Antigo Colexio dos Irlandeses (Former Irish College) - Pazo de Ramirás
17th and 18th c.
During the reign of Elizabeth I of England (16th c.), thousands of Irish fled to the continent due to the queen's political and religious persecution. The exiled Irish formed their own communities in several European countries in order to train priests who would be the future clergy of Ireland.
The college in Santiago was the second of five that were opened in Spain. The Jesuit Thomas White asked Felipe II for permission in 1603. The College continued until 1770, when it disappeared due to the expulsion of the Jesuits decreed by Carlos III.
From the first floor upwards, the façade features neoclassical elements, perhaps from an undocumented renovation at the end of the 18th or beginning of the 19th century; these include classical pediments on the cornice, urns and windows with curved lintels.
According to Eduardo Beiras García, author of the book “Lucas Ferro Caaveiro e a Cidade de Santiago de Compostela” (Ed. Caixa Galicia), the name now traditionally given to the building, Pazo de Ramirás (a title awarded by Alfonso XIII), does not seem to be correct. In fact, after the Jesuits in the 18th century, the building was occupied by the Marquis of Casa-Pardiñas, whose coat of arms now adorns the central façade; it also appears in the interior, supported by the lions at the foot of the large stone stairway.
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Antigo Colexio dos Irlandeses (Former Irish College) - Pazo de Ramirás
Antigo Colexio dos Irlandeses - Pazo de Ramirás
Antigo Colexio dos Irlandeses - Pazo de Ramirás
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