The work of Rafael Gónzalez Villar is a beautiful example of the type of stage or kiosk of the music so present in Galicia from the 19th century. It replaces another one from 1904 made entirely of wood. It was built in two phases: first the base around 1913 and then the temple with its characteristic roof was finished in 1927. It was planned with a double objective: functional as a place for the band to play and an ornamental one as a singular element of the square.
Did you know that the first meeting in Galician took place in the wooden box? It was given by Manuel Lugrís Freire on 6th October 1907 in an event organised by "Solidaridad Gallega".
Rafael Gónzalez Villar (1887-1941) was one of the best architects in Galicia. He studied in Madrid but all his work is in Galicia, especially in A Coruña and Betanzos, places where he was a municipal architect. His best known work is the Alfonso Kiosk in the Méndez Nuñez Gardens in the city of Madrid, another work to highlight is the Rialeda Villa in Oleiros. They are of his authorship in Betanzos:
- Jesús García Naveira Schools
- House of the People
- Reform of the Archive Building of the Kingdom of Galicia
- Alfonsetti Cinema Project (not completed)
- Plaza Hermanos García Naveira Banks
- Núñez House
- Electricity Factory
- Bandstand
- Plaque commemorating Manuel Naveira.
- Capitol Cinema