828-669-8977
frontdesk@christmount.org
Rafael Guastavino
Architect, Engineer, Pioneer
Spanish building engineer and builder who immigrated to the United States in 1881.
Settling in Black Mountain, NC, Rafael was recruited to help in the design and construction of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, as well as the Catholic Basilica in downtown Asheville, where he is entombed. The ruins of his "Spanish Castle" still stand at Christmount.
Based on the Catalan vault, he created the Guastavino tile, a "Tile Arch System", patented in the United States in 1885, which was used for constructing robust, self-supporting arches and architectural vaults using interlocking terracotta tiles and layers of mortar. His work appears in numerous prominent projects designed by major architectural firms in New York and other cities of the Northeast. Guastavino tile is found in some of New York's most prominent Beaux-Arts landmarks and in major buildings across the United States. It is also used in numerous architecturally important and famous buildings with vaulted spaces.
Book a Guastavino Tour at Christmount!
Interested in walking where Rafael walked and seeing some of the things he saw? Then schedule a time to come take a tour at Christmount sometime soon. We offer self-guided tours around the property as well as Guided Tours with a Guastavino-enthusiast who will share stories, anecdotes, and fun facts from history. Tours can either be on foot or in a vehicle, depending on mobility concerns from your group. We accept tours for groups of 5 people to 55 people.
Tours must be booked through the Front Office of Christmount for scheduling purposes.
Call or email the office today!
828-669-8977
guest-services@christmount.org
Cost: A suggested donation of $10 per person is requested. These funds help offset the costs of maintaining the Guastavino ruins, signs, and educational amenities here at Christmount.
Guastavino
He, and later his son, installed the trademark masonry floors, ceilings, vaults, domes, stairs and acoustic products in churches, museums, railroad stations, state capitols, libraries, concert halls, government and university buildings, private homes, and highway structures. In all, his firm created nearly 400 structures in New York City.
