What is it?
The Palace of the Marquis of Salamanca, also known as the Palacio Nuevo, is one of the buildings visitors will find within the Gardens of the Palaces of the Finca Vista Alegre. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the historical gardens category, this space was closed to the public until May 2021, when it reopened its doors.
The gardens feature a charming mixture of different flower beds: some have been designed in the Romantic style, while some are geometric; some feature exotic plants, and others feature plants that thrive in the shade. There is also a manmade river, which begins at a charming little waterfall and winds its way to a hundred-year-old cedar, which, because of its dimensions (it stands 35m high, with a circumference of 5m), is included in the Regional Catalogue of the Community of Madrid in the Remarkable Tree category.
And, of course, there are also palaces and other outstanding buildings, such as the Palace of the Marquis of Salamanca. Construction began under the orders of Queen María Cristina in the nineteenth century using the foundations, walls and boilers from the warehouse of an old soap factory.
In 1859, José de Salamanca y Mayol bought the estate – hence why the palace is named after him, and not Queen María Cristina –, then refurbished it and commissioned the architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer to complete the work on the New Palace.
The portico of large columns brought from the Plaza de Oriente, as well as the imposing dome of the lobby, spectacular façades, grand entrance staircases, and private rooms adorned with paintings were added to create the right atmosphere to house the marquis’s collection of antiques and art.
How do I get there?
Located in the neighbourhood of Carabanchel, the Gardens of the Vista Alegre Estate Palaces are one of Madrid’s less famous green spaces. Enter via the Puerta Real gate at 179 on Calle General Ricardos. You can take metro lines five or six, getting off at Carabanchel, Oporto or Vista Alegre, or the number 34, 35 and 247 bus.
Can I visit for free?
Entrance to the gardens is free until capacity (300 people) is reached, with no need to buy tickets in advance. While walking through the gardens, you will find signs with QR codes providing information about the buildings and other notable elements to be discovered on your visit.
It’s important to note that this itinerary does not include the palaces and buildings, as they are undergoing restoration. As the restoration works are completed, they will gradually be opened to the public.
It is possible to take self-guided tours for groups of up to 25 people without needing a reservation. It is recommended to visit from Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays. Additionally, guided tours are available for groups on Fridays (excluding holidays).
Please note food, drinks, bikes, roller skates, animals, and balls are not permitted.
When can I visit?
The Vista Alegre Gardens are open daily. From November to February, and in the final week of October, visiting hours are from 9am-6pm; in March and the rest of October, 9am-7pm; in April and September, 9am-8pm; and from May to August, 9am-9pm. Access to the estate ends 15 minutes before closing time.
The history of the Gardens of the Vista Alegre Estate Palaces
Today, they are known as the Gardens of the Vista Alegre Estate Palaces, but they were previously known as the Carabancheles, a place of leisure and recreation for the nobility and bourgeoisie in the eighteenth century.
There must have been something about the area that attracted the upper class, because in 1832, María Cristina of Bourbon decided to buy a public establishment in the area and, later, several further properties. In the following years, she ordered the construction of buildings, the modification of existing ones, the creation of gardens, and the planting of thousands of trees and shrubs to shape paths. There were many fountains, and she even requested a navigable, manmade river. The New Palace was also part of these plans.
Later, the queen was exiled and the land was transferred to her daughters, before María Cristina’s eventual return to Spain. The troubles didn’t end there, and the property was threatened with being divided up before a general loss of interest in the estate led to its abandonment and gradual deterioration. Finally, it was sold to José de Salamanca y Mayol, Marquis of Salamanca.
He was the one who undertook renovations and repairs and completed the construction, turning the place first into a venue for parties and celebrations, and finally into his residence until his death in 1883. His heirs sold the land to the state, and it was later used for charitable purposes.
Translated by Olivia Simpson