Learn the History of Casa Berrinche

 

Imagen histórica en blanco y negro de la Plaza del Altozano en Triana, Sevilla, con la antigua ubicación donde hoy se encuentra Casa Berrinche señalada en la fotografía.

HISTORY AND TRADITION of Casa Berrinche

The house, built in the 18th century and demolished in 1926, belonged to Don José Sánchez, known for his “bad temper.” It was an iconic spot for flamenco revelry in Triana and a stage for the songs of Cagancho. The current building, designed by José Gómez Millán, housed Casa Berrinche, Café Ideal, and later banking institutions such as Banco Hispano and BBVA.

Historical Facts Relevant     

The old house, described in contemporary writings as a dark and damp tavern, stood until the 1920s, when it was demolished during the remodeling of Altozano. Its name is attributed to the character of its owner, José Sánchez, and the place was a meeting point for artists, bullfighters, and the residents of Triana, where Cagancho sang his songs. Later, Casa Berrinche remained for years at different levels along the slope between San Jacinto and San Jorge, becoming part of the popular history of the neighborhood.

Various authors have documented the significance of Casa Berrinche in the memory of Triana. In 1970, Rafael Laffón recalled that tavern located between San Jacinto and San Jorge, marked by the slope of the square that left it almost sunken after the leveling. The site was also the scene of a notorious tram accident in 1912, when a convoy derailed and crashed into the building. The current structure, designed by José Gómez Millán, housed Café Ideal for many years, a meeting place for bullfighters, artists, and local residents. Its legacy has even inspired proposals for names honoring figures such as Manuel Cagancho, José Sánchez, or the popular characters of Altozano, symbols of Triana’s life and history.

Fotografía antigua en blanco y negro que muestra una gran inundación en el barrio de Triana, Sevilla, donde hoy se encuentra Casa Berrinche.
Espacio interior elegante y luminoso con detalles decorativos contemporáneos y ambiente acogedor, ideal para experiencias gastronómicas en Casa Berrinche, Sevilla, junto a la Plaza del Altozano.

Key People in Our History

  • El Ideal – in tribute to the café bar that Casa Berrinche succeeded.

  • Puente de barcas – for nearly seven centuries, it was the only bridge connecting Seville with Triana. A symbol of the neighborhood and part of the history of Altozano, it was crossed by workers heading to Berrinche.

  • Tafures – mule-drawn trams that ran along San Jacinto before the arrival of the electric tram, whose new level left Casa Berrinche buried beneath the slope.

  • Costillares – bullfighter who frequented El Ideal (appears in the few surviving images from the period).

  • Bizcoqui – owner of a famous establishment in Seville, patron of El Ideal.

  • Tribute to Ángel de Vela, during his lifetime. Much of the writings, photographs, and material about Berrinche are thanks to him and his books on Triana. A writer and scholar of the neighborhood’s history and traditions, he was born in La Cava de los Civiles in 1944.

The Importance of Jerez Wines

The wines from the Jerez region reflect the history and unique character of Andalusia. It is often said that there is a Sherry for every taste and occasion, thanks to its distinctive sensory qualities that set it apart and make it a product of great cultural and tourist value—one to which Casa Berrinche aims to contribute.

Their diversity (dry Sherries, fortified Sherries, and naturally sweet wines) allows them to be used both in cocktails and in cuisine, making them one of the most versatile products in the industry.

Thus, we incorporate Sherry wines into that tradition and history, which will serve as the guiding thread of our gastronomic offering at Casa Berrinche.

Vitrina iluminada con botellas de vinos de Jerez, destilados y copas en un ambiente elegante, reflejando la cuidada oferta de bebidas de Casa Berrinche, Sevilla, junto a la Plaza del Altozano.