Antiguo Cuartel del Conde Duque


This grand former barracks dominates Conde Duque on Malasaña's western fringe with its imposing facade stretching 228m down the hill. Built in 1717 under the auspices of architect Pedro de Ribera, its highlight is the extravagant 18th-century doorway, a masterpiece of the baroque Churrigueresque style. These days it’s home to a cultural centre, which hosts government archives, libraries, the Hemeroteca Municipal (Spain's biggest collection of newspapers and magazines), temporary exhibitions and the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo.

On summer nights, one of the two large patios becomes an atmospheric venue for concerts; programmes for exhibitions and concerts are posted outside.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo

0.03 MILES

This rich collection of modern Spanish art includes mostly paintings and graphic art with a smattering of photography, sculpture and drawings. Highlights…

2. Palacio de Liria

0.1 MILES

This 18th-century mansion, rebuilt after a fire in 1936, nestles amid the modern architecture just north of Plaza de España as a reminder of the days when…

3. Plaza de España

0.26 MILES

This central Madrid square was being given a major overhaul when we last visited. They'll no doubt find room for the 1927 statue of Cervantes, alongside a…

4. Museo Cerralbo

0.31 MILES

The former home of the 17th Marqués de Cerralbo (1845–1922) – politician, poet and archaeologist – is a study in 19th-century opulence. The upper floor…

5. Palacio del Senado

0.4 MILES

Spain's Senate building, which dates to the 16th century, is imposing rather than beautiful. It's closed to the public.

6. Templo de Debod

0.43 MILES

Few people would ever guess that a 2200-year-old Egyptian temple exists in the center of Madrid. Yet the Templo de Debod is in no way a Vegas-style…

7. Convento de la Encarnación

0.52 MILES

Founded by Empress Margarita de Austria, this 17th-century mansion built in the Madrid baroque style (a pleasing amalgam of brick, exposed stone and…

8. Edificio Carrión

0.53 MILES

The eye-catching Edificio Carrión, on the corner of Gran Vía and Calle de Jacometrezo, was Madrid’s first pre-WWI tower-block apartment hotel. It is now…