Casa Carbonell, sitting proudly at the head of Alicante’s Paseo de la Explanada, is one of the most recognisable and photographed buildings in the city. Its striking appearance, reminiscent of a small palace with French-inspired domes, towers, and rich ornamentation, captures the aspirational spirit of the early 20th-century bourgeoisie. Alongside the majestic Santa Bárbara Castle, Casa Carbonell is a symbol of Alicante’s heritage, known for its beauty, history, and the compelling stories that fill its walls.
The Vision of Enrique Carbonell
The story of Casa Carbonell begins with Enrique Carbonell Antolí (1870-1924), a wealthy textile industrialist from Alcoy whose prosperity grew during the booming years of Spain’s textile industry. His company, Carbonell y Cía., was founded in 1903 and eventually employed over 800 workers, producing knitted goods during a time when Alcoy was a thriving centre for textiles. He went on to lead the Association of Knitwear Manufacturers and took on a prominent role as the director of Fuerzas Eléctricas de Valencia in 1921. A man of refined taste and cultural appreciation, Carbonell was passionate about music and the arts, even maintaining friendships with figures like Arthur Rubinstein, the Polish pianist who performed his first Spanish concert in Alcoy. Rubinstein’s autograph is preserved on a treasured piano in Casa Carbonell—a testament to Carbonell’s love of culture.
Despite his influential role in business and society, Enrique Carbonell’s deepest concern lay closer to home. His only daughter suffered from respiratory issues, and doctors advised him to bring her to Alicante, where the mild coastal climate could ease her ailments. For Carbonell, a father above all else, this was all the motivation he needed.
Building a Sanctuary for His Daughter’s Health
Enrique Carbonell was determined to build a sanctuary for his daughter’s health in the best location Alicante could offer—near the beach, in a climate that could bring her the relief she desperately needed. In 1918, he acquired the land at a public auction for 158,000 pesetas, reflecting his dedication to providing a safe haven for his family. Casa Carbonell became not only a residence but a retreat that brought his daughter comfort and a new chance at health. “Where the sun shines, the doctor doesn’t,” says the Spanish proverb, and indeed, it seemed to work wonders for her.
The people of Alicante also welcomed the Carbonell family warmly, which further contributed to the healing atmosphere he hoped to create. It wasn’t just the building’s design that mattered; it was the love and support of the people that made Casa Carbonell a true home.
The Famous Snub and a Vow for Revenge
There is a famous legend in Alicante which is almost certainly not true, but the legend goes like this: On his way to Alicante to oversee the construction plans for his future home, Enrique Carbonell encountered a minor accident during his travels. He arrived at a prestigious hotel in Alicante (Hotel Palas, which is now a council building next door to the Casa Carbonell) looking slightly worse for wear—dusty and dishevelled from the journey. The hotel staff, mistaking his appearance for a lack of status, turned him away, refusing him entry and accommodation.
Humiliated and angered by this rejection, Carbonell vowed to build a residence that would put the hotel’s grandeur to shame. Casa Carbonell would stand as a testament to his wealth, pride, and determination, and a lasting rebuke to those who had judged him too quickly.
The Architect Behind the Masterpiece
To bring his vision to life, Carbonell enlisted Alicante architect Juan Vidal Ramos, a name synonymous with some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Vidal Ramos was also responsible for designing Alicante’s Central Market, the Casa de Socorro, and the Palacio de la Diputación. Each of these buildings is marked by a unique style that combines elements of historicism with Valencian modernism, and Casa Carbonell was no exception. Completed between 1922 and 1925, the building’s striking facade, with its elegant domes and intricate detailing, is a blend of French ornamentation and modernist inspiration.
One of Casa Carbonell’s most unique features is its 365 windows, one for each day of the year. This architectural choice floods the interior with light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere—a perfect match for its purpose as a place of healing and happiness for the Carbonell family.
A Dramatic Chapter: The Plane Crash
The building’s history took a tragic turn, just after completion, in 1925 when a light postal aircraft from Algiers crashed into one of Casa Carbonell’s balconies. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and caused significant damage to one of the building’s domes. Although the dome was later repaired, the incident left a lasting scar on Casa Carbonell’s story, adding an air of mystique to the building that has endured to this day.
From Family Home to Alicante Icon
Originally built as a residence for the Carbonell family, the building has evolved over the years. Today, it houses a mix of private luxury apartments on 6 floors plus the attic, with commercial offices, and businesses on the ground floor and mezzanine level, adding life and vibrancy to the Explanada. Despite its modern use, Casa Carbonell has retained its architectural charm and elegance, remaining a beloved symbol of Alicante’s history and pride.
Interestingly, 70% of the building still belongs to the Carbonell family, maintaining the strong ties between Enrique Carbonell’s legacy and Alicante’s urban landscape.
Why Casa Carbonell Matters
Casa Carbonell is not merely an architectural marvel; it embodies Alicante’s resilience, the depth of family love, and the aspirations of a bygone era. Enrique Carbonell, a man of humble origins in the textile industry, rose to become a cultural patron and a respected business person. His devotion to his daughter and his refusal to be humiliated define the building’s spirit, embodying themes of love, pride, and the pursuit of well-being.
Casa Carbonell stands proudly alongside the Santa Bárbara Castle as a testament to Alicante’s rich past. Its iconic domes and towers not only make it a cherished landmark but also weave together the personal stories, ambitions, and triumphs of those who have called Alicante home. And for those interested in uncovering more about this city’s fascinating history, there’s much to discover in Alicante. Consider downloading the self-guided audio tour, Spain’s City of Light: Alicante’s History and Highlights, where you’ll find stories of people and places that have shaped the city into what it is today.
As you walk along the Explanada and admire Casa Carbonell, remember that it is more than just a building. It is a piece of Alicante’s soul—a structure built out of love, defiance, and devotion, housing memories, laughter, and legacies within its walls. So, next time you pass by, take a moment to look up, soak in its grandeur, and appreciate this extraordinary piece of Alicante’s heritage.
