Casa Núñez

Casa Núñez is one of the most recognisable buildings in Betanzos, a small town in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. This modernist landmark, built in 1923 to a design by Galician architect Rafael González Villar, has shaped the rhythm of local life for a century and remains a defining piece of the town's architectural heritage.

What will you see?

Casa Núñez is a striking blend of European modernist style and local building tradition. Its facade combines mosaic, wrought iron, wood and cement of varying textures into a richly detailed composition. A distinctive balcony draws directly on traditional Galician architecture, so despite its modern-for-its-time design, the building sits comfortably within the town's architectural landscape.

The layout reflects its original purpose: the ground floor was built for commercial and banking activity, while the upper floor was residential. This is where the Núñez Stores and Bank once operated — the first commercial and banking institution of its kind in Betanzos, making the building an important record of the town's economic development in the early 20th century.

Today its historic interior houses the CIEC Foundation (Centro Internacional de la Estampa Contemporánea), an international centre dedicated to promoting graphic art. Visitors can see exhibitions of contemporary printmaking, and the building regularly hosts cultural events, including concerts and fashion shows that reference its hundred-year history.

How to get there?

Casa Núñez stands in the historic centre of Betanzos, a town easily reached from A Coruña and other parts of Galicia. Given its location within the old town, the best way to reach it is on foot, strolling through the central streets — the building sits naturally along any walking route through Betanzos, close to the town's other historic sites.

When to visit?

Betanzos can be visited year-round, though it is worth checking the current exhibition schedule of the CIEC Foundation beforehand, as the cultural programme changes throughout the year. Spring and summer are especially pleasant for walking through the historic centre, where Casa Núñez stands out as one of its main architectural landmarks.

Why visit?

Casa Núñez is more than a modernist architectural monument — it is a living cultural space, a rare combination of Betanzos's economic history and its contemporary artistic life. For anyone interested in early 20th-century architecture or graphic art, it is an essential stop in the town.

Frequently asked questions

When was Casa Núñez built? The building was designed in 1923 by Galician architect Rafael González Villar.

What is Casa Núñez used for today? It houses the CIEC Foundation, which promotes graphic art through exhibitions and educational activities.

Is a visit to Casa Núñez paid? Visiting conditions and any fees depend on the current programme run by the CIEC Foundation — it is worth checking locally or before your visit.

What makes the building's architecture distinctive? The combination of modernist details, such as mosaic and wrought iron, with elements of traditional Galician architecture, like its characteristic balcony.