Real Casa de la Aduana, Historic customs building in Centro district, Madrid, Spain
The Real Casa de la Aduana is a stately building in central Madrid originally designed to serve as the royal customs administration. It features a stone base, grouped central doors, and a large ornate balcony displaying royal emblems across its main facade.
The Italian architect Francesco Sabatini designed this building in 1769 as the primary customs center for the Spanish monarchy. Its architectural features were shaped by its role in managing royal trade and tax collection throughout the kingdom.
The building now serves as Spain's Ministry of Economy and Treasury, continuing its function as a center for managing national financial matters. Its location and design reflect how important the monarchy considered trade and tax collection.
The building is located on Calle de Alcalá and is readily accessible by Madrid's public transportation system. Visitors should note that it functions as a government office, so access to the interior may require advance arrangements or guided group visits.
Three interior courtyards are connected through an inverted imperial staircase, a striking architectural solution from the 18th century. This hidden feature reveals how Sabatini merged practical workspace needs with royal design principles.
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