Description
The building dates from the second half of the 17th century and was part of a major construction, which over time was fragmented into various houses. The most relevant of the building is its Baroque-style facade, as it has a two-storey flat, with a central cover, made of stone, as well as two rectangular windows with bars, on each side of that access.
The cover is composed of two oversized voids. The one on the ground floor, with Tuscan and dintel pilasters, both pillows, presents in its key the shield of the Court of Inquisition. Above these elements you can see a smooth friso and a moulded cornice, on which you will open a rectangular window, intellized and with pillows and crates. On its sides there is an interesting symmetrical ornament, carved in stone.
Each side is organized into two overlaid bodies and separated by horizontal slices: the bottom side presents some tonds with the cross of the Order of Calatrava, while the top side shows, spirals and pinacles, topped by balls. The window's vain is protected with a good and artistic grate of a drawer type, of forged iron. In its central body and its copete again presents the cross of Calatrava and ornaments, based on flowers of four petals. The façade is overcome with an outstanding alero and a tile cover.
The House has, throughout its history, belonged to several neighbours of Mengibar. Some of them held positions in the Mengibar Inquisition, such as family members, notaries, etc. That must have been the cause of it being known as the House of Inquisition. Thus, in 1751, he lived in it Don Juan Ventura Rubio Galera, a priest and Notary of the Holy Office of the Inquisition of Córdoba. The Notary of the Holy Office was the official, who in the proceedings recorded the statements of the accused and witnesses.
This emblematic building, which had a rather regrettable and ruinous state, was restored by the Junta de Andalucía, building in it several family homes, which were awarded, in 1994, to neighbours of Mengibar. The facade was also restored, being very rightly preserved, as it was built. Protection guarantees any attempt to modify or suppress any part or all of it.
Thus, on 23 February 1995, the General Directorate for Cultural Property, of the Council of Culture of the Junta de Andalucía, initiated the procedure for the registration in a generic manner, in the General Catalogue of the Andalusian Historical Heritage, in favour of the House of Inquisition in Mengibar (Jaén), "determining the provisional application of the protection regime and making known to its owners that they have the duty to preserve it, maintain and protect it, in a way that guarantees the protection of its values." Among the reasons that the said organization argues for taking the said agreement are its historical value, so the building represents for the Inquisition and for its relationship with ancient lineage of Mengibar, such as Rubio Galera and Camacho. Also, for its relevant artistic elements, such as the cover, in which it stands out the vertical accent placed in the disposition of the vain, with classical canons and the excellent labeling of the ornamental motifs. The building is formally registered with the above-mentioned catalogue in February 1997.
