PALACIO DE LOS SAPENA
If there is a family in Jávea that can be considered the founders of the town, this is undoubtedly the Sapena dynasty. As the popular Jávea saying goes "Few know how old the Sapena family is"
A HOUSE for nobility
The Sapena family were Lords of Lluca, Benitachell, Ráfol and Tornos. They built their palace in the most privileged and strategic area during the 15th century. Some time later the church-fortress saw the light of day, as the Sapena family paid for the construction of the parish church of San Bartolomé, commissioning Domingo de Urteaga to carry out the work attached to the old fortress.
The Sapena family were famous for being related to the best noble houses of the time, the Marquises of Viver for one example, and for joining the most important military orders -Montesa, Malta- and also involvement to the Holy Office.
Some of the most important people who were born in this palace are Gaspar Sapena, Field Master in Flanders who died in the Siege of Ostend, Gaspar Sapena y Puchades, Regent of the Council of Aragon and advisor to the Crusade Council, and Bernardo Sapena y Costa, gentleman of the Court of Philip II. This building currently belongs to Miguel Soriano Benavent.
House façade in the 1930s
Palace of the Sapena family with all the rough stonework covered with lime, early 20th century.
House façade in the 1990s
the chance.
During essentially the whole 20th century, the Sapena Palace housed a shop, the most outstanding being that of Ambrosio, former sacristan of the church. In this shop you could literally buy anything you wanted.
The premises have bar, restaurant and business licenses, as well as the reforms and regulation bathrooms which are in perfect condition. Only the attic, which has two floors and a terrace, is still to be finished. The reform of the attic could be negotiated with the owner. During the XXI century and with its current reform, it has housed a shop, bar, discotheque and restaurant.
right at the heart of the church’ square
There are multiple possibilities as it has the right to occupy a large section of the Plaza de la Iglesia and the Calle de San Bartolomé. It could house a café-art gallery with live music at weekends for example. Another option is a fine dining restaurant with tourist rentals and cafe on the ground floor or a Jazz Club which could fill the whole building.
Because of the open space and multiple access it offers, a private cultural centre with a café and bar could be another option. The ideal place to hold a book or record launch, conferences and exhibitions or the Foundation. Before La Rulla, this is perhaps Jessica Bataille's best showcase in the old town.
View of the façade from the Town Hall
View from the terrace
Building: 255 m2 Plot: 89 m2