THE "SPIRIT OF THE HOUSE”

The so-called "spirit of the house" was reflected in a certain way of life built around personal responsibility, work, the pursuit of excellence, the cult of friendship and creative leisure, so that the private effort would have an influence on society. The chosen instruments to promote this spirit were field trips, sports, cultural visits and, in particular, the coexistence of different disciplines and their influence through personal contact.

The tutors and dons, a group of prestigious professionals, implemented the personal teaching system that was the essence of the project through the above-mentioned activities, course, lectures and practice in the laboratories. Among the professors who lived in the Residencia or visited it frequently were: Miguel de Unamuno, Juan Ramón Jiménez, José Ortega y Gasset, Ramón Menéndez Pidal, Manuel de Falla, Manuel García Morente, Blas Cabrera, Eugeni d’Ors, Eduardo Martínez Torner, Federico de Onís, and especially those who were residents during many years: Ángel Llorca, Ricardo de Orueta, José Moreno Villa, and the directors of the several laboratories.

The head of the blond athlete, found on the Acropolis in Athens and chosen as a stamp of its publications, became the emblem of the Residencia. He symbolizes its ideal comprehensive education, based on the dialogue between arts and sciences, between different generations, and between tradition and modernity.