Palacio de Comunicaciones

Newcomers to Madrid find it hard to believe that this extraordinary construction, dwarfing the Plaza de Cibeles and regularly compared to a sandcastle or a wedding cake, could be just a post office (though there are rumours that this could be set to change if the city council has its way).

Palacio de Comunicaciones was designed in 1904 by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi. Completed in 1918, the Palacio de Comunicaciones is the best example of the extravagant style favoured by Madrid's elite at its most expansive. The design was influenced by Viennese art nouveau, but the Palacio de Comunicaciones also features many traditional Spanish touches, with a grand entrance (complete with oversized revolving door), a Hollywood film-set staircase, soaring ceilings, stunning columns and grand marble floors.

Address Plaza de Cibeles
Transport Metro Banco de España .
Open 8.30am-9.30pm Mon-Fri; 8.30am-2pm Sat.