Andrés Segovia's and Raphael's Linares
A number of very different musical geniuses coincide in the small but very open town of Linares. At that time it was proud its industrial and mining tradition, with a deep love for traditional Flamenco that was inspired by working and sweating underground. The route to learn all about the classical guitarist Andrés Segovia starts in the Museum-House where he was born, where you will find his tomb in the crypt, and the incredible work undertaken by the Foundation. As for the singer Raphael, he donated hundreds of exhibits to the museum that bears his name and which enables you to experience total immersion in a musical phenomenon that continues to be overwhelming. The town's old Granary, which houses the Raphael Museum, also pays homage to other famous locals, including Carmen Linares and Palomo Linares.
Some chords played by the master guitarist sound on the clock in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This beautiful detail reminds you of the musician, but in Linares you will also find a Foundation and a museum dedicated to his life and work. Located in the old Palacio de los Orozco, in the heart of the historical complex, there is a music room, an assembly hall and a garden for outdoor activities with an extensive cultural programme, all distributed around an extensive colonnaded patio. On the first floor you will find the museum, an archive and the library. In the basement there is a crypt where the mortal remains of Andres Segovia have rested since 2002.
His legacy can be seen in a number of landmarks distributed throughout the town, including a monument to the composer, his birthplace and the street that bears his name. There have already been 29 editions of the Encuentro Internacional de Guitarra Ciudad de Linares, a forum which bears the name of the virtuoso guitarist.
In Linares they are just as proud of another music star, in this case in the pop and melodic style. In Linares, Raphael has a street with his name, a museum dedicated to his work and a recently installed statue. The museum, to which it has donated more than 400 original pieces, pays tribute to the artistic and professional career of the singer, who was personally involved in its creation and whose commitment remains firm.
You will be astonished by the trophies room with awards presented throughout the world. Particularly striking is the uranium disk, awarded in 1980 for the sale of 50 million records, one of an exclusive group of five musicians who have obtained this accolade worldwide. The visitor can also use the digital devices which are a complementary feature of the visit. They are loaded with all audiovisual and sound content reflecting the artist's history from his childhood to 2010.
