Palace of Abrantes

The Palace of Abrantes, located in the heart of Madrid, precisely at number 86 Calle Mayor, is an example of historical architecture that encapsulates centuries of Spanish history and culture. Built in the 17th century, this building has undergone numerous transformations and has hosted a variety of institutions and illustrious figures throughout its existence. The construction of the palace began in 1653 commissioned by Juan de Valencia el Infante, a high official of the Spanish court. The project was entrusted to the architect Juan Maza, who designed an imposing building with two corner towers that gave the palace a majestic and defensive appearance. This style reflected the importance and prestige of its owner. The palace then passed to different owners, including members of the nobility such as Antonio de Valdés y Osorio and the Marquis of Alcañices. In 1842, the palace was purchased by the Dukes of Abrantes, who commissioned a significant renovation to the architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel. This renovation, completed between 1844 and 1845, transformed the building by adding distinctive architectural elements such as new balconies and an imposing entrance gate, giving the palace a more modern and refined appearance. This restoration not only improved the aesthetics of the palace, but also made it more functional for the needs of the time. During the 19th century, the palace was home to important institutions. In 1874, it became the headquarters of the newspaper “La Correspondencia de España”, one of the main newspapers of the time. This role as an editorial headquarters continued until 1888, when the building was sold to the Italian government. From that moment, the palace served as the Italian embassy in Madrid until 1939. The history of the palace was not without turbulence. During the Spanish Civil War, the Palace of Abrantes was used by the Italian contingents of the International Brigades and suffered some damage due to fighting near the building. After the war, the Italian embassy was transferred to the Palace of the Marquis of Amboage, and the Palace of Abrantes became the headquarters of the Italian Institute of Culture, a role it still maintains today. The Italian Institute of Culture uses the palace for a variety of cultural activities, including exhibitions, conferences, film screenings, and concerts. The building itself is a place of great charm, with richly decorated interiors and a magnificent central staircase that ends with a large skylight, allowing natural light to illuminate the entire space. Additionally, the building houses a library and a cafeteria, making it a center of cultural and social life for the Italian and international community in Madrid.