Every time I walk past the corner of Calle Fernando VI and Calle Pelayo, I see people stop in their tracks. They look up, tilt their heads, and usually say the same thing: “I didn’t know Madrid had buildings like this.”
Meet the Palacio de Longoria.
If the rest of Madrid is built with sturdy bricks and royal stone, this building looks like it was sculpted out of white chocolate or wet sand. It is the most spectacular example of Modernismo (Art Nouveau) in the city, and it’s my favorite “hidden” landmark to show friends who think they’ve seen everything in Madrid.
Why it’s a masterpiece
Built in 1904 by the Catalan architect José Grases Riera, the palace is all about curves. There isn’t a straight line in sight!
- The Expert Connection: Here is a little secret to impress your travel partners: Grases Riera is the same man who designed the massive monument with the lions at the Retiro Park lake. Once you know that, you can see his love for grand, flowing designs all over the city.
Can you go inside?
This is the question everyone asks. The palace is currently the headquarters of the SGAE (the society for Spanish songwriters and artists). While it isn’t a traditional museum with daily hours, it is a living cultural center.
Insider Tip: As of early 2026, the SGAE has been hosting more "Open Door" days and free exhibitions in their Sala Manuel de Falla. If you see a poster for a photography or film exhibit, go in! It’s your legal "backstage pass" to see the Imperial Staircase—a circular masterpiece crowned by a breathtaking stained-glass dome.How to spend a perfect “Artistic Afternoon” nearby
The neighborhood surrounding the palace—known as Justicia—is arguably the most stylish area in Madrid right now. Here is how I would spend an afternoon after visiting the palace:
- Treat Yourself at La Duquesita: Just a few steps away is one of Madrid’s oldest and most beautiful pastry shops. It’s been there since 1914. Grab a croissant or their famous chocolates; the vintage wooden interior is just as sweet as the food.
- The Romantic Escape: Walk three minutes to the Museum of Romanticism. It’s a 19th-century palace that feels like the “Old World” version of the Longoria. Don’t miss their Garden Café—it is the quietest place in the city for a coffee.
- The Church of Santa Barbara: Take a stroll to the Plaza de las Salesas. The church there is grand, pink, and absolutely stunning. It’s where royalty used to go, and you can feel that “Old Madrid” elegance the moment you see the monumental stairs.
- Greenery and Design: If you love plants, pop into Cacto-Cacto. It’s a shop entirely dedicated to cacti, and it’s right near the palace. Even if you don’t buy anything, the storefront is an Instagram dream.
Why we love this route
At MadridAllIncluded, we think the best way to see the city is by looking at the details others miss. The Palacio de Longoria represents the “rebel” side of Madrid’s history—creative, flowing, and completely unique.
Whether you’re an architecture geek or just someone looking for a beautiful street to wander, this corner of the city is where Madrid shows off its artistic soul.
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