Where Did Franco Live in Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re interested in the history of Madrid during the Franco era, one of the things you may be curious about is where Franco himself lived while he was in power. While there were a few different residences that he used throughout his time as Spain’s leader, there are two that are particularly noteworthy.

El Pardo Palace

The first of these residences is El Pardo Palace. This palace is located in a small town just outside of Madrid, and it was used as Franco’s official residence throughout much of his time as Spain’s head of state.

El Pardo Palace is a stunning building with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has been used by various Spanish monarchs and other important figures, but it wasn’t until Franco came to power that it became closely associated with the Spanish government.

While living at El Pardo Palace, Franco would often hold meetings with his advisors and other government officials. He also used the palace to host foreign dignitaries who were visiting Spain on official business.

The Torre de Madrid

Another residence that Franco used during his time in power was the Torre de Madrid. This skyscraper is located right in the heart of Madrid, and it served as Franco’s personal residence for several years.

The Torre de Madrid was completed in 1957, just a few years after Franco took power in Spain. At the time, it was one of the tallest buildings in Europe and quickly became an iconic fixture on Madrid’s skyline.

Franco lived on one of the top floors of the building, which offered sweeping views over the city below. He reportedly enjoyed spending time on his balcony, watching parades and other events taking place in the streets below.

Conclusion

While there were certainly other residences that Franco used during his time as Spain’s leader, these two are some of the most well-known and important. Whether you’re interested in the history of Madrid or just want to learn more about Franco’s life and legacy, taking a closer look at these two residences is a great place to start.