Senate of Spain, Senate building in central Madrid, Spain
The Senate of Spain sits in a neoclassical palace at the heart of Madrid and serves as the chamber for representatives of the autonomous communities. The building features a grand courtyard with columns and ceremonial rooms where parliamentary sessions take place.
The building was constructed in the 16th century as a monastery and adapted in 1834 for the newly created upper house. After the end of dictatorship in 1977, the institution gained its current role as a territorial representation chamber.
The building hosts formal receptions and state ceremonies that reflect dialogue between Spain's regions. Inside, paintings and tapestries show moments from parliamentary tradition, while rooms are arranged for debates on territorial matters.
Tours take place on selected weekdays and lead through the main halls and corridors of the palace. Visitors should check ahead, as availability depends on parliamentary sessions.
The chamber holds a 19th-century library containing manuscripts and documents related to the history of Spain's constitution. Some wall paneling in the main hall dates back to the monastery period and was preserved during conversion.
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