Story outline
-
Casa Barrientos
Casa Barrientos, was built 1864 by Don Ramón Barrientos in Izalco, El Salvador and stands as an architectural and cultural emblem of the region. Its design and symbolism vividly reflect the community's history. After 26 months of careful restoration, the house reopened its doors as a House for Culture in 2023. This restoration project, led by the Izalco Municipal government, received support from the U.S. embassy in El Salvador. More than just a building, Casa Barrientos symbolizes tradition, faith, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. -
Stop 1. Casa Barrientos and the town of Izalco
Located 55 kilometers from the Salvadoran capital, the town of Izalco has a history dating back to 1054 and was originally two distinct villages: Asunción Izalco and Dolores Izalco. Studying Casa Barrientos, offers insights into the town's history and highlights its significance to the community. -
Stop 2. Preserving History
The restoration of Casa Barrientos, which lasted several years, was a project led by the Municipal Mayor's Office of Izalco and had the support of the United States Embassy. This renovation, carried out using traditional techniques, involved the collaboration of the local community and experts in architectural restoration. Thanks to this effort, the structure was stabilized, and security systems, fire protection, and lighting were implemented. -
Stop 3. The Barrientos Family
On the main street of Izalco, Avenida Norte, stands a house built in 1864 by the Barrientos family. Originally from Spain, they played a pivotal role in shaping Izalco and influenced El Salvador's broader history. Some still recall the family's descendants living there just decades ago. -
Stop 4. Religious Symbols
Casa Barrientos, often referred to as the "second church of Izalco," is notable for its wide range of religious images and the clear devotion of the Barrientos family. Its numerous religious symbols and motifs, especially the intricately carved limestone blocks on windows and doors, reflect a complex symbolism. -
Stop 5. Main Doorway
Above the entrance, a limestone block bears the initials DRB (for Don Ramón Barrientos, the home's builder) and the year 1864, marking the house's construction. The door also carries marks from a dark chapter in 1932, when indigenous peasants rebelled against the regime, primarily armed with machetes. This event is known as "La Matanza" The Massacre. -
Stop 6. Entering Casa Barrientos
In the courtyard of Casa Barrientos, wooden doors framed by carved stone stand out. These doors, which now lead to offices and meeting rooms, were once the Barrientos family's bedrooms. Above them are religious symbols, and when you select a carved stone, a photo, text, or video is displayed explaining its meaning. -
Stop 7. A Center for the Community
Casa Barrientos is a legacy of memories. Locals reminisce about special moments lived there. If its walls could talk, they would tell stories of generations and celebrations. After being renovated, the community eagerly anticipates the next chapter of this house. -
Stop 8. A cultural legacy
We hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of Casa Barrientos. This place reflects Izalco's legacy. We invite you to discover it in person. We await you!
Voices
-
Mauricio Benjamín Bautista Arucha
Local Historian
Alcaldía Municipal De Izalco
Benjamin is currently Archivist of the Municipal Mayor's office of Izalco, he has been proudly studying the history of Izalco for many years. -
Sara Guadalupe Paredes Pérez
Restoration Architect
Arq. Paredes is a talented and visionary young architect from San Salvador. After graduating from the University of El Salvador, where she was among the first in the Jóvenes Talento program, Paredes Pérez led the restoration of the historic Casa Barrientos in Izalco, Sonsonate. -
Alicia Rebeca López Olmedo
Assistant for the Tourism and Culture Unit
Alcaldía Municipal De Izalco
Alicia is currently working at the recently opened Casa Barrientos Cultural Center -
Rodrigo Alberto Calvo Guerra
Internal auditor
Alcaldía Municipal De Izalco
Rodrigo Calvo has been an enthusiastic historian of the traditions and events that frame the Catholic Church in the Municipality of Izalco
Gallery
Partners
About the Project
Casa Barrientos, was built 1864 by Don Ramón Barrientos in Izalco, El Salvador and stands as an architectural and cultural emblem of the region. Its design and symbolism vividly reflect the community's history. After 26 months of careful restoration, the house reopened its doors as a House for Culture in 2023. This restoration project, led by the Izalco Municipal government, received support from the U.S. embassy in El Salvador. More than just a building, Casa Barrientos symbolizes tradition, faith, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Related Links
Credits
This Tapestry experience was created as part of the Community Heritage Exchange Initiative with support from the U.S. State Department. Special thanks to Néstor Guillén and the municipality of Izalco for their help in developing this experience.
Related experience
El Kurru & The Tomb of Tanwetamani (Opens in new tab) — A 2,500 year old tomb protected by the local community