When Casa del Consulado opened in 1785, the Baroque structure housed the Maritime and Terrestrial Consulate. 100 years later, the House of the Consulate became headquarters for the Economic Society of Friends of the Country. Their continuous mission has been to promote local agriculture, industry and commerce. The top inscription on the marble relief above the door reads, “Deny the Lazy.” This National Historical Monument is the work of famed architect José Martín de Aldehuela. He is best remembered for creating Puente Nuevo in Ronda, Spain. The iconic New Bridge is a 323 foot span over the Guadalevín River.
