Palauet Albèniz
A neoclassical building with majestic gardens in the heart of Montjuïc
The Palauet Albéniz was built in the first third of the 20th century for the 1929 International Exposition, with the aim of hosting the royal family during their stay in the city. This building contrasts with others located on Montjuïc hill due to its neoclassical style. Normally, the interior of the building is not open to the public, but the surrounding Joan Maragall Gardens are.
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A sculptural setting with a monumental fountain and an amphitheatre
The Palauet Albéniz, surrounded by the Joan Maragall Gardens, was built by architect Juan Moya to accommodate King Alfonso XIII and his family during the 1929 International Exposition. Until then, the monarch’s residence during his stays in Barcelona had always been the Pedralbes Palace, but it was considered more functional for the royals to stay within the fairgrounds.
Its construction in stone and brick, with slate roofs, does not follow the patterns of Mediterranean architecture, but rather those of the Madrid court, with influences from the Palace of La Granja and the Monastery of El Escorial. The two sculpted lions at the entrance of the palacete come from the Pedralbes Palace.
After the International Exposition ended, there were plans to use the building as a music museum, a project that never materialized, although in the 1930s it was named Palauet Albéniz in homage to the composer Isaac Albéniz. In the 1970s, the Barcelona City Council renovated the building, including new decorations with paintings by Salvador Dalí.
For the curious
- In addition to still being the official residence of the royal family when visiting Barcelona, the Palauet Albéniz hosts numerous official receptions.
- If you are in Barcelona during the Mercè festival, you might be lucky enough to visit the interior of the Palauet Albéniz, as it is one of the few occasions when it opens its doors to the public.
- This space has hosted the Spanish royal family on several occasions.
