commemorative plaque to Antonio Hernández Gil

The commemorative plaque to Antonio Hernández Gil stands on Calle de Serrano 87, in Madrid's upscale Salamanca district — one of the city's most refined neighborhoods, known for its elegant townhouses and boutique-lined avenues. The plaque honors a leading Spanish jurist who ran his private law practice from this very building.

Who was Antonio Hernández Gil?

Antonio Hernández Gil (1915-1994) ranks among the most influential Spanish legal figures of the 20th century. He chaired the Constituent Cortes — the parliamentary body that drafted Spain's 1978 constitution — presided over the Supreme Court, and later headed the Council of State, the government's top advisory body. His career unfolded during Spain's transition to democracy following General Franco's death, a period that reshaped the country's political and legal institutions.

Why is the plaque here?

The building at Serrano 87 housed Hernández Gil's law office. Madrid's city council unveiled the plaque on 19 October 2016, with then-mayor Manuela Carmena presiding over the ceremony. The tribute forms part of Madrid's Memory Plan (Plan de Memoria de Madrid), a municipal program dedicated to marking sites connected to people who shaped the city's — and the country's — history.

How do you get there?

The plaque sits in the heart of Salamanca, one of Madrid's best-connected districts. The nearest metro stations are Núñez de Balboa and Rubén Darío, both on Line 5, just a short walk from Serrano street. Several city bus routes also run along Serrano and the parallel Velázquez street, making the location easy to reach from almost anywhere downtown.

What will you see?

The plaque itself is a modest, understated marker — typical of Madrid's placas conmemorativas, small commemorative signs fixed to building facades across the city to note notable residents or events. The real reward of a visit is the surrounding neighborhood: Salamanca is lined with late-19th and early-20th-century apartment buildings and upscale shops, and it sits within walking distance of Retiro Park and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, making it easy to combine a quick stop at the plaque with a longer stroll through the district.

When should you visit?

Since the plaque is mounted outdoors on a public street, it can be viewed year-round, at any time of day, free of charge. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September-October) are the most comfortable seasons to explore Salamanca on foot, avoiding Madrid's peak summer heat.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the plaque located? On the facade of the building at Calle de Serrano 87, in Madrid's Salamanca district, marking the office where Antonio Hernández Gil practiced law.

Who was Antonio Hernández Gil? A Spanish jurist (1915-1994) who chaired the Constituent Cortes, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State — a central figure in Spain's transition to democracy.

When was the plaque unveiled? On 19 October 2016, as part of Madrid's municipal Memory Plan, with then-mayor Manuela Carmena presiding.

Is there an entry fee to see it? No — it's a public street fixture, freely accessible at any time, with no booking required.