Given the extraordinary output of Catalan modernista architects such as Gaudí in Barcelona in the early 20th century, it is remarkable, to non-Spaniards at least, that there is not a single example of their work in Madrid. The only thing at all like it is this building in Chueca, designed by José Grasés Riera in 1902 as a residence for banker Javier González Longoria. The voluptuous façade of the Palacio Longoria looks as if it was formed out of wet sand, moulded by an expert in giant cake decoration. It was once thought that Catalan architecture influenced Grasés, but Héctor Guimard and French art nouveau seem to have been a more direct inspiration. Palacio Longoria is now owned by the Spanish writers' and artists' association.
Address C/Fernando VI, 4
Transport Metro Alonso Martínez .
Telephone 91 349 95 50
