Palacio de Abrantes

Palacio de Abrantes is a 17th-century palace at number 86 Calle Mayor in Madrid, right in the heart of the historic Madrid de los Austrias district. Since 1957 it has housed the Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano di Cultura), making it one of the city's key venues for Italian art, language, and culture.

How do you get there?

The palace sits on Calle Mayor, one of Old Madrid's main streets, linking Puerta del Sol with Plaza Mayor. The easiest approach is by metro to Sol or Ópera station, both just a few minutes' walk away, or simply on foot from Plaza Mayor, a short stroll west. The surrounding area is entirely pedestrian-friendly and packed with tourist sights, so driving in is rarely worth it.

What will you see?

The building retains the classic layout of a 17th-century Madrid townhouse-palace, though its current, more ornate facade dates from the mid-19th century. The story begins in 1652, when Juan de Valencia el Infante, a court official who served as head of the Royal Council's secret intelligence, bought five adjoining houses on the site. The palace itself was built between 1653 and 1655 to a design by architect Juan Maza.

The name we know today only arrived later: in 1842 the property was acquired by the Dukes of Abrantes, and between 1844 and 1845 architect Aníbal Álvarez Bouquel remodeled it, giving the facade the appearance it still has now.

The building's next chapter opened in 1888, when the Italian state bought it to house its embassy in Madrid. Once the embassy relocated to the Palace of the Marquises of Amboage on Calle Juan Bravo, the interior of Palacio de Abrantes was thoroughly transformed. On 30 March 1957 it was inaugurated as the new home of the Italian Cultural Institute, a role it still fulfills today, hosting exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and Italian language courses.

Visitors get a genuine feel for an old Madrid city palace: a stone facade, a grand staircase, and exhibition halls that regularly showcase contemporary Italian art.

When should you visit?

As a working cultural institute, the building follows its own calendar of exhibitions and events, so it's worth checking the current program before planning a visit. For exploring the surrounding Madrid de los Austrias district, spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times, offering mild weather and thinner crowds than the peak of summer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of Palacio de Abrantes? The building functions as an active cultural institute, so access depends on the exhibitions, concerts, and events currently scheduled by the Italian Cultural Institute.

Why is the palace called "de Abrantes"? It takes its name from the Dukes of Abrantes, who bought the property in 1842 and commissioned the renovation that gave the building its present look.

What is the palace's connection to Italy? The Italian state purchased the building in 1888 to serve as its embassy, and since 1957 it has been home to the Italian Cultural Institute.

Where exactly is the palace located? At number 86 Calle Mayor, in the Madrid de los Austrias district, close to Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.