House of Dragons

Designed by the Valencian architect José Manuel Cortina Pérez in 1901, the so-called House of Dragons is a curious residential building located in what was destined to be one of the most important streets of the first expansion of Valencia. Built in accordance with the ordinances of 1887, which authorized a maximum of three upper floors and a minimum of two, the author opts for this second solution, without exhausting the maximum volume allowed, although it includes a mezzanine, formally attached to the ground floor to constitute its basamental body. It should be remembered that in most of the buildings of this period, the ground floors were dedicated to housing.

But what distinguishes this building is undoubtedly the peculiar decoration of its facades in a very personal style of the author that has been baptized as fantastic medievalism. In this case, dragons are the predominant ornamental motif, within a motley set of neo-Gothic elements, floral ornaments, curious columns cantilevered on corbels and somewhat extravagant motifs such as the winged locomotive, symbol of progress, decorated with a star to which different meanings have been sought, but which simply corresponds to the coat of arms of the Northern Railway Company. It is remarkable the care and concern that he dedicates to the so-called “minor arts”, fundamentally locksmith, designing even the smallest details.

Another work by the same author and similar characteristics can be seen at Calle Pérez Pizcueta núm. No. 3, from 1901, or, in a more contained tone, the house located at Sorní 14, from 1907.

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