Palacete de las Mendoza
Vilagarcía de Arousa
Plaza de Santa María, s/n
36071 Pontevedra Pontevedra
Spain
The Palacete de las Mendoza is an eclectic-style building constructed in the late 19th century by the architect Alejandro Rodríguez Sesmeros, who was also responsible for other emblematic works such as the Town Hall of Pontevedra (1877) and the Provincial Council Palace (1883). The design of the building shows clear French inspiration.
From its construction, the property was linked to the well-known Pontevedra family Méndez Núñez. It was commissioned by Soledad Méndez Núñez, sister of Admiral Casto Méndez Núñez, hero of the Battle of El Callao. The house was later transferred to Carmen Babiano, daughter of Soledad’s sister Clara, and subsequently inherited by her great-nieces María and Concepción Mendoza Babiano, who were the last to use it as a private residence until 1971.
For decades, the palacete was one of the main meeting places of Pontevedra’s high society, hosting gatherings and visits from distinguished guests to the city.
The building features a skylight over the central courtyard, designed by the artist from A Coruña, Gerardo Porto. The skylight was produced in the workshops of Van Tetterode in Amsterdam, during the period when the building was owned by Caja Madrid.
Since 2004, the Palacete de las Mendoza has housed the Tourism Service of the Provincial Council of Pontevedra. Its main floor accommodates the Tourist Information Office, while the basement level is used as an exhibition hall. In this way, the cultural legacy of the building continues, combining its historical value with its role in welcoming citizens and visitors alike.
