El Abrantes Palace It is a palatial building from the 1655th century, built in 86, located at number XNUMX Calle Mayor. It is located in the heart of the historic center of the capital, the Madrid of the Austrias.
in 1652 Don Juan of Valencia the Infante , a nobleman who had a very special job, he held the unique position of “Senior Spy of His Majesty's Secret Council”, acquired five adjoining houses that were built in this area to build a mansion; The building very soon became the property of Don Antonio de Valdés y Osorio, knight of Alcántara in the reign of Philip IV. In 1669 the building changed owners again, it became the property of the Marquis of Alcañices, it changed owners several more times. It ended up being divided and rented in parts.
1842 is a key date, dukes of Abrantes They acquired the Palace and restored it, it is at that moment where the building takes on the physiognomy that it presents today and the name by which we know it. Political events forced the Dukes to get rid of the palace in 1874. The progressive senator Manuel María de Santa Ana bought it as the headquarters of the editorial office of the newspaper “La Correspondencia de España”.
The new owner of the newspaper, Ignacio Escobar, sold it to the Italian Government in 1888, which converted it into the headquarters of its Embassy. The Ambassador, Count Giuseppe Tornielli-Brusati and Baron Renzis di Montano, his successor, were responsible for restoring and beautifying the external facades and fitting out the interior. In the Spanish Civil War The building was the headquarters of the Italian battalions of the International Brigades.
In 1939 the Italian embassy moved its headquarters, and the newly created Italian Institute of Culture found itself with a splendid headquarters in the center of Madrid. Since then an Italian cultural island in the heart of Madrid.
Very close to the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, the church of the Italians and also the place where the anarchist Mateo del Morral attacked the royal wedding party Alfonso XIII as it passes through Calle Mayor.
A charming place.
A abrazo.
The new headquarters of the Italian embassy will also have its history... It is an imposing mansion on Velázquez Street. The bad thing is that you can hardly see it with so much fence.
Hello, yes, although a shorter story since the building dates back to the early 20th century, last year it was possible to visit it with a very interesting initiative from the General Directorate of Historical Heritage of the Community of Madrid: Welcome to the Palace.
A abrazo.
The new headquarters is called Palacio de Amboage and won the award from the Madrid City Council for the best construction in 1918.
I was lucky enough to be inside…intimerata ago! of years, but without a camera so I can't collaborate with the interiors of the palace. A shame!
Thank you very much for the comments Jezebel!! We will also include the Amboage Palace in our 365 days in Madrid.