Palacio de Velazquez (Velazquez Palace), Madrid
Designed by Ricardo Vel谩zquez Bosco, this architectural marvel was built between 1881-83 for the National Exhibition of Mining, Metallurgical Arts, Ceramics, Glassware, and Mineral Waters. It stands today as the sole remaining structure from the exhibition.
The rectangular edifice boasts impressive features such as large glass panels and iron vaults, showcasing Vel谩zquez Bosco's remarkable design skills. The palace consists of three interconnected quadrangular sections, with a central portico serving as the entrance. This grand entrance features a magnificent marble staircase adorned with sphinxes and topped by a striking barrel vault made of zinc and glass. Complementing the central section, two quadrangular bodies with sloping zinc roofs complete the architectural composition.
The exterior of the palace is constructed using recocho brick from Zaragoza, resulting in a distinct appearance characterized by varying tones and subtle deformations. To enhance its aesthetic appeal, ceramic cladding from the reopened Moncloa Porcelain Factory was added, adorning the arches and spandrels. The combination of materials, including granite, brick, ceramic, stucco, iron, zinc, and glass, reflects the diverse range of construction materials prevalent in the 19th century.
On May 30, 1883, King Alfonso XII and King Lu铆s I of Portugal jointly inaugurated the exhibition housed within the palace, marking it as a significant event in Spain's history. Today, the palace serves as a temporary exhibition space for the renowned Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre, showcasing a variety of artistic displays.
The rectangular edifice boasts impressive features such as large glass panels and iron vaults, showcasing Vel谩zquez Bosco's remarkable design skills. The palace consists of three interconnected quadrangular sections, with a central portico serving as the entrance. This grand entrance features a magnificent marble staircase adorned with sphinxes and topped by a striking barrel vault made of zinc and glass. Complementing the central section, two quadrangular bodies with sloping zinc roofs complete the architectural composition.
The exterior of the palace is constructed using recocho brick from Zaragoza, resulting in a distinct appearance characterized by varying tones and subtle deformations. To enhance its aesthetic appeal, ceramic cladding from the reopened Moncloa Porcelain Factory was added, adorning the arches and spandrels. The combination of materials, including granite, brick, ceramic, stucco, iron, zinc, and glass, reflects the diverse range of construction materials prevalent in the 19th century.
On May 30, 1883, King Alfonso XII and King Lu铆s I of Portugal jointly inaugurated the exhibition housed within the palace, marking it as a significant event in Spain's history. Today, the palace serves as a temporary exhibition space for the renowned Queen Sofia National Museum Art Centre, showcasing a variety of artistic displays.
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Palacio de Velazquez (Velazquez Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palacio de Velazquez (Velazquez Palace)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
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Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Ernest Hemingway's Madrid Walking Tour
Amid the many writers who have expressed their love for Madrid, Ernest Hemingway is the one who did so quite famously. A recognized heavyweight of the 20th century literature - the author of The Sun Also Rises (1926), Death in the Afternoon (1932), The Fifth Column (1938), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) and The Old Man and the Sea (1952) - was a frequent visitor to the Spanish capital.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Souvenirs Shopping Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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