Casa Carmona: A Neoclassical Gem in La Serena

Casa Carmona, located at the corner of Balmaceda and Amunátegui streets in La Serena, is a significant example of the city's 19th-century neoclassical architecture. Constructed in 1855 by English master carpenter Thomas James for Arturo Cousiño, the house reflects the prosperity brought by the silver mining boom in the region.The building's design incorporates adobe construction with wooden walls and partitions. Its long, one-story facade creates a continuous street front, behind which the house is organized around two interior patios. Neoclassical ornaments adorn the facade, including moldings and cornices. A notable feature is the two-tiered tower, with a square base and an octagonal upper level, complete with an exterior corridor.Throughout its history, Casa Carmona has had several owners. In 1880, the Galleguillos family acquired the property, later selling it to Gregorio Carmona, a wealthy local farmer, in 1890. The house remained in the Carmona family until 1968 when Aurora Carmona de Woodward donated it to the Salesian Priests of La Serena. The house was declared a National Historical Monument on February 12, 1981. Casa Carmona marks the transition between the old and new city.