Juan Gómez de Mora Plaque

Did Juan Gómez de Mora ever imagine his legacy would be etched onto a plaque, right here in Madrid? Before you stands the Juan Gómez de Mora Plaque, a testament to a man who shaped the very fabric of this city. This plaque marks the spot where his home, the Casa de las Matemáticas (House of Mathematics), once stood. He resided here from 1614 to 1648, a period brimming with architectural ingenuity. Juan Gómez de Mora wasn’t just any resident; he was the Royal Architect and Master Builder of Madrid. Born in 1586, his path was paved by his father, a painter in the court of Philip II. Young Juan grew up amidst the artistic fervor of Madrid and El Escorial, immersing himself in mathematics and architecture. He served Philip III as Master of Works and Palace Quartermaster, embarking on significant projects like the Royal Monastery of San Gil and the Royal Monastery of la Encarnación. His work extended to transforming the Royal Treasury, modernizing the Alcázar, and designing the Royal Chapel of Atocha. In 1615, his appointment as Master Builder of Madrid marked a turning point for the city. He juggled municipal duties with prestigious commissions, including the Palace of the Duke of Uceda and the Convent of the Capuchins of El Pardo. His reach extended across the Atlantic, with projects for the cathedrals of Mexico City and Puebla de los Ángeles. In 1617, he redesigned the Plaza de la Cebada and received royal commissions for the Pantheon of Kings at El Escorial and the iconic Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Though his influence waned under Philip IV, he continued to contribute significantly. He designed ephemeral architecture for the canonization of San Isidro and began work on the Casa Consistorial (City Hall) and the Court Prison of Madrid around 1629. The fire of 1631 that ravaged Plaza Mayor provided him another opportunity to showcase his expertise. He later designed the Church of San Antonio de los Portugueses, the facades of the Pardo Palace, the Chapel of San Isidro, the Royal House of Zarzuela, and renovated the Torre de la Parada under Philip IV’s direction. Even in his later years, Juan Gómez de Mora remained active, undertaking the Royal Colleges of Santa Isabel and Loreto, the House of the Marquis of Leganés, and continuing work on the Royal Sites. His prolific career ended with his death in Madrid in 1648. This plaque, situated near the site of his former home, reminds us of Juan Gómez de Mora’s indelible mark on Madrid’s cityscape.