“Where history and beauty come together, Castillo Bil Bil weaves the stories of the past into the magnificent tapestry of the present.”

A Stage for Culture

The Department of Culture organizes numerous events at Castillo El Bil-Bil every year. Concerts, exhibitions, and conferences take place in this atmospheric setting. The central courtyard can accommodate a hundred visitors, making it an ideal location for live performances and gatherings. The exhibition spaces are specially designed to showcase artworks at their best.

In addition to regular exhibitions, two national painting competitions are held annually: the National Drawing Contest Felipe Orlando and the Watercolor Contest 'Ciudad de Benalmádena'. These competitions promote the visual arts and provide a platform for artists from all over Spain.

From Summer Residence to Cultural Center

The history of Castillo El Bil-Bil dates back to 1930 when the Hermann family commissioned architect D. Enrique Atencia to design a unique summer home. Inspired by Islamic architecture, Atencia incorporated Neo-Mudéjar and Neo-Arabic styles into the design. During the Spanish Civil War, the Hermann family left Spain, and in 1937, the house was acquired by the American Schestrom family, who used it as a private residence for thirty years.

Years of Neglect and Restoration

In the late 1970s, the building was sold to Belgian Gerard Saintmoux, who neglected it for years. Its proximity to the sea accelerated its deterioration. In the 1980s, the municipality of Benalmádena purchased the castle, and under the leadership of Mayor D. Enrique Bolín, it was restored and transformed into a cultural center. The last renovation in 1994, co-financed by the Andalusian region, ensured the building was preserved and made accessible to the public.

The Origin of the Name El Bil-Bil

According to tradition, the name El Bil-Bil is a reference to the initials of the original owners: Elsa (EL), William (BIL), and their son William. During the 1994 renovation, the surrounding wall was removed, giving the building an open and inviting character that perfectly complements the Benalmádena promenade.