MURCIA CASINO

Built between 1847 and 1901, this memorable structure, still in use today, was once the town's main social meeting place, offering members a library, meeting rooms, billiard room and ballroom. An eclectic stylistic mixture of Moorish features, marble and metalwork, French inspired grandeur, painted ceilings and English craftsmanship, the Casino is high on a must-see list. From the Moorish vestibule a central gallery leads to the library, designed by an English firm and exuding Edwardian rectitude. In stark contrast, the ballroom opposite, with its musicians' gallery, vast painted ceiling and dazzling chandeliers evokes old Vienna, while the high point for most visitors is the ladies' powder room, a neo-baroque fantasy complete with painted ceiling and huge gilt mirrors.