Description

The Palace of the Marquis of Villafranca, also known as the Palace of Don Pedro de la Vega, is located in the San Andrés neighborhood of Madrid. This area developed around the Church of San Andrés, on the outskirts of the medieval town. Members of the high aristocracy settled here in buildings partially constructed on top of the old 12th-century city wall.

Construction of the first building began between 1470 and 1490, commissioned by Don Pedro de Castilla y Zúñiga, grandson of Pedro de Castilla y Eril, who was himself the grandson of Pedro I of Castile.

Pedro Álvarez de Toledo y Colonna, 5th Marquis of Villafranca, acquired land in the area beginning in 1608 to establish his main residences. His descendants continued to expand the area occupied by the palace and its surrounding outbuildings.

Part of the palace that survives today was designed by the architect Francisco Ruiz between 1717 and 1734.

The 11th Marquis of Villafranca and Medina Sidonia married María Teresa Cayetana, the 13th Duchess of Alba, in this palace in 1775, and they lived there for several years until they moved to the Buenavista Palace. During this period, a major renovation of the interior and the adjoining outbuildings took place, and it was likely at this time that the two neoclassical doorways were added to the façade on Don Pedro Street, which was renamed in memory of the traditional name of the Villafranca family.

Upon the death of Pedro Álvarez de Toledo y Palafox, the 13th Marquis of Villafranca (1867), the palace was divided into two parts. In 1872, the main wing became the property of the Counts of Velle, who renovated the interior in an eclectic style.

In 1989, it was acquired by the government. Since 2005, it has served as the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Engineering.