Palacio de Ustáriz

Palacio de Ustáriz is an 18th-century city palace in Madrid, one of the few neoclassical palaces from that era to survive in the Spanish capital to this day. The building stands in the block bordered by Calle San Mateo, Mejía Lequerica, Beneficencia and Serrano Anguita, in the Justicia district on the edge of Chueca and Malasaña — right in the heart of downtown Madrid.

How do you get there?

The palace sits on Calle San Mateo, in an easily reachable part of central Madrid. The nearest metro stations are Alonso Martínez and Tribunal (lines 5 and 10), both a few minutes' walk away. The area is well served by city buses, and it's an easy 15-minute stroll from Gran Vía or Plaza de Chueca. Since the building is privately owned today (it now houses the offices of an investment firm), visits are limited to viewing the exterior — but it's worth pausing to take in the facade, as this is one of Madrid's more interesting examples of aristocratic architecture.

What will you see?

The palace was built in 1748, designed by architect José Pérez for Casimiro de Ustáriz, first Marquis of Ustáriz. The building follows a neoclassical style, standing out against the more ornate Baroque architecture that dominated Madrid at the time. Ownership later passed to the Villagonzalo family, counts of Villagonzalo, which is why the building is also known under a second name: Palacio de los Condes de Villagonzalo.

Over the centuries the structure eventually required serious conservation work. A comprehensive restoration lasted five years and included rebuilding and preserving key architectural elements, among them the palace's distinctive dome. Today the building serves as offices for an investment firm — a use that saved it from further decay, though it also means the interior is off-limits to visitors. From the street, though, you can still appreciate the balanced proportions of the facade, the stone window frames, and the restrained yet elegant detailing typical of mid-18th-century Madrid palace architecture.

The surrounding Justicia district is one of the most characterful corners of old Madrid, lined with period townhouses, small squares and cafés. A visit to the palace pairs naturally with a short walk through the neighbouring streets, where several other buildings from the same era have survived.

When should you visit?

Since visits are limited to the exterior, the palace can be seen at any time of year or day. Late afternoon gives the best light for photographing the facade, as the sun hits Calle San Mateo at a flattering angle. It's worth avoiding the hottest summer months (July–August), when walking around central Madrid at midday can be draining — spring and autumn are more comfortable seasons for exploring the downtown districts on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Palacio de Ustáriz? No. The palace currently houses a private investment firm, so the interior isn't open to the public. You can view the facade and exterior architecture from the street.

Who built the palace, and when? It was built in 1748 for Casimiro de Ustáriz, first Marquis of Ustáriz, to a design by architect José Pérez.

Why is it also called Palacio de los Condes de Villagonzalo? It's the same building. The first name comes from its original owner, the Marquis of Ustáriz; the second from the later owners, the counts of Villagonzalo, who took over the property afterward.

What's the easiest way to get there? By metro — Alonso Martínez or Tribunal stations are both just a few minutes' walk from Calle San Mateo.