Zurbano Palace

In the heart of the Chamberí district of Madrid, the Palacio de Zurbano represents one of the most refined examples of neoclassical architecture in the Spanish capital. Built between 1878 and 1881 commissioned by the Count of Muguiro, the building was designed by the architect Severiano Sainz de la Lastra, a prominent name in Madrid architecture at the time. Originally conceived as a private residence, the palace is also known as the “Hotel del Conde de Muguiro” and later as the “Palacio del Marqués de Casa Riera”. The facade of the Palacio de Zurbano is a perfect example of sober neoclassical elegance. The building is developed on a cubic plan, with decorative details that include a combination of stone and bricks, while the main facade is enriched by a neoclassical portico added during the expansion works of 1920. This renovation, commissioned by Gonzalo de Mora, Marquis of Casa Riera, gave the palace an even more imposing and refined appearance, integrating elements of neo-rococo style that added an additional level of opulence to the building. The interior of the palace is equally fascinating. On the ground floor, the atrium and the main staircase represent one of the focal points of the building. The double-branch staircase, added during the 1920 renovation, is decorated with stuccoes and frescoes that reflect French and Italian artistic influences. The rooms on the noble floor include the Salón de los Continentes, the Salón de las Abejas, and the Salón de la Rotonda, each decorated with frescoes by Arturo Mélida, a renowned painter and illustrator of the time. These frescoes, which had been covered during subsequent modifications, were restored in the 1990s, bringing back the original magnificence of the decorations. The palace is surrounded by a garden that, although reduced compared to the original, still maintains a special charm today. Before the 1920 renovation, the garden included a large metal and glass greenhouse, along with structures for stables and other service buildings. Currently, the garden is an ornamental space enriched by boxwood hedges, laurels, wisteria, ivy, agapanthus, and a central fountain, offering a quiet and green retreat in the heart of the city. The history of the Palacio de Zurbano is closely linked to that of Spanish nobility and politics. After the death of the Count of Muguiro, the property passed to the Marquis of Casa Riera, who made it his main residence. During the period when the Marquis and his family lived in the palace, it became a center of social and cultural life, hosting numerous events and receptions. The Marchioness of Casa Riera, in particular, was known for her refined taste and love for the arts, which was reflected in the care and beauty of the internal decorations of the palace. In the 20th century, the palace was purchased by the Spanish state and in 1986, it became the headquarters of the Centro de Estudios Históricos de Obras Públicas y Urbanismo, under the Ministry of Development. This new function has allowed the building to be preserved and maintained in excellent condition, using it for official events and cultural activities. The interiors of the palace, including period furniture and decorations, have been restored to maintain their historical appearance, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and elegance of Spanish neoclassical architecture. An interesting anecdote concerns the birth of Fabiola de Mora y Aragón, future Queen of Belgium, who was born in the Palacio de Zurbano in 1928. This event highlights the historical and social importance of the palace, which has seen figures of great relevance pass through its rooms.