following its completion, King Juan Carlos awarded the casino the title of “Royal.”
The Heart of Murcia — The casino is located right next to the cathedral, on the bustling Trapería Street, and is a must-see on a stroll through the old town.
A Club with Tradition — To this day, the Real Casino de Murcia remains a private club with over 1,600 members, though its interiors are also open to the public.
A Mix of Styles — The facade and interiors are a veritable festival of architecture—from Art Nouveau, through Neo-Baroque, to Arabic elements.
The Golden Arab Patio — The most famous part of the building—the Patio Árabe—dazzles with its oriental decor and details covered with over 20,000 gold leaves!
Light and Glass — The glass dome over the Patio Arabigo lets in natural light, which reflects off the mosaics and gilded ornaments, creating a magical atmosphere.
A Library with Soul — Created in 1913, with a wooden gallery supported by iron consoles shaped like flamingos—it is a true tribute to art and knowledge.
Ladies’ Room with the Moon Goddess – In the former “tocador de señoras,” the allegorical goddess Selene, a symbol of femininity and mystery, gazes from the ceiling.
Ballroom Splendor – The ballroom impresses with its neo-Baroque style and murals depicting the four muses: Music, Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture.
Murcia in Medallions – Portraits of four famous residents of the city can be seen on the ballroom walls: Romeo, Salzilla, Floridablanca, and Villacis.
“Aquaria” for Gentlemen – Two glass-walled interview rooms overlooking Calle Trapería are locally known as “Las Peceras” – meaning “The Aquariums.”
Tourist Attraction Number One – The Real Casino is visited annually by approximately 150,000 people – both Spaniards and tourists from around the world.
Period Furniture – The interiors retain original furniture, sculptures, and paintings from the late 19th century – each piece tells its story.
A Woman’s Face at the Entrance – A carved female head greets visitors above the main portal – a symbol of elegance and beauty associated with Murcian society.
Accessible to Everyone – Entrance costs approximately €5, and on Sunday evenings, visitors can often visit the casino for free.
Unfortunately, History Has Its History – In May 2025, the original, historic glass from 1901 – part of the stained-glass decoration of the main door – was destroyed.