Torcuato Benjumeda Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Torcuato Benjumeda
Torcuato Benjumeda, by Juan Rodríguez Jiménez (Museum of Cádiz)
Born	4 January 1757 El Puerto de Santa María, Spain
Died	15 April 1836 (1836-04-16) (aged 79) Cádiz, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Occupation	Architect
Parent(s)	Miguel Benjumeda María Laguada

Torcuato José Benjumeda y Laguada (born in 1757 in El Puerto de Santa María, died in 1836 in Cádiz) was a famous Spanish architect. He learned from another great architect, Torcuato Cayón. Benjumeda became one of the most important architects of the Neoclassical style in Andalusia. He designed many important buildings in Cádiz, like the Royal Prison, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the City Hall.

About Torcuato Benjumeda's Life
Benjumeda's Career as an Architect
Gallery
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About Torcuato Benjumeda's Life

Torcuato José Benjumeda y Laguada was born on January 4, 1757, in El Puerto de Santa María. His parents were Miguel Benjumeda and María Laguada. They got married in the Priory Church in 1756. His father was from Málaga, and his mother was from Genoa, Italy.

Torcuato was baptized on January 9, and his godfather was the architect Torcuato Cayón. Later, on August 15, 1789, he married Candida Martinez de Pinillos. They had five children together. The family moved to Cádiz, where Benjumeda was asked to design the city's Town Hall. He passed away in Cádiz on April 15, 1836.

Benjumeda's Career as an Architect

In 1781, when he was 24 years old, Benjumeda took over from Torcuato Cayón as the Maestro mayor de obras, which means "master of works" or chief architect. In 1789, he was given another important role: Teniente de Arquitectura at the art academy in Cádiz. This meant he was in charge of architecture studies there.

During the Siege of Cádiz, which was a time of war, Benjumeda also served as a second lieutenant in the army. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1821 and then to captain in 1829.

In 1793, he became an "honorable academic" of San Fernando. He was also the president of the Academy of Cádiz and the main architect for the city. This was a time when Cádiz was very important economically and politically.

Buildings in Cádiz

In Cádiz, Benjumeda designed several important buildings. These include:

The Puerta de Tierra (a city gate)
The Iglesia del Rosario (Rosary Church)
The Iglesia de San José (St. Joseph's Church)
The Iglesia de San Pablo (St. Paul's Church)

He also finished the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, which his teacher Torcuato Cayón had started in 1781. Benjumeda designed the front of the City Hall, the city cemetery, and many private homes. His most famous work, showing his Neoclassical style, is the Royal Prison, built in 1794.

Works Outside Cádiz

Benjumeda also worked on projects outside of Cádiz. He built the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Chiclana de la Frontera. He also designed the Iglesia de San José in Puerto Real. He helped with the design of the City Hall in San Fernando and created the Market and the Pier in Puerto Real. He also designed the Neoclassical altar in the Priory Church in El Puerto de Santa María.

Later Career and Challenges

In 1820, Benjumeda faced a challenge related to the bullring in Cádiz. He was temporarily removed from his job and salary as the city architect. However, he was reinstated in 1824. In 1833, he asked the City Council for time off due to health reasons. His son, Francisco de Paula, who had been his assistant since 1829, took over for him.

Torcuato Benjumeda died on April 15, 1836. He was buried outside the city limits of Cádiz.