 
        
|
|
The
HOUSE.
On July 10th, 2002, his Royal Highness, Prince Felipe,
inaugurated the house where Michael Servetus was born
in 1553. After a lengthy restoration (the house was almost
in ruins before), the inauguration of the house fulfilled
a long standing ambition of the Members of the Michael
Servetus Institute and the citizens of Villanueva de Sijena,
birthplace of Servetus.
The House of Michael Servetus is now a research center
which has become a reference point for all those wanting
to study Servetus’ life and works. It is also a
living monument to the memory of Servetus from which the
Institute spreads the values which inspired the life of
Servetus, and preserves them for future generations.
|
|
|
| |
 |
The
GROUND FLOOR.
Upon entering the house, visitors can contemplate the
hall which was typical of the houses that were owned
by the so-called “infanzones” (lower Aragonian
nobility). In this room, the floor (made of small cobblestones),
the wine and oil cisterns, and the natural fridge tank
have been carefully restored.The
old stall has been converted into the conference room
of the house. In this room the place to crush grapes
to make wine and the cistern have been preserved.
From the ground floor, a set of stairs leads us to the
former wine cellar, now converted into a projection
room in which visitors can watch a 20-minute video which
describes vividly and with great plasticity Servetus’
life and time.
|
|
| |
FIRST
FLOOR.
This
floor contains several panels with photographs and explanations
of Servetus’ life and works. They are organized
in such a way as to provide visitors with a detailed
introduction to Servetus’ life and times. On this
floor, visitors can also contemplate a reproduction
of a XVI Century chemical laboratory and a pharmacy.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| 
|
The
LIBRARY
On the first floor, we find one of the most important
rooms in of the House. The library of the Michael Servetus
Institute contains one of the most comprehensive collections
of documents, books and photographs related to Michael
Servetus and the Royal Monastery of Sijena. The Library
is open to all researchers submitting sufficient credentials
and showing an interest in studying Servetus’
legacy or the history of the Monastery of Sijena. Computer
facilities are available, including a printer and a
scanner.
|
|
| |
|
The
BARN
The
former barn is now a room used for exhibitions. When no
exhibitions of paintings are being held, visitors can
contemplate an exhibition of photographs related to the
Monastery of Sijena.
|
|
|
| |
|
Visits: Saturday, Sunday and holidays: from 12
p.m. to 2 p.m. from 4.30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. July and August: every
day from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m; weekends and banking days from 12 p.m.
to 2 p.m and 6:30 p.m to 8:30 pm.
Groups: contact with the Council of Villanueva
to schedule your visit.
City Council Tel.: + 34 974 57 81 37
Price: €2,50 /per person. Senior citizens
(retired): €2/per person. Children until 13 years old: €2/per
person. Primary Schools: Free. Groups of more than 15 adults:
€2/per person. |
| |
| Written
and translated by Sergio Baches Opi |
|
|
|
| |
July
10, 2002 was a remarkable day for the members
of the Michael Servetus Institute and the citizens
of Villanueva de Sijena.
His Royal Highest Prince Felipe de Borbón,
Prince of Asturias and Gerona, came to Villanueva
accepting the invitation of the Civil Council
of the town to inaugurate de house of Michael
Servetus after its restoration.His Royal Highnest
gave a warm and solid speech in the main square
of Villanueva and the authorities of the region
attending the event. Prince Felipe de Borbón
referred to Michael Servetus as a Spanish humanist
who left Spain to join the religious debate which
was taken place in central Europe, and who influenced
with his rational attitude the development of
science and philosophy.
|
|
|
After
this, His Royal Highness paid homage to Michael
Servetus by lying flowers in his statue. The Major
of Villanueva, Mr. Ildefolso Salillas, and the
President of the Region of Aragón, Mr.
Marcelino Iglesias, gave two welcoming speeches.
After the applauses of the public gathered in
the squared of Villanueva, his Royal Highnest,
accompanied by the local and regional authorities
and some members of the Michael Servetus Institute
headed out towards the Birth House of Michael
Servetus.
|
|
|
|
| |
| 
|
Once
there, he discovered in its façade a marble
table commemorating his visit and visited the
house showing great curiosity by the life and
works of Servetus and expressing his satisfaction
for the restoriation of the house.Once the visit
was finished, his Royal Highnest signed in the
Book of Honor of the City Council of Villanueva.
The Michael Servetus Institute gave to Prince
Felipe silver statue of Michael Servetus which
reproduces the statue placed in the square of
Villanueva. After
all these official events, the Civil Council of
Villanueva offered a drink to all those attending
the visit. Setting aside the protocol rules, His
Royal Highnest joined in the celebration, before
heading towards the Royal Monastery of Sijena
where he was received by the religious community
currently inhabiting the convent.
|
| |
The
Michael Servetus Institute wants to thank His
Royal Highnest for visiting us in this important
day for the Michael Servetus Institute. His presence
shows the special sensibility of the Crown towards
those areas of Spain which normally do not draw
the attention of the public administrations.
|
|
Written
by Sergio Baches Opi and César Calavera Opi - Translated
by Sergio Baches Opi
|
|
|
|
|
