Rafael Manzano Martos facts for kids

Rafael Manzano Martos (born in Cádiz, Spain on 6 November 1936) is a famous Spanish architect. An architect is someone who designs buildings. He studied at the Superior Technical School of Architecture in Madrid. He learned from important teachers like Manuel Gómez-Moreno Martínez, Leopoldo Torres Balbás, Fernando Chueca Goitia, and Francisco Íñiguez Almech.

Manzano is known for his work in New Urbanism and New Classical Architecture. These styles focus on designing cities and buildings in a way that feels traditional and fits well with the surroundings. There is even an award named after him, the Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture, which celebrates new buildings that follow traditional designs.

Learning to Build: Rafael Manzano's Education

Rafael Manzano Martos finished his architecture degree in Madrid in 1961. He then earned his Doctorate (a very high degree) in 1963. While studying, he focused on learning about history and how to restore old buildings and monuments. His teachers helped him become an expert in these areas.

From 1956 to 1963, he also worked at the School of Arab Studies in Madrid. This helped him learn a lot about Islamic history and archaeology, which is the study of old cultures through digging up their remains. This knowledge was very useful for his future work in restoring historic sites.

Amazing Projects: Rafael Manzano's Work

The Museo del Prado Extension, a project Rafael Manzano worked on.

In all his projects, Rafael Manzano has shown a strong belief in using classical styles. This means his designs often use ideas from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. He also makes sure his buildings fit well into their surroundings, whether it's a busy city or a quiet countryside.

When he restores old buildings, he is very careful. He doesn't try to change the original building too much. Instead, he respects the old architecture and adds new parts that blend in smoothly. He wants his work to look like it belongs there, without standing out in a bad way.

Here are some of the important places he has helped restore or design:

• Squares and the Basílica de Santa Maria de Castelló d'Empúries in Girona.
• Cathedral Square in Tarragona.
• The old fortress of the Old Cathedral of Lleida.
• The Church of Mary Magdalene in Tarazona.
• The Castle of Alcañiz, Turiel.
• The Church of Saint Michael in Cuenca.
• He completely rebuilt the outside and designed new insides for the Royal Academy of Pharmacy in Madrid.
• He rebuilt parts of the “Sobrado de los Monjes” Monastery in La Coruña, including its cloisters (covered walkways) and tower.
• He fully restored the former Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia in Córdoba.
• He worked on the Alcazaba of Málaga, which is an old fortress.
• He restored the Church of Saint Dionysius in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, fixing its roof and finding old Gothic-Mudejar brickwork.
• He worked on the “Palacio de las Dueñas” and “Casa del Rey Moro” in Seville.
• He helped preserve the ruins of Itálica in Santiponce and built a museum there.
• He fully restored the Church of Saint George in Palos de la Frontera.
• He helped design three big plans to make the Prado Museum bigger (in 1972–74 and 1990).
• He dug up the site of the old “Casa de Contratación de las Indias” and rebuilt its courtyard and a new front.
• In 1991, he designed the full restoration and decoration of the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville.
• He designed the “Hacienda De La Paz” estate for John Z. Blazevich in Los Angeles, California.
• He designed a home for the bullfighter Curro Romero in Coín, Málaga, which later belonged to the singer Julio Iglesias.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Rafael Manzano is a member of many important Spanish groups that focus on art and history. These include the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando and other Royal Academies in different cities like Granada, Córdoba, and Seville.

In Spain, he received the Golden Medal of the Fine Arts in 1972. He was also made a Knight Commander of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise in 1967.

Internationally, he won the 2010 Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Traditional and Classical Architecture. This award recognized his entire career and his dedication to traditional architecture.

He also received the Shiller Prize for Restoration and Conservation in 1980. In 2001, he was given the Silver Medal of the City of Osuna.

In 2021, he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal for his work and service to the Catholic Church. In 2022, he received the Federico Joly Prize.

See also

In Spanish: Rafael Manzano para niños