Glimpse the grandeur of a bygone era at Palacio de Torres Arias. This historical treasure stands as a testament to Madrid’s aristocratic past. This palace and its surrounding estate offer a unique journey through time.
Palacio de Torres Arias dates back to the 16th century. King Philip II ruled Spain when it was built. Back then Canillejas was a historic town outside Madrid. Wealthy nobles built private villas here. The Palacio de Torres Arias served as both a recreational haven and a productive farm.
Over the centuries Palacio de Torres Arias has evolved. The Count of Frigiliana expanded the estate in the 17th century. He doubled its size adding a two-story palace caves and attics. The palace had a fruit room a hallway and a patio. A stone staircase led down to the gardens. Stables and garages completed the ensemble.
During the War of Succession the Archduke of Austria’s troops seized the estate. They used it as their residence. After the war the Counts made repairs and improvements. They planted new gardens. The dovecote was fixed. Vents were added to the water system.
In 1741 Francisca Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno the widow of the 7th Duke of Osuna acquired the estate. She renovated the palace and improved the agricultural operations. She invested heavily in the gardens and irrigation systems. This restored the estate to its former glory.
Later owners struggled to maintain the property. It passed through several hands including a convent and other nobles. In 1850 Manuel de Acuña y Dewitte the 10th Marquess of Bedmar bought the estate. He undertook a complete restoration. He expanded the gardens in a romantic style.
The Marquess added iron and glass stoves gazebos and meridian clocks. Ponds fountains and even a pistol shooting range were built. Stables barns cow houses and other agricultural buildings completed the picture.
At the end of the 19th century the estate came into the possession of the Countess of Torre de Esteban Hambrán. She was married to the Count of Torre Arias. The estate is named after this title today. The Counts preserved the estate. They modernized the house and added comforts.
Seeking to improve agricultural production the new owners built animal pavilions. They added stables for horses a dairy for milk production kennels for Spanish greyhounds and a chicken coop for exotic birds. A new neoclassical gate was built on Calle de Alcalá.
In 2012 the Countess of Torre Arias passed away. She agreed with the Madrid City Council to turn the estate into a public park. Today all citizens can enjoy it.
The palace we see today largely reflects the renovations by the Marquess of Bedmar. He sought to give it a medieval fortress appearance. The facades are red brick. The central body features a tower with a clock and spire. The old 16th-century tower is in the southeast corner.
The stables north of the palace were rebuilt in the 19th century. They resemble those of French chateaus. Outside the palace are the Head Gardener’s House and the House of the Guardian in the vineyard built in 1872. Other structures include iron and glass stoves camellia houses gazebos and a metal greenhouse. There is also a slaughterhouse a cow house and kennels.
The gardens and orchards of Palacio de Torres Arias have been documented since the 16th century. Inventories from the 18th century mention olive groves fruit trees and various ornamental trees. Today you can find many tree species shrubs and palm trees.
The estate has a productive garden with orchards vineyards and greenhouses. It also has a romantic landscape park with fountains a laundry room and sports facilities.
The original irrigation system is still preserved. It dates back to 1619. Water comes from underground galleries. These supply waterwheels wells fountains and pools through stone channels.
Palacio de Torres Arias stands as a reminder of Madrid’s rich history. It is a unique blend of noble estate and public park. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Imagine the lives lived within its walls.