Articles written in English on Madrid’s history, as well as its artistic and architectural heritage, offer an insightful perspective for our international audience. These articles aim to explore and highlight the rich cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks of Madrid, from its royal palaces and churches to its iconic museums and hidden gems.
By offering content in English, we seek to make Madrid’s fascinating history and stunning heritage more accessible to those who may not speak Spanish, allowing them to discover the city’s evolution through various historical periods. These articles delve into the works of celebrated Spanish artists and architects, as well as the city’s development from its Islamic origins to the modern metropolis it is today.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about Madrid, our English-language articles provide valuable insights into one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, helping you appreciate its beauty, culture, and legacy.
At the beginning of Calle del Codo, in the heart of the Austrias district and adjacent to Plaza de la Villa, stands the door of the Torre de los Lujanes (Lujanes Tower). Framed by a horseshoe arch with stone voussoirs that still bear visible quarry marks, this door has traditionally been held to be the oldest in Madrid. Now, a study commissioned by the Real Sociedad Económica Matritense de Amigos del País (RSEMAP) has allowed us to clarify the veracity of this claim.
Every July 27th, in a quiet corner of downtown Madrid, a phenomenon takes place that has puzzled both the faithful and the curious for centuries: a small vial containing what is considered the blood of Saint Pantaleon seems to inexplicably change from a solid (coagulated) to a liquid state. This phenomenon occurs at the Monastery of the Incarnation and, for generations, many have interpreted it as a miracle. At the same time, it has sparked the interest of scientists and heritage scholars.
Located on the outskirts of Madrid, surrounded by the El Pardo forest from which it takes its name, this palace has served as a resting place for monarchs and as the setting for important political events. Today, it remains a significant symbol of the Spanish monarchy, in addition to housing a rich art collection and serving as a venue for official events.
The Origin of the Palacio de El Pardo
The history of the Palacio de El Pardo dates back to the 14th century, when the El Pardo forest was a popular hunting ground for Castilian monarchs. In 1405, Henry III ordered the construction of a royal house or small castle on this site, which Emperor Charles V replaced with a newly built palace between 1540 and 1558, designed by Luis de Vega, in the form of a square alcázar, with towers at the corners and surrounded by a moat. Philip II beautified it between 1563 and 1568 in the Italian style, with stuccoes, murals, and portraits of the royal family, mostly works by prestigious painters such as Becerra, Titian, Antonio Moro, and Sánchez Coello.
The 1604 Fire and Its Impact on the Palace
The 1604 fire was a disaster for Spanish artistic heritage. The flames destroyed almost five hundred valuable works, including paintings and other culturally significant pieces. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, some works managed to survive the flames, most notably Titian’s painting Jupiter and Antiope—also known as the Venus of El Pardo—which was a huge relief for Philip III. “If that painting survived, nothing else matters,” the monarch is said to have commented upon hearing the news of the tragic event.
After the fire, in which only the southwest tower survived, the palace was rebuilt by architect Francisco de Mora. After his death, his nephew Juan Gómez de Mora continued the work, completing the construction under the reign of Philip IV.
Subsequent Transformations and the 20th Century
Over the centuries, the Palacio de El Pardo underwent various transformations, constantly adapting to the new demands of each historical period. During the reign of Philip V, the monarch, drawn to the rugged character and serenity of the El Pardo natural surroundings, decided to make it the main residence of the court during the winter months and had the Royal Chapel built, integrated into the Palace. This choice reflected not only the desire to escape the bustle of the capital but also an eagerness to find in El Pardo a more intimate and suitable refuge for the cold seasons.
Philip V’s son, Charles III, was also deeply attracted to El Pardo, and his appreciation for the palace was such that he reestablished it as the main residence of the court during the winter. Under his reign, El Pardo underwent one of its most notable architectural transformations, with a significant extension that added a wing to the east, resulting in a new main façade facing south, along with a central courtyard that reorganized the vast space created.
The palace suffered significant damage during the Civil War, but after the conflict ended, it was restored and adapted to serve as the residence of the Head of State, Francisco Franco, who lived there from 1940 to 1975.
Legacy and Current Status of the Palacio de El Pardo
Today, the Palacio de El Pardo continues to be a prominent historical symbol of Spain. After Franco’s death, it was incorporated into the national heritage and opened to the public. Visitors can admire its valuable collection of paintings and tapestries from the 16th and 18th centuries, which decorate its walls, as well as the elegant furniture that accompanies it.
Its rich history, marked by the 1604 fire and subsequent transformations, makes the Palacio de El Pardo a testament to the political, cultural, and artistic changes in Spain over the centuries.
Websites Consulted
Museo del Pardo: Entry on the Palacio de El Pardo
COAM: Entry on the Palacio de El Pardo
Madrid has consolidated itself as an epicenter of global power, standing out not only as the capital of Spain but also as one of the most influential cities in the world. In recent decades, its international relevance has grown exponentially, transforming into a key engine of Europe, with an impact that extends beyond the continent. This city, with its cultural, economic, and political dynamism, is now a global reference, adapting and leading global change.
The houses and tower of the Lujanes, in the old Plaza de San Salvador, today known as Plaza de la Villa, are the main reference point for civil architecture in Madrid during the medieval period, as they are the only 15th-century palace-house that has survived in Madrid.
“This quintet represents the music that passes through the streets of Madrid at sunset, from the Ave María bell to the retreta… This piece is absolutely useless and even ridiculous outside Spain, as those who listen to it can never understand its meaning and the musicians cannot play it as it should be played“.
Luigi Boccherini