Discover the Cake Frosting palace hidden in plain sight

Each time I stroll previous the nook of Calle Fernando VI and Calle Pelayo, I see folks cease of their tracks. They appear up, tilt their heads, and normally say the identical factor: “I didn’t know Madrid had buildings like this.”

Itet the Longory Palace.

If the remainder of Madrid is constructed with sturdy bricks and royal stone, this constructing appears prefer it was sculpted out of white chocolate or moist sand. It’s the most spectacular instance of Modernismo (Artwork Nouveau) within the metropolis, and it’s my favourite “hidden” landmark to indicate pals who suppose they’ve seen all the things in Madrid.

Why it’s a masterpiece

In-built 1904 by the Catalan architect José Grases Riera, the palace is all about curves. There isn’t a straight line in sight!

The Skilled Connection: Here’s a little secret to impress your journey companions: Grases Riera is similar man who designed the large monument with the lions on the Retiro Park lake. As soon as you already know that, you may see his love for grand, flowing designs everywhere in the metropolis.

Are you able to go inside?

That is the query everybody asks. The palace is at the moment the headquarters of the SGAE (the society for Spanish songwriters and artists). Whereas it isn’t a conventional museum with every day hours, it’s a dwelling cultural heart.

Insider Tip: As of early 2026, the SGAE has been internet hosting extra “Open Door” days and free exhibitions of their Sala Manuel de Falla. When you see a poster for a images or movie exhibit, go in! It’s your authorized “backstage move” to see the Imperial Staircase—a round masterpiece topped by a wide ranging stained-glass dome.

How one can spend an ideal “Inventive Afternoon” close by

The neighborhood surrounding the palace—often known as Justicia—is arguably probably the most trendy space in Madrid proper now. Right here is how I might spend a day after visiting the palace:

Deal with Your self at La Duquesita: Just some steps away is one among Madrid’s oldest and most stunning pastry outlets. It’s been there since 1914. Seize a croissant or their well-known sweets; the classic wood inside is simply as candy because the meals.The Romantic Escape: Stroll three minutes to the Museum of Romanticism. It’s a Nineteenth-century palace that feels just like the “Previous World” model of the Longoria. Don’t miss their Backyard Café—it’s the quietest place within the metropolis for a espresso.The Church of Santa Barbara: Take a stroll to the Plaza de las Salesas. The church there may be grand, pink, and completely gorgeous. It’s the place royalty used to go, and you’ll really feel that “Previous Madrid” class the second you see the monumental stairs.Greenery and Design: When you love vegetation, pop into Cacto-Cacto. It’s a store completely devoted to cacti, and it’s proper close to the palace. Even in the event you don’t purchase something, the storefront is an Instagram dream.

Why we love this route

At MadridAllIncluded, we expect one of the simplest ways to see the town is by wanting on the particulars others miss. The Palacio de Longoria represents the “insurgent” facet of Madrid’s historical past—inventive, flowing, and utterly distinctive.

Whether or not you’re an structure geek or simply somebody searching for a gorgeous avenue to wander, this nook of the town is the place Madrid exhibits off its inventive soul.

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