House of America

The Casa de América, located in the majestic Palacio de Linares in Madrid, represents a cultural bridge between Spain and Latin America. This sumptuous palace, located in the central Plaza de Cibeles, was built between 1877 and 1900 by architects Carlos Colubí, Adolf Ombrecht, and Manuel Aníbal Álvarez, to become the residence of the Marquis of Linares. The French neo-Baroque facade and opulently decorated interiors reflect the luxury and elegance of the time. The palace is an extraordinary example of 19th-century architecture, with decorations including tapestries from the Real Fábrica, crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and precious woodwork. In 1976, the palace was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, thus avoiding its demolition. In 1991, the City of Madrid purchased it with the intention of creating the Casa de América, inaugurated in 1992 on the occasion of Madrid being named Cultural Capital. This cultural center promotes ties between Spain and Latin American countries through a rich program of cultural events: exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and film screenings that explore current themes, history, politics, economy, and art. One of the most intriguing features of the Palacio de Linares is the legend of the ghost of Raimundita. According to the myth, the ghost of the Marquis’ daughter, born from an incestuous relationship, still haunts the palace’s rooms today. This macabre story has fueled popular imagination and attracted the attention of television programs dedicated to the paranormal. Guided tours, available on weekends, offer the opportunity to explore not only the splendid interiors of the palace but also to listen to fascinating and ghostly tales that enrich the experience. The palace’s garden, a true green refuge in the heart of Madrid, now houses a restaurant called Raimunda, in homage to the legend of the young ghost. This space offers a relaxing environment for lunches, dinners, and moments of relaxation, complementing the cultural offer with a gastronomic touch. The restoration of the palace was entrusted to architect Carlos Puente, who managed to preserve the historical elegance of the building while integrating modern structures such as an underground auditorium. This balance between past and present makes the Casa de América a significant example of how historic buildings can be adapted to contemporary cultural needs without losing their original charm. The palace’s location, overlooking some of Madrid’s main arteries such as Calle de Alcalá and Paseo de Recoletos, makes it easily accessible and part of an urban context rich in attractions. Nearby are other important cultural sites such as the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which complement the cultural offer of the neighborhood.