Casa de la Inquisición, Alcantarilla

Casa de la Inquisición is a historic mansion in Alcantarilla, a town right next to Murcia in Spain's Murcia region. Locally the building is better known as Casa de las Cayitas, and behind its facade lies one of the region's more unusual stories — for decades it served as the seat of a regional tribunal of the Spanish Inquisition.

What is this place?

The mansion was built in the 18th century specifically to house the local tribunal of the Holy Office. Its jurisdiction covered not just Alcantarilla itself but also the surrounding villages of Javalí, Puebla de Soto, La Ñora and Sangonera. Cases of heresy, alleged witchcraft and other offenses against the religious order of the time were tried here.

Almost from the start, the building was at the center of a jurisdictional dispute between the Bishopric of Cartagena and the Holy Office over who had authority over the site and the proceedings held inside it. The disagreement escalated to the point that King Philip V of Bourbon himself had to step in to resolve it.

What does the building look like?

Casa de la Inquisición is a fine example of Baroque architecture. It rises three floors above ground, with an attic and a basement. The basement once held the cells where the accused awaited trial before the tribunal. Despite the centuries that have passed, the structure has kept the layout and decorative details typical of a Baroque residence of its era.

What happened after the Inquisition was abolished?

The tribunal stopped operating in 1837, when the Spanish Inquisition was permanently abolished. The building then changed hands and purpose. In 1870 it was bought by José López de Tudela, and in 1941 the property passed to Caya Arias Castellanos and her daughter, Caya López — which is where the popular nickname Casa de las Cayitas comes from, a name locals still use more often than the official one.

In 1982 the building was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument, a designation that today corresponds to Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), Spain's highest level of heritage protection. For many years it housed the town's public library, and since 2015 it has been home to Alcantarilla's Municipal Historical Archive.

How do you get to Casa de la Inquisición?

Alcantarilla sits right next to Murcia and is well connected by both local roads and the regional commuter rail line. From central Murcia, the trip usually takes just a few minutes by car or train. The building stands in the town's historic quarter, which makes it easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

What will you see inside?

Since the building now functions as a historical archive rather than a museum, a visit works differently than a typical sightseeing stop — it is worth checking opening hours and public access in advance. The facade and overall structure, a fine representative of the region's Baroque architecture, can be admired from the outside at any time.

When is the best time to visit?

The Murcia region has hot summers, so spring or autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking around Alcantarilla and its historic center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Casa de la Inquisición used for? It was an 18th-century building that served as the seat of a regional tribunal of the Spanish Inquisition, with jurisdiction over Alcantarilla and nearby villages, until the institution was abolished in 1837.

Where does the name Casa de las Cayitas come from? From the mid-20th-century owners of the building — Caya Arias Castellanos and her daughter, Caya López — who took over the property in 1941.

Is the building a protected heritage site? Yes, it was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1982, a status that today corresponds to Bien de Interés Cultural.

What is housed in the building today? Since 2015 it has held Alcantarilla's Municipal Historical Archive; before that it served for years as the town's public library.