MESÓN DE LA ESPADA
This building already appeared as an inn at the end of the 16th century, linked to the illustrious Cetina family, members of the local oligarchy during those years.
This space next to the Plaza de los Descalzos, where the old convent of San Diego of the Barefoot Franciscan friars was located, was known during the seventeenth century as “street of the inns” because several of these establishments, located at the eastern end of the town, on the road leading to the Island of León and Cádiz, a place of passage of travelers and goods on their departure or arrival to the town.
In 1720 it was already known by the popular name of Mesón de la Espada. Like the great majority of buildings in Puerto Real, it suffered the effects of the Napoleonic occupation between 1810 and 1812, serving then as barracks for the French troops, according to the documents it suffered: “…the loss of the barn, all made of wood, whole board and straw, manger, some doors and six iron bars; the well of this possession, like that of all the said houses, full of manure, which served as barracks…”.
Its activity as an inn continued until the beginning of the 20th century. In 1883 it is described as having two floors, seven rooms on the upper floor, which is where the owner lives, while the first floor is the inn.
It was restored in 1995 by architect Juan José Jiménez Mata.
