“Magnificence thwarted” is the untold tale of the Palacio de Altamira. Standing here on Calle de la Flor Alta number 8, near Gran Via, this palace whispers stories of grandeur. It also speaks of royal jealousy. The Palacio de Altamira is more than just a building. It is a designated national monument since 1977.
Designed by Ventura Rodriguez in 1772, the Palacio de Altamira was intended for the Counts of Altamira. Imagine this area bustling with aristocratic residences. That was before the Paseo de la Castellana became the trendy place to be. The Palacio de Altamira once stretched grandly. It occupied an entire block reaching Calle de San Bernardo. Its facades faced Libreros and Marques de Leganes streets too.
Construction finally commenced in 1788. In September of the following year, a representation of the completed palace was presented to Charles IV. The king was celebrating his coronation. Legend says the king feared the palace’s magnificence. He worried it would overshadow his own palace. The royal palace was nearby. So, Charles IV allegedly hindered its progress. Only one bay of the original project was ever built. This amounted to 1344 square meters. Some say financial issues caused these changes.
The original design included a monumental staircase. It also featured two courtyards. One courtyard was to have French-style garden beds. A large oval floor chapel was also in the plans. Sadly, none of these elements materialized.
Later, in 1887, architect Mariano Belmas standardized the building’s aesthetics. He focused on the unfinished facade. By the 20th century, the interior became offices. These offices eventually closed. The palace remained deteriorated for over a decade.
A complex rehabilitation followed under Gabriel Allende Gil de Viedma. Since October 2005, the Palacio de Altamira houses the Istituto Europeo di Design. Imagine studying design within these historic walls.
One notable owner was Vicente Osorio de Moscoso y Ponce de Leon. He was the Count of Altamira and Duke of Sessa. He also held many other titles. He was a Grandee of Spain. His art collection was one of the first significant ones in Spain.
His 1861 will detailed his vast art collection. He bequeathed paintings by Goya and others to Queen Isabella II. These included works by Rubens and Velazquez. Some Goya paintings are now in the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Today, the Palacio de Altamira stands as a testament to unfulfilled potential. It is a blend of Baroque architecture and modern design. Its story is a reminder that even the most magnificent plans can be altered by fate. It is also influenced by royal whim. The Palacio de Altamira is now a place of learning and creativity.