The year is 1765. A newly finished tombstone proudly proclaims it. Before you stands the Palacio del Infante don Luis. Its elegance is undeniable.
This magnificent neoclassical palace in Boadilla del Monte is more than just a building. It’s a testament to a prince’s ambition and a nation’s artistic spirit. The Infante Don Luis youngest son of King Felipe V and brother to Carlos III commissioned its construction. He cleverly used the project to overcome his financial woes. The palace replaced an older structure the Palace of the Two Towers. Ventura Rodriguez masterfully incorporated parts of the old into the new design. The resulting palace was completed remarkably quickly.
The Palacio del Infante don Luis served as the Infante’s main residence for over a decade. However this changed with his morganatic marriage in 1776. He moved to the Palacio de la Mosquera leaving this stunning palace behind. Yet the palace continued to resonate with history. It housed significant art collections including works by masters like Goya Rembrandt Murillo Velazquez and Dürer. These were owned by the subsequent Dukes of Alcudia and Sueca. These masterpieces are sadly largely lost now due to damage suffered during the Spanish Civil War.
The war left its mark on the palace. The building suffered considerable damage. Many artworks were destroyed forever. Despite the hardships it endured the Palacio del Infante don Luis was declared a National Monument in 1974. It was later acquired by the city council. Their plans involved establishing the European Institute of Higher Studies of Culture and Communication there.
Notice the elongated rectangular shape of the palace. Its main facade faces Northwest. The rear overlooks beautiful gardens. The construction materials are primarily red brick and stone. The stone is used for doorways pediments and bases. The roofs are covered in Arabic tiles. Two small towers crown the building echoing the original Palace of the Two Towers. They aren’t just decorative. They serve as light wells.
The exterior is relatively austere but the interior offers a different story. The chapel is opulent. The abundance of Corinthian motifs the use of marble bronze and stucco is breathtaking. Notice the intricate details like garlands angels grapes and flowers adorning the arches. These enhance the chapel’s decorative richness. This chapel notably houses the pantheons of several historical figures. The palace gardens are equally captivating. They show a clear Italian influence. They consist of a high garden and a low garden separated by galleries. These gardens once included three caves a pond a stone bridge and a Ferris wheel.
The Palacio del Infante don Luis stands before you a testament to history. A building that has witnessed remarkable moments. This place still shows impressive architecture and a rich heritage. A place worthy of exploration.