Rojo HaciendaI have often been asked about this location as it is almost impossible to find today if you do not know where to look as nothing is obvious about it. The location for the Rojo hacienda from “A Fistful of Dollars,” was actually a museum located in Casa de Campo in Madrid.
Sometime during the 1950s the Spanish government had “Pabellons” (Pavilions) built showing examples of the culture found in each region of Spain. An entire street filled with different buildings filled the area known as Casa de Campo (Country House). Many of these buildings were demolished in the1990s.
When I visited there in 2003 with Don Bruce and Marla Johnson the building used for the Rojo house was gone except for the wall which led to the wine cellar which was guarded in the film by big Mario Brega. We found the arches in place but the wooden doors had been removed and stacked around the corner. When we returned to the site in 2005 nothing remained. A restaurant covered the site and the remaining wall was now located inside. The restaurant is called La Pesquera which is located on Feria del Campo along with several other restaurants and shops.
That's great to know. I always learn something new at your blog. Enjoy your weekend. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith, glad to have you on board.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things about Spain, there are laws that old buildings can not be torn down. They can be added on to, or repaired but not torn down so you see a large variety of construction out in the country and villages. Since Leone and the other directors used these existing structures they are usually still there in one state of disrepair or another. It amazed me to find locations way out in the wilderness and I'd wonder why? I could imagine the crew saying to themselves "Sergio, Sergio why here?"
didn't know that, although i live in madrid, and very close to casa de campo! thanks!
ReplyDeleteby the way, it does not mean 'field of houses' but 'country house', as it was a royal hunting estate before becoming a public park :)
Thanks Homer, I used Babelfish for the Spanish to English translation. I've changed it to "Country House". Gracias.
ReplyDelete