The Cultural Center of the Armies, popularly known as Military Casino It was built by the architect Eduardo Sánchez Eznarriaga in 1916 (this architect also built the theaters Calderon -ancient Odeon-, Alcazar y Beatriz), coinciding with the inauguration of the first section of the Gran Vía, then included between Alcalá Street and Red de San Luis and which was named Avenida del Conde de Peñalver.

With an indeterminate style, between modernism and classicism, a style that came to be called Alfonso XIII in line with French Art Nouveau. The building has facades facing Gran Vía and Clavel and Caballero de Gracia streets. Its original visor stands out at the entrance, located on Gran Vía 13 street, an iron and glass canopy that covers access to the interior. It has some splendid leaded stained glass windows from the famous Maumejean house.

Alfonso XIII inaugurated the property on November 16, 1916 and signed his signature in the golden book of the Cultural Center.

Highly recommended is its restaurant where we can enjoy the menu of the day (only open for midday meals) in a very particular atmosphere, with great views if you are lucky enough to be next to a window since it is located on the second floor. . Just going up the stairs gives us an idea of ​​the value of the whole.

They have a fencing hall, which is said to be the oldest in Europe, fencing courses are taught here.

But the Casino's treasure is its imposing library, specialized in military topics. It has thousands of specimens, many of them from the 1487th and XNUMXth centuries, and even has an incunabulum, dated XNUMX.

One more curiosity, above the door a small shield with the old Latin adage IF YOU WANT PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR : which we can translate as: “If you want peace, prepare for war.” It comes from an ancient Roman text, Epitoma rei militaris, written by Flavius ​​Vegetius at the end of the 4th century AD. Unfortunately it seems that it is still valid. When you pass by Gran Vía, be sure to stop to enjoy this unique space.

A abrazo.