The awesome Palace of the Duke of Uceda It is currently the headquarters of the General Captaincy. It is located at Calle Mayor, 79. It is also known by the name Palace of Councils. In the 18th century, the palace was acquired by the Crown, under the reign of Philip V, the offices of the Alcázar were moved there, and it was then called the Palace of Councils. In 1812, after the suppression of the Cortes of Cádiz, all the councils, except the State Council, were installed in the Palace.

It is a huge mansion located in the so-called Madrid de los Austrias and reflects the prototype of a Spanish manor house from the 17th century with baroque traces. There are doubts about whose project it was, although the architect was Juan Gómez de Mora, between the years 1608-1613.

The façade contains two neoclassical style portals with columns and, in its original design, it was given the appearance of a medieval fortress, with two towers with spires, following the line of the Alcázar, now disappeared.

It was built by the Duke of Uceda, Cristóbal Gómez Sandoval y Rojas, son of Duke of Lerma, and Mariana Manrique de Padilla, daughter of Mayor of Castile.

Of great relevance in the history of Madrid for occupying a privileged place. In 1901 it underwent a major renovation due to the adaptation of Bailén Street to join with the viaduct. For much of the 20th century the palace continued to be the headquarters of the Council of State.

Before the Civil War The Military Government and the Captaincy General of Madrid were established, a military institution that still remains in the Palace today.

It is still a Palace that is well worth stopping and devoting some time to it during our visit.

A abrazo.