Welcome to A Year Abroad! We have exchanged our normal life in Norway for an adventure in Spain. A country we are familiar with, but which we have only been to on holiday. This year we will live, reside and participate in everyday life and culture in Spain. Join us on our journey here on the blog and on Instagram!
A masterpiece of a house
My friend and I were going to visit the cave houses in Rojales, but none of them were open. On our way back to the car, we saw the top of a fascinating house. We didn’t really see what was special from a distance, but we knew it was something. A little further down the road, we found a sign pointing to “La Casa de las Conchas – a marvel unique in the world.” It was open to the public, and we thought it might be worth a look, so we walked closer. And what a sight!
Manuel Fulleda Alcaraz – the man behind the idea
This imaginative man was born in 1933 and has dedicated his entire life to providing for his family. He and his wife Consuelo López García had seven children, and he worked in many places to support his family. The 250 square meter house they settled in was originally a cement-clad house. When he was 51 years old, he decided to use the shells he had collected on the beaches to decorate the house. It started as a hobby, but developed into a fantastic project.
In 2013, Manuel fell ill and his project was put on hold. The couple received many offers to buy the house, but did not want to sell it. After some restoration, his son José Manuel Fulleda López opened the house to the public in August 2023. It is now a tourist attraction and a source of income for the preservation of the house.
A lesson in creativity and patience
For over 20 years Manuel collected shells and tiles, creating patterns and attaching shells to the house’s facade, railings and also interior walls and surfaces. He also added hand-crafted elements that he covered with shells, which makes the house even more magnificent! It is said that there could be as many as 1 million shells! The expression is fascinating, very special and amazing.
Just think of the patience and sheer dedication this amount of work required over time! He had a vision he followed, no matter how long it took. It is absolutely amazing!
Well worth a visit
The many hidden details in the house show Manuel’s magical ability to transform one of nature’s beautiful elements into a unique work of art. Whether you like fascinating things, amazing artwork, exciting photo opportunities or human history, you will find something in this house that captivates you. From shells in different colors and shapes, beautiful tiles and lovely patchwork to uneven floors, «statues» and light reflections.
It is well worth the 5 euros it costs to go in and look around. We were super fascinated by both the appearance and all the work that went into this piece, so if you are in the Rojales area – take a look at this unique masterpiece.
Read more: Valenciabonita.
We are constantly finding new exciting things and experiences. Ideally, we would like to experience everything, but that would be impossible! Feel free to follow us on our exploration of a new everyday life – under the Spanish sun.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get notified when I have published a few posts!