Imagine commissioning a house a single-family home surrounded by gardens in Madrid back in 1878. That is precisely what Fermín de Muguiro the Count of Muguiro did. He tasked Severiano Sainz de la Lastra to create what we now know as the Palacio de Zurbano.
Welcome to the Palacio de Zurbano a traditional palace house. It stands proudly in Madrid’s Almagro neighborhood. But its story stretches far beyond its beautiful facade. Its name reflects its location on Zurbano Street. The Palacio de Zurbano has also been known by other names. These names reflect its changing occupants. It was once called Palacio del Conde de Muguiro and Palacio del Marqués de Casa Riera.
The land beneath the Palacio de Zurbano has its own intriguing past. It was once part of the Loinaz orchard. A French company Parent and Schaken bought this land. They were bridge-building specialists. They came to Madrid to construct the old Bailén street viaduct. This company started a real estate business. They divided and sold the land. This land stretched from Génova street to Almagro street.
Severiano Sainz de la Lastra designed the Palacio de Zurbano. He also co-designed the Bank of Spain. He started the construction for Fermín de Muguiro in 1878. Fermín was a prominent figure. He was the first Count of Muguiro. After Ángela Beruete’s death her heirs sold the property in 1919. Gonzalo de Mora the Count of Mora bought it for 750000 pesetas. He was also the Marquis of Casa Riera.
Between 1915 and 1920 Eladio Laredo expanded the palace. He doubled its size. This expansion reduced the garden. A terrace was added supported by four classical columns. This created a covered entrance. Fabiola de Mora y Aragón was born here. She later became the Queen of Belgium. A commemorative plaque marks this event. Her family owned the Palacio de Zurbano until 1986. Then it was sold to the State.
Between 1995 and 1996 the Palacio de Zurbano underwent a major restoration. It then became the headquarters of the Center for Historical Studies of Public Works and Urban Planning. The Consortium of Madrid European Capital of Culture used it briefly. Today the Ministry of Development owns the Palacio de Zurbano. It uses it for official events.
During the restoration Arturo Mélida’s paintings were recovered. These paintings were hidden beneath later decorations. The Palacio de Zurbano’s interior has a classical style. A double staircase stands out. It was built when the Marquis of Casa Riera owned the palace.
The Palacio de Zurbano’s design is more like a hotel than a palace. It has a cubic shape. The original entrance featured an iron and glass canopy. This opened to the garden. A gate and four granite pillars marked the entrance. The structure uses iron and solid brick. Granite accents the lintels and baseboards. Each floor has a distinct interior. The ground floor holds the lobby staircase dining room and ballroom. The upper floors contain private rooms and servants’ quarters.
The restoration uncovered Arturo Mélida’s paintings. These were in the Salón de los Continentes the Salón de las Abejas and the Salón de la Rotonda. Manuel de Azpiroz painted the new section. Arturo Mélida was a renowned painter and illustrator. He was a friend of the Count. He illustrated Benito Pérez Galdós’s novels. However the original furniture is not preserved.
Before the 1920s renovation the garden had a metal and glass greenhouse. It was larger and included stables coach houses and chicken coops. The renovation reduced its size. It became mainly ornamental. It complements the Palacio de Zurbano. Box hedges laurels wisteria and a central fountain decorate the garden.
The Palacio de Zurbano stands as a silent witness to history. It has transformed from a family home to a government building. Yet its elegance and charm remain. It reflects the changing tastes and fortunes of Madrid.