Rafael Manzano Martos facts for kids

Rafael Manzano Martos is a famous Spanish architect. He was born in Cádiz, Spain, on November 6, 1936. He studied architecture at a special school in Madrid.

Rafael Manzano Martos learned from important professors like Manuel Gómez-Moreno Martínez, Leopoldo Torres Balbás, Fernando Chueca Goitia, and Francisco Íñiguez Almech. He is known for his work in New Urbanism and New Classical Architecture. These styles focus on creating beautiful, traditional, and well-planned spaces. There is even an architecture award named after him, the Rafael Manzano Prize for New Traditional Architecture.

Becoming an Architect: Rafael Manzano's Education

Rafael Manzano Martos finished his architecture degree in Madrid in 1961. He then earned his Doctorate degree in 1963. During his studies, he focused on history and how to restore old buildings.

He also worked at the School of Arab Studies in Madrid from 1956 to 1963. This helped him learn a lot about Islamic history and archaeology. These studies helped him understand and respect old buildings even more.

Amazing Projects: Rafael Manzano's Work

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

Rafael Manzano Martos always makes sure his buildings fit well with their surroundings. He uses a classical style that looks timeless. When he restores old monuments, he is very careful. He respects the original design and adds new parts that blend in perfectly. He never tries to make old buildings look too modern or out of place.

Here are some of the many important projects he has worked on:

Restoring Historic Buildings and Places

• He restored squares and the Basílica de Santa Maria de Castelló d'Empúries in Girona.
• He worked on the Cathedral Square in Tarragona.
• He helped fix the Fortress of the Old Cathedral of Lleida.
• He restored the Church of Mary Magdalene in Tarazona.
• He worked on the Castle of Alcañiz, Turiel.
• He restored the Church of Saint Michael in Cuenca.
• He completely rebuilt the outside and added new interiors for the Royal Academy of Pharmacy in Madrid.
• He rebuilt parts of the “Sobrado de los Monjes” Monastery in La Coruña. This included cloisters, a tower, and a stairway.
• He fully rebuilt the old Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia in Córdoba.
• He restored the Alcazaba of Málaga and nearby homes.
• He worked on the Church of Saint Dionysius in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz. He rebuilt its roof and found old Gothic-Mudejar brickwork.
• He restored important buildings in Seville, like “Palacio de las Dueñas” and “Casa del Rey Moro.”
• He helped save the ruins of Itálica in Santiponce and built a museum there.
• He fully restored the Church of Saint George in Palos de la Frontera and organized its surroundings.

Designing New Spaces and Extensions

• He helped design three big projects to make the Prado Museum larger. He worked on these in 1972–74 and again in 1990.
• He dug up the site of the old “Casa de Contratación de las Indias.” He rebuilt its Almohad courtyard and garden and designed 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 worked with decorator Manuel Gavira Sanjuan on this project.
• He designed a home for the bullfighter Curro Romero in Coín, Málaga. This house now belongs to the singer Julio Iglesias.

Awards and Honors: Recognizing His Talent

Rafael Manzano Martos 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. He is also part of Royal Academies in Granada, Córdoba, Cádiz, Málaga, and other cities.

He has received many awards for his amazing work:

• In Spain, he received the Golden Medal of the Fine Arts in 1972.
• He was also named 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.
• In 1980, he received the Shiller Prize for his work in restoration and conservation.
• He was given the Silver Medal of the City of Osuna in 2001.
• In 2021, he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal for his service to the Catholic Church.
• In January 2022, he received the Federico Joly Prize.

See also

In Spanish: Rafael Manzano para niños