Casa Gallardo, is one of the most representative and beautiful buildings in Madrid. Bystanders can see how each detail of the building is well maintained, such as its balconies with floral motifs as well as its turret and dome. Casa Gallardo is not just any building as its majesty and elegance do not go unnoticed. We cannot help admiring it when we walk by it.

It is regarded as one of the latest and most important modernist buildings in Madrid. We can highlight its naturalistic concept and the use of plant motifs as well as its winding and suggestive design which very often reminds us of a lady´s curves. Decoration is fundamental in this architectural movement, and the building is proof of this. Each single corner has been carefully designed so that nothing is left to chance. In our section Places with a lot of History, we wrote about Teatro Pavón. Today, we will visit Casa Gallardo.

A BUILDIND WHICH SEEMS ALIVE

Casa Gallardo was finished in 1914. The design had been carried out by the architect Federico Arias Rey who ended his academic education in Paris. This fact was crucial, as it greatly influenced his designs which were inspired by French architecture. This building is located in Plaza de España on the corner of Calle Ferraz. We must point out that, at first, this building was meant to be an important hotel.

The off-white façade is stunning and it forms a contrast with the black slate of the dome and rooftops. The characteristic modernist winding design can be seen in each balcony. This façade also has architectural elements of other styles such as Art Nouveau and Baroque. This makes it more dynamic conveying a feeling of movement. The black slates on the balconies attract our attention as they create a contrast with the off-white stone of the façade. Bystanders are always impressed by its decorative elements.

TWO FAÇADES OF THE SAME BUILDING

Casa Gallardo has two façades. One of them faces Calle Ferraz and the other one can be seen from Plaza de España. The largest of the two, faces Calle Ferraz and it strikes us because of its decoration with floral motifs which seem to be climbing up the balconies. This is very typical of French modernism which had a great influence in Madrid.

The main turret of the building has a great slate dome being also a viewpoint. The view can be seen from two places: one above and another one below. It is really a stunning place. Here, we can also see a large letter G which stands for the name of the Gallardo family, who are the owners of the building.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

In 1915, the Madrid city council awarded Casa Gallardo the prize of the best built house in Madrid. In 1997, 82 years later, the building was declared Site of Cultural Interest.

Picture 01: Choniron

Picture 02: Javier Gzz Zapatero

Pictures 03 and 04: Concepción Amán Orta

Picture 05: Someone 10x

Picture 06: Zarateman