Library of the Senate of Spain, Main parliamentary library in Plaza de España, Madrid, Spain
The Library of the Senate is a research collection housed in a neoclassical building in Madrid that gathers legislative documents, parliamentary archives, and legal materials. The spaces blend historic architecture with modern collections documenting Spain's lawmaking activities.
The facility was founded in 1834 in a former Augustinian monastery and witnessed Spain's major political shifts. The building underwent several redesigns to adapt to its role as a parliamentary archive.
The library holds documents that show how Spain's lawmakers and political decisions evolved over time. Walking through its spaces, you can see materials reflecting different periods of government and the way parliamentary work changed.
Access is normally by appointment only, and visitors should register in advance. Guided tours are offered but require prior booking through the Senate office.
The reading room was designed in 1882 by Emilio Rodriguez Ayuso and transformed religious spaces into academic work areas while keeping the original structure intact. This redesign shows how the building changed its purpose entirely without losing its character.
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