Between traditional facades and bars where to order vermouth, stands the Palace of the Dukes of Santoña. A historical jewel hidden in the heart of Madrid that has been home to dukes, meeting place of the high society of the nineteenth century and today remains key to the heritage of the city.
Better known as Palacio de Santoña, it has a baroque style main entrance and an eclectic interior ranging from Italian Renaissance to French rococo, through the oriental style. A Madrid palace in all its essence, and located in the Barrio de las Letras.
What is the history of the Santoña Palace?
The life of this house-palace begins in the 16th century, when it was built. It passed through several noble hands, but it was not until 1874 when the Dukes of Santoña acquired it (hence the name of the building) and turned it into one of the major meeting points of Madrid’s high society. To the imposing baroque façade designed by Pedro de Ribera in the 18th century, they added another façade facing Huertas Street, a grand marble staircase and decorated the rooms with the taste of the time. Mural paintings by artists of the time have been preserved and still cover the walls and ceilings today.
The Santoña Palace was also the residence of José Canalejas, but since 1933 it has been the property of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which acquired it and established it as its Institutional Headquarters. It restored the facades in 1953, enlarged and renovated the building respecting the original style, and currently rents its more than 12 rooms for different events. A story worth telling (and seeing) that has made the Palace of Santoña an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1995.
What can you do in the Palace of the Dukes of Santoña?
The question with the shortest answer would really be: “What can’t you do in the Palace of the Dukes of Santoña? Thanks to the versatility of its halls and rooms, all kinds of plans can be organized in this Madrid palace: from exhibitions or conferences to fashion shows or filming. Of course, being the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, almost all these events are private and are not open to the public.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the Santoña Palace if you don’t rent its premises, as live music concerts are also held by candlelight, with Candlelight.
Curiosities about the Palace of Santoña
1. It was the Duke’s wedding gift to the Duchess
After his marriage, Juan Manuel de Manzanedo (Marquis of Manzanedo and later also Duke of Santoña) bought the palace and put it in the name of his wife, María del Carmen Hernández y Espinosa de los Monteros, as a wedding gift. Therefore, the duchess became the official owner of the property.
2. The King and Queen of Spain attended its inauguration as the official residence of the dukes and duchesses.
After buying it, the house-palace underwent a complete renovation of several years, conceived by the Duchess. She hired the best architects, painters, sculptors and craftsmen of the time to transform it into what became known as one of the most luxurious palaces in the capital after the Royal Palace. So much so that its inauguration as the official residence of the couple was attended by the then kings of Spain: Alfonso XII and Doña María de las Mercedes.
3. José Canalejas bought it for a quarter of its value.
After the death of Juan Manuel de Manzanedo, his natural daughter (born in Cuba from a premarital relationship), arrived in Madrid claiming her father’s inheritance. The palace belonged to the widow, so she was not going to inherit it. However, both were involved in a ten-year litigation that ended up being won by the daughter and that led the duchess to ruin and the seizure of the Palace of Santoña.
Finally the palace was auctioned and José Canalejas, one of the Duchess’ lawyers and future president of the Congress, acquired it in 1893 for a quarter of its value.
Is it possible to visit the Palace of Santoña?
Beyond the private events or concerts that are held, guided tours of the Palace of Santoña are currently suspended until further notice. However, visits are usually scheduled on specific occasions and dates, as is the case with the program ¡Bienvenidos a palacio!
Where is the Palace of Santoña?
The Santoña Palace is located in the central Calle Huertas 13, in the Barrio de las Letras. That is, a house-palace located in the most traditional Madrid, surrounded (and full) of history in the heart of the city, specifically in the district of Cortes.
How to get to the Santoña Palace?
The Palacio de Santoña is located in the central Barrio de las Letras, at Calle Huertas 13. A perfect location in the heart of Madrid that you can easily reach by public transport, getting off at the metro stops Antón Martín (line 1), Sevilla (line 2) or Sol (lines 1, 2 and 3).
There are also several bus lines with stops nearby (6, 26, 32, 50, 65). In addition, the Palace is just a few minutes walk from the center of Madrid, which makes it very likely that you have already met him by chance (or not) walking through this area.
The Palacio de Santoña is a house-palace located at Calle Huertas 13, in the central and traditional Barrio de las Letras. A situation that can be easily reached on foot from the city center or by public transport, both by subway and bus. It is one of those hidden treasures of Madrid with history on the outside and inside.