Notable Building sights in Madrid
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A
Antigua Estación de Atocha
In 1992 the northwestern wing of the Antigua Estación de Atocha (Old Atocha train station) was given a stunning overhaul. The structure of this grand iron-and-glass relic from the 19th century was preserved, while its interior was artfully converted into a light-filled tropical garden with more than 500 plant species (and a resident turtle population), in addition to shops, cafes and the Renfe train information offices. The project was the work of architect Rafael Moneo, the man behind the Museo del Prado extension and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and his landmark achievement was to create a thoroughly modern space that resonates with the stately European train stations…
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B
Calle de Cervantes 2
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616), the author of Don Quijote, spent much of his adult life in Madrid and lived and died at Calle de Cervantes 2; a plaque (dating from 1834) sits above the door. Sadly, the original building was torn down in the early 19th century. When Cervantes died his body was interred around the corner at the Convento de las Trinitarias.
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C
Antiguo Cuartel del Conde Duque
This grand former barracks dominates Conde Duque on the western fringe of Malasaña with its imposing, recently restored facade stretching 228m down the hill. A recent and massive clean-up of the facade has brought this imposing building back to life in a manner worthy of its local significance. Built in 1717 under the auspices of architect Pedro de Ribera, its highlight is the extravagant 18th-century doorway, which is a masterpiece of the baroque churrigueresque style. These days it’s home by day to a cultural centre, which hosts government archives, libraries, the Hemeroteca Municipal (the biggest collection of newspapers and magazines in Spain), temporary exhibitions…
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D
Casón del Buen Retiro
One of the few vestiges of the 17th-century Palacio del Buen Retiro, this somewhat austere building overlooking the Parque del Buen Retiro is run as an academic library by the Museo del Prado and, as such, is mostly closed to the general public. The only exception, and it’s an important one, is for the guided visits to the stunning Hall of the Ambassadors, which is crowned by the astonishing 1697 ceiling fresco The Apotheosis of the Spanish Monarchy by Luca Giordano. These visits can be arranged at the ‘Educación’ desk just inside the Puerta de los Jerónimos in the Museo del Prado. The remainder of the Casón del Buen Retiro has been renovated in a modern style.
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E
Congreso de los Diputados
Spain’s lower house of parliament was originally a Renaissance building, but it was completely revamped in 1850 and given a facade with a neoclassical portal. The imposing lions watching over the entrance were smelted from cannons used in Spain’s African wars during the mid-19th century. On the day that they were mounted outside the parliament building, one irreverent Madrid newspaper wrote ‘And what mouths they have! One might imagine them to be parliamentarians!’ It was here, on 11 February 1981, that renegade members of Spain’s Guardia Civil launched a failed coup attempt. Be sure to bring your passport if you want to visit.
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F
Palacio de Cristal
Hidden among the trees south of Parque del Buen Retiro's lake is the Palacio de Cristal, a magnificent metal and glass structure that is arguably El Retiro’s most beautiful architectural monument. Weekend buskers, Chinese masseurs and tarot readers ply their trades, while art and photo exhibitions are sometimes held here.
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