In the heart of Madrid, Casa del Escudo stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. This unassuming building, located on Calle Francos Rodríguez, near the Environmental Education Centre, holds a story more captivating than its simple exterior suggests. Casa del Escudo, “The House of the Shield,” earns its name from the city’s coat of arms proudly displayed on its upper section. This shield, a unique blend of history and myth, depicts a dragon, a civic crown, the familiar bear and madroño, and the seven stars of the Ursa Major constellation. The dragon harkens back to the mythical origins of Madrid, once known as Visevia, “place of the dragon.” The bear and madroño, forever entwined, represent the city’s more recent history. The civic crown, a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon, is a relatively modern addition, awarded to Madrid in 1822 for its heroism during the May 2nd uprising against the French in 1808. This shield tells the tale of Madrid’s evolution from a military outpost to a bustling metropolis. But the building itself also holds secrets. Casa del Escudo once served a crucial function in the city’s daily life. Until 1962, it acted as a fielato, a customs house. Here, goods entering Madrid, from wine and meat to other everyday necessities, were inspected and taxed. Imagine the hustle and bustle of merchants arriving at Casa del Escudo, their carts laden with goods, ready to pay their dues to the city. The fielato’s presence underscores Casa del Escudo’s importance in Madrid’s commercial past. Today, Casa del Escudo no longer regulates the flow of goods. Its role has shifted, its purpose transformed. It now serves the community through educational and occupational initiatives, a testament to the city’s ongoing evolution. The transfer of Casa del Escudo to the municipality in 1931 further cemented its significance to the people of Madrid. Its story reflects the city’s transformation and its enduring spirit.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to