Madrid is a city that boasts of a rich and diverse architectural heritage. The Spanish capital has witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations, each contributing to the city’s unique architectural style.
From ancient Roman ruins to modern skyscrapers, Madrid has it all. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of architecture that can be found in Madrid.
The Habsburg era
The Habsburg dynasty ruled Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, and their influence can still be seen in Madrid’s architecture. The Habsburg era is characterized by buildings with simple facades, ornate balconies, and beautiful central courtyards. Some of the most famous buildings from this period include the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol.
The Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Built-in the 18th century during the reign of King Philip V, it took over 26 years to complete.
It has over 3,400 rooms and is one of Europe’s largest palaces. The palace features a mix of architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical elements.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is another famous landmark from the Habsburg era. It was built-in 1619 during King Philip III’s reign as part of his efforts to modernize Madrid. The square was used for bullfights, festivals and public executions in its early days but now it serves as a popular tourist destination with many restaurants and cafes lining its perimeter.
The Bourbon era
The Bourbon dynasty took over Spain after the Habsburgs in 1713 and brought with them a new style of architecture known as ‘Herrerian.’ This style was characterized by clean lines, symmetry, and the use of red brick. Some of the most famous buildings from this period include the Buen Retiro Palace, Cibeles Palace, and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Buen Retiro Palace
The Buen Retiro Palace was built-in the 17th century as a summer residence for King Philip IV. It is now home to the Prado Museum’s contemporary art collection.
Cibeles Palace
Cibeles Palace was built-in 1904 and served as Madrid’s main post office until 2007 when it was converted into Madrid’s City Hall. The palace features a mix of architectural styles including Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau elements.
Modern Architecture
Madrid has also embraced modern architecture in recent years with many new buildings popping up throughout the city. Some of the most notable examples include Torre Picasso, Torre Europa, and Four Towers Business Area.
Four Towers Business Area
The Four Towers Business Area is a complex of four skyscrapers that were completed in 2009. They are among the tallest buildings in Spain and serve as a symbol of Madrid’s modernization efforts.
In conclusion, Madrid is a city that boasts of a rich architectural heritage with influences from various civilizations throughout history. From ancient ruins to modern skyscrapers, Madrid has it all. Whether you’re interested in history or modern architecture, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.