Palacio de Godoy, Villaviciosa de Odón

Palacio de Godoy in Villaviciosa de Odón, near Madrid, is one of the town's most recognizable buildings, also known as Casa Palacio Manuel Godoy. This former aristocratic residence, now open to visitors, combines centuries of history with gardens and exhibition spaces.

Where does the palace come from?

The building was constructed in the early 17th century in an architectural style typical of the Habsburg era in Spain — the same style that shaped many corners of Madrid and Toledo. Over the following centuries the palace passed through several noble families, including the Marquises of Villacastel de Carrias, the Counts of Murillo, and the Counts of Belveder. This succession of aristocratic owners reflects the standing the property held in the region from its earliest years.

Why is it named after Manuel Godoy?

A turning point in the building's history came in 1800, when the estate passed to María Teresa de Borbón y Vallabriga, Countess of Chinchón, and her husband Manuel Godoy, an influential statesman at the court of Charles IV. The building's current name comes from him. After Godoy fell from power, his family never again lived in the residence on a permanent basis, and throughout the 19th century the property was rented out to various tenants while going through several changes of ownership.

How did the town come to own it?

After the Godoy family's departure, the property's fortunes were turbulent — it changed hands repeatedly and gradually fell into disrepair. This changed when the municipality of Villaviciosa de Odón acquired the palace in 1986, specifically to prevent it from disappearing. A decade later, in 1995, the town carried out a restoration project that gave the building the appearance visitors see today.

What can you see inside?

Today the palace houses the painting collection of Maruja Díaz, a Spanish actress and singer who donated a substantial part of her art collection to the town. The building also holds material related to Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado, a figure significant to Spain's recent history. Visitors can walk through a series of exhibition rooms and also enjoy the gardens surrounding the palace, which are among the site's main draws.

What else should you know before visiting?

The palace operates as a cultural venue open to both residents and tourists, run by the Villaviciosa de Odón town council. On site there is also a food and drink service — a terrace and an indoor café — allowing visitors to pair a tour of the building with a break in a historic setting. Exact opening hours and the current exhibition programme are worth checking directly with the town council beforehand, as they can vary with the season and the calendar of cultural events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palacio de Godoy? It is a historic residence from the early 17th century in Villaviciosa de Odón, also known as Casa Palacio Manuel Godoy, now run as a cultural venue with gardens and exhibition halls.

Where does the palace's name come from? The name comes from Manuel Godoy, a statesman at the court of Charles IV, who held the estate together with his wife, the Countess of Chinchón, from 1800 onward.

What can visitors see inside today? The interior displays the painting collection of Maruja Díaz along with material related to Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado, plus gardens and a café-and-terrace area.

Who manages the palace now? Since 1986 the building has belonged to the municipality of Villaviciosa de Odón, which restored it in 1995 and now opens it to the public as a cultural space.