Palacio de Fomento (Ministry of Agriculture)

The Fomento Palace (currently the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) is a building that dates back to the 19th century. It was designed by the architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, who continued the foundations planned by Mariano Belmás y Estrada in 1881, on the plot where the Botanical Garden used to be located. In 1989 it was declared a BIC Heritage Site, in the category of Monuments.

Completed in 1897, it has a rectangular area set back in two interior yards of equal proportions, covered with iron and crystal. The most prominent part of this building is the main façade area, with decoration on tiles and enamelwork  by Daniel Zuloaga, paintings by Ferrant, and huge traditional caryatides (columns sculpted as female figures) representing industry and commerce. There were once outstanding stone sculptures carved by Agustín Querol, which were later replaced by identical sculptures made from brass.

DON'T MISS

The ministry offers free guided tours on weekends at 12 noon, and actor-led tours for 8 euros on Fridays and Saturday at 8pm.