Beneath imposing walls, lies a history of power of the Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero. Today we stand before this palace. It is a silent witness to Madrid’s evolving story.
The Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero was built between 1911 and 1913. It sits on land formerly occupied by the Royal Tapestry Factory. This factory stood near the Puerta de Santa Bárbara. This is now known as Plaza de Alonso Martínez.
Josefa Fernández Durán y Caballero commissioned the palace. She was the widow of the Count of Adanero. She lived in the palace of the Marquis de Perales. Joaquín Saldaña was the initial architect. However, Mariano Carderera completed the work due to Saldaña’s limited availability.
The Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero embodies Madrid’s eclectic architectural style of the early 20th century. The palace features a unique layout. It includes a semi-basement for staff quarters. In 1915, the countess employed an English governess and nine servants. Her son, the titular count, lived on the second floor. He resided there with his wife and two children. The Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero also includes three floors, an attic, and two hidden mezzanine levels. These were the primary residence of the owner. Additionally, there were two duplex apartments for her sons.
In 1941, the palace was sold to the State. From 1979 to 1980, it briefly housed the Ministry of Territorial Administration. Since then, it has been a Madrid headquarters for the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Territorial Policy. It houses services related to the Secretary of State for Public Function. Since May 2024, it houses the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory. It also houses the Undersecretariat of that same department.
The Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero has a complicated interior distribution. It was designed as a detached “hotel” with a garden. The semi-basement housed the service staff. The countess had an English governess and nine servants in 1915. Her son lived on the second floor with his family and six servants. The upper floors include the family’s main residence. There are also two duplex apartments for two of her sons.
During the Civil War, the Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero served as a storage space for valuable confiscated items. It is said that Dolores Ibárruri had her office in this building.
The palace is considered one of Madrid’s best-preserved palaces. Its grand staircase is particularly striking. It is spacious and bright, possibly featuring a stained-glass window by Casa Maumejean. The marble staircase has an iron balustrade and curved steps.
Today, the Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero stands as a testament to Madrid’s architectural and political evolution. It is a reminder of the families and figures who shaped the city. The Palacio de la Condesa de Adanero is now a government building. Its walls echo with the whispers of history.