The Palacio Viejo de la Reina María Cristina de Borbón, nestled in the district of Carabanchel in Madrid, is a testament to the opulence and historical significance of Spain's royal heritage. This grand edifice, part of the larger Palacio de Vista Alegre, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Queen María Cristina de Borbón and the architectural evolution of the 19th century.
The origins of the Palacio Viejo trace back to a public recreation casino, Vista Alegre, constructed by Colonel Pablo Cabrero. This casino was itself a transformation of the countryside residence of Dr. Higinio Lorente, the physician to the Spanish monarch. Cabrero's design maintained the alignment of the original facade with the ancient Camino de Madrid, preserving its two main wings and grand central gate. However, the building's height was increased to accommodate a physics cabinet, creating a belvedere or tower-like structure. Adjacent to the casino, a new bathhouse was constructed, featuring a rectangular layout and a single floor, divided into ten rooms with separate facilities for men and women.
Queen María Cristina de Borbón's intervention transformed the casino into a regal palace while retaining its original volume. She expanded the building, incorporating the adjoining bathhouse and a courtyard. The resulting structure was a symmetrical masterpiece with a rectangular layout, five sections, and a consistent height for the three central sections. The newly created lateral sections featured three floors each. The central section, with its grand entrance, was adorned with a portico supported by four stone Doric columns, topped by a terrace. This led to a spacious hallway with a magnificent main staircase made of mahogany and bronze, and access to the garden, which was marked by another, albeit less grand, portico. The rooms were richly decorated, furnished with opulent pieces, and boasted splendidly painted ceilings.
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To the left of the palace, seamlessly connected, was the Estufa Grande. This greenhouse created a visually striking longitudinal screen that protected the garden and orchard from prying eyes. Its layout included two lateral pavilions and a central circular temple, connected by glass galleries. The entrance was through a rotunda, decorated with busts, mirrors, and statues, and marked by eight paired Doric pilasters supporting a leaded dome.
Following the acquisition of the estate by the State, the Palacio Viejo was repurposed to house the Colegio de las Huérfanas de Militares y Empleados, known as La Unión. The building's volume was homogenized, and its facades remodeled. The garden facade was enhanced with a neoclassical style, while the main facade saw the addition of a perpendicular neomudéjar chapel.
The ravages of the Spanish Civil War necessitated the reconstruction and expansion of the palace, linking it with the nearby Casa Bellavista, formerly an asylum for the blind. This connection was achieved through a two-level porticoed corridor, possibly giving the palace its current appearance. The unified width of the building's layout created a monumental front, though it disrupted the harmony with the adjacent Estufa Grande.
Since 2001, the Palacio Viejo has housed the Centro Regional de Innovación y Formación «Las Acacias», a regional center dedicated to the management and delivery of teacher training activities. This modern use of the historic building ensures that it continues to play a vital role in the community, blending its rich history with contemporary educational needs.
In conclusion, the Palacio Viejo de la Reina María Cristina de Borbón stands as a remarkable monument to Spain's royal past and architectural evolution. Its transformation from a recreational casino to a royal palace, and later to an educational institution, reflects the dynamic history and enduring significance of this grand building. Visitors to Carabanchel can marvel at its architectural splendor and delve into the fascinating stories that have shaped its existence over the centuries.
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