Royal Customs House in Madrid (Spain)

Description

Location: Madrid, Spain
Taken on: September 11, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 10.9 MB
Dimensions: 4096 x 3072 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.

Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.

Majestic Royal Customs House, Madrid

Capture the grandeur of Madrid with this stunning digital photograph of the Royal Customs House (Real Casa de la Aduana), taken on a clear day, September 11, 2023. This high-resolution image beautifully showcases the architectural elegance and historical significance of one of Madrid’s most iconic buildings.

The photo features the imposing facade of the Royal Customs House, characterized by its warm, reddish-brown brick upper stories and robust stone ground floor. The building’s classical architectural elements are prominently displayed, including the ornate stone balcony supported by intricately carved corbels resembling lion heads and classical figures. Above the main entrance, a detailed coat of arms adds to the building’s stately presence.

Adding a touch of vibrant color, both the Spanish flag and the European Union flag proudly wave from poles on the upper balcony, symbolizing Spain’s national identity and its place within Europe. The dark, heavily paneled wooden doors of the main entrance are visible, framed by the grand archway.

To the right, a classic black streetlamp stands tall, and a “ZONA DE SEGURIDAD” (Security Zone) sign is visible, adding to the authentic urban feel of the image. Lush green foliage from a nearby tree peeks into the frame on the left, providing a subtle natural contrast to the architectural lines. The clear sky above highlights the building’s textures and details.

This digital photo is perfect for:

• Madrid enthusiasts: Bring a piece of the Spanish capital into your home or office.
• Travel bloggers and content creators: Enhance your posts and articles with authentic imagery.
• Historians and architects: A detailed visual reference of a significant Spanish landmark.
• Digital art collectors: Add a unique and high-quality piece to your collection.
• Anyone looking for a sophisticated and historical background for their digital devices.

The Royal Customs House (Real Casa de la Aduana) in Madrid, Spain, is a significant historical and architectural landmark, currently serving as the headquarters for Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of the Treasury (formerly the Ministry of Finance).

• Architect and Period: Designed by the renowned Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, the building was constructed between 1761 and 1769 during the reign of King Charles III. Sabatini was a prominent figure in Spanish neoclassical architecture, and his influence is evident in the building’s design.
• Architectural Style: The Royal Customs House exhibits a powerful yet elegant neoclassical style. It features a rational and simple facade, combining a stone-clad ground level with upper stories built from warm, reddish-brown brick and stone detailing. The facade incorporates classical elements such as alternating curved and triangular pediments above windows, and modillions (ornamental brackets) under the eaves.
• Function and Layout: Originally built to house the Royal Customs House, its administrative function is reflected in its practical layout organized around three courtyards. Since 1846, it has been the home of the Ministry of Finance.
• Location: The building is strategically located next to the famous Puerta del Sol, at the entrance to Calle de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s longest and most important streets.
• Notable Features:
  • Main Entrance and Balcony: A grand main entrance is topped by an ornate stone balcony, supported by intricately carved corbels often depicting lion heads and classical figures.
  • Coat of Arms: Above the main entrance, a detailed coat of arms signifies its royal and governmental purpose.
  • Flags: Today, both the Spanish national flag and the flag of the European Union are typically flown from its façade, reflecting its status as a government building within the EU.
  • Interior: While primarily a functional government building, it contains a library, added in 1963, crowned by a steel and glass dome. This library holds historical texts and specializes in public finances, economics, and law.
• Historical Significance: The building has witnessed centuries of Madrid’s history and has undergone modifications over the years. It was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Asset) in 1998, recognizing its importance. It’s also associated with some local legends and ghost stories due to its long history and former uses, including housing prison cells in its basement.

The Royal Customs House stands as a testament to Madrid’s rich architectural heritage and its enduring role as a center of Spanish governance.