The Palacete de Villa Rías was ordered to be built in the last third of the 19th century by the Viscounts of Rías, who conceived it as a villa for relaxation. It is located in the present-day centre of the village, and is intimately associated with the beautiful little garden that surrounds it, with a total surface area of 5,500 m2. The connection between the building and nature is almost more attractive than the architecture itself, which is more than remarkable. The composition of the fronts, with recesses and advances and continuous play with the break in the façade, is very well thought out and effective. The viscounts’ proven friendship with the architect Justo Millán seems to indicate that he was not unaware of the architectural project, although in reality there is no proof of his authorship.
Palacete de Villa Rías
JARDÍN DE VILLA RÍAS
El Jardín romántico vinculado al palacete cuenta como elementos más representativos con un eucalipto de seis metros de circunferencia, un estanque con cascadas y una pérgola cubierta por árboles del amor. La arboleda está compuesta por pinos, casuarinas, palmeras, árboles del amor, algarrobos, jacarandas y eucaliptos, no siendo extraño encontrar alguna ardilla paseando por allí. El jardín alberga el busto del gran poeta archenero Vicente Medina, sin duda el lírico naturalista que mejor supo captar y describir la vida en la huerta. La plaza 1º de mayo, muy próxima, concentra buena parte de la vida nocturna de Archena.
Por cierto, dentro de este jardín tienes para visitar el Museo del Esparto. ¡Disfruta de la experiencia!