Palacio de las Cortes, Parliament building at Plaza de las Cortes, Madrid, Spain
The Palacio de las Cortes is a parliament building in the Cortes neighborhood of Madrid, Spain, with a neoclassical front featuring six towering columns. A wide staircase rises to bronze entrance doors, while the main floor displays tall windows and a balanced composition.
Queen Isabel II laid the foundation stone in 1843, placing a time capsule with coins, newspapers, and the Spanish constitution inside. Construction followed a neoclassical design and was completed after several years to host parliamentary sessions.
The building serves as the daily meeting place for elected representatives who gather in its semicircular chamber to debate legislation. The chamber follows a traditional seating arrangement that places political groups facing the presidency.
Guided tours take place on Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 12:30, except during August and early September, and visitors must present valid identification. The entrance is located at the main facade, and the visit includes the chamber and other representative rooms.
Two bronze lions guard the entrance, cast in Sevilla from captured cannons, while the central pediment depicts Spain embracing the constitution among allegorical figures. The lions add a memorable touch to the front steps and have become a recognizable symbol.
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