Picture a time. It is the early 1900s. Carabanchel is a rural town. Wealthy people from Madrid have noble mansions here. Now look at the Colonia de la Prensa. It is an art nouveau gem hidden in Carabanchel.
The Colonia de la Prensa was built for writers and journalists. They formed the “Los Cincuenta” professional association. The Colonia de la Prensa was designed by Felipe Mario López Blanco. Construction took place between 1913 and 1916. The Colonia de la Prensa aimed to develop the land between Upper and Lower Carabanchel.
In 1910, a group called The Fifty wanted affordable houses. They used the Affordable Houses Law of 1911. This law helped Spaniards with limited means. The group became the Colonia de la Prensa Cooperative Beneficial Association. Its purpose was to build affordable housing.
King Alfonso XIII laid the first stone in 1913. By 1915, the unique gate was erected. It became an emblem of the colony. The gate shows the artistic passion that created this modernist complex. It was a residential area for journalists, writers, and poets.
The gate is architecturally interesting. It stood at the beginning of Mediodía street. A tram used to stop here. The gate acted as a telephone booth. It also stopped the tram. The main entrance was at 61 and 63 Calle Eugenia de Montijo. You can still see the spectacular entrance. It features two modernist control post turrets.
Originally, there were 65 chalets with gardens. Now, most of the colony’s houses are gone. But if you cross the gate and walk to Rodríguez Lázaro street, you can still see 10 houses. The gate still stands.
The Colonia de la Prensa was once a beautiful colony of modernist design. It was a place for the press to relax. It boasted many small hotels and gated houses. Now, the Colonia de la Prensa is falling into disrepair. Many houses show damage and peeling paint.
But the Colonia de la Prensa is still beautiful to explore. Some villas are exquisitely preserved. They hold onto the vibrancy of the past. The contrast between lively villas and worn-down buildings creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Modernist details are visible throughout the colony. Look for ceramics, wrought enclosures, and gates. Also notice the steeples and statues. The passage of time is noticeable here. Upkeep is lacking. The colony’s beauty is starting to fade. But the rich history is still visible.
Explore the Colonia de la Prensa. Experience this once great colony. Share the word of this beautiful place. See it before its modernist details fade completely. The beauty remains but is haunted by deterioration. Capture the atmosphere with your camera. Share it with your friends and family.