Palace of the Councils

The Palace of the Councils, also known as the Palace of the Duke of Uceda, is one of the most fascinating historical buildings in Madrid. Located at number 79 Calle Mayor, this baroque palace is a significant example of noble architecture from the 17th century in the Spanish capital. Its construction, started in 1613 and completed in 1625, was commissioned by Cristóbal Gómez de Sandoval-Rojas, the first Duke of Uceda and favorite of King Philip III. The original project was entrusted to Alonso de Turrillo and Pedro de Pedrosa, although some sources attribute the design to Francisco de Mora, the royal architect. The palace was conceived as a private residence for the Duke of Uceda, but its grandeur and resemblance to the Royal Alcázar of Madrid sparked criticism for its ostentation. The structure, built with a combination of bricks and stone, is organized around two courtyards of different sizes and features a facade decorated with Doric columns and curved and triangular pediments, distinctive elements of Spanish baroque architecture. In 1717, under the reign of Philip V, the palace was acquired by the Crown and became the seat of the main administrative institutions, known as the “Consejos Reales”. It was then that the building began to be called the Palace of the Councils. This change marked an important transition in the role of the palace, which transformed from a noble residence into a hub of administrative and political power in Spain. During the 18th century, the palace underwent further modifications to adapt to the new needs of the Bourbon monarchy. With the arrival of Charles III, the palace also housed the mother of Charles II, Queen Mother Mariana of Austria, who spent the last years of her life there. Her death occurred in the palace in 1696, an event that highlights the importance of the palace in Spanish royal history. In the 19th century, during the reign of Isabella II, the Palace of the Councils was once again renovated. During this period, the palace became the seat of the Consejo de Estado and the Capitanía General, two of the country’s most important administrative institutions. These functions have remained unchanged to this day, making the palace a symbol of administrative continuity and stability. From an artistic point of view, the Palace of the Councils presents a series of architectural elements of great interest. The facades, characterized by the sober elegance of Spanish baroque, are decorated with noble coats of arms and architectural details that reflect the power and wealth of its former owners. Inside, the palace houses reception rooms, offices, and courtyards that still retain the grandeur and formality of the past. Another interesting aspect of the palace is its strategic location in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, near historical monuments such as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. This urban context gives the palace a special importance, placing it in a historical and cultural fabric of great value. Over the centuries, the Palace of the Councils has hosted numerous significant historical and political events. During the Spanish Civil War, for example, the palace served as a military and government operations center and suffered significant damage from bombings. After the war, the palace was restored and continued to fulfill its role as an administrative center. An interesting anecdote concerns the construction of the Convent of the Most Holy Sacrament, founded in 1615 as an annex to the palace. Although the convent no longer exists, its church, now known as the Church of the Sacrament, has become the Cathedral of the Armed Forces, once again emphasizing the historical connection between the palace and Spanish religious and military institutions.