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The Casa del Conde de Campillos in Santiago de la Ribera
A deteriorated modernist residence for the landed gentry on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera
The Casa del Conde de Campillos, which stands alongside the Playa Barnuevo in Santiago de la Ribera (click for map), is one of the most historic buildings in the municipality of San Javier, dating back to the early years of the 20th century when upper class visitors to the Mar Menor were still providing the initial impetus for tourism along the inland shore of the Mar Menor.
The palatial residence was built in 1912 for Joaquín Chico de Guzmán y Chico de Guzmán, the Conde de Campillos, a gentleman of Madrid who lived from 1870 to 1962. The Count owned various properties in Cehegín, Mula, Belmonte and Chinchilla, and created this house as a suummer residence after he married María Barnuevo y Sandoval in 1905. María was the daughter of José María Barnuevo y Rodrigo de Villamayor and María Teresa Sandoval y Mena, who are credited with founding the beachside town of Santiago de la Ribera.
During his lifetime The Conde Campillos received various noble titles as well as becoming a memeber of parliament for Cieza in 1899, Senator of the provinces of Albacete and Murcia in 1914 and lifelong honorary Mayor of Cehegín.
Unfortunately, in the 21st century the condition of his house in Santiago de la Ribera deteriorated somewhat, but in 2023 it was purchased by new owners and the exterior at least is now being renovated. In spring 2025 a bar-terrace was opened in the gardens but soon closed down due to problems with the municipal licence.
For more local information visit the tourist offices of San Javier or go to the home page of San Javier Today.
Oficina de Turismo de San Javier
The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors, as well as two information points. The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera, on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga. There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral.
Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months, although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season.
Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall, Plaza de España.
Timetables summer 2024:
Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720, Santiago de la Ribera)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Telephone: 661 572285
Email: turismo@sanjavier.es
La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km. 0 30380, La Manga del Mar Menor):
May 1 to September 30:
Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00
Telephone 968 128955 ext. 2
Tourist information point of San Javier (Plaza de España, 30730 San Javier):
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00
968 573 700 ext #5351
Email: concejaliadeturismo@sanjavier.es
Tourist information point of Santiago de la Ribera (Paseo Colón on the seafront)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral, km 12)
Weekdays 11.00 to 18.00
Weekends and public holidays 11.00 to 14.00