Madrid - Barracks of the Count-Duke

(Local Name: Cuartel del Conde-Duque) The Barracks of the Count-Duke (named after the Conde-Duque de Olivares, Philip IV's Minister) were built in 1720 to the design of Philip V's architect Pedro Ribera. They were made necessary by the new military policy of the Bourbons, who wished to have troops permanently stationed in the capital.

The barracks, planned on an enormous scale, flank three inner courtyards, forming a unity with the Palacio de Liria and its gardens. They were first occupied by the Royal Bodyguard, later by cavalry and finally by the Military Academy. For 150 years they defended the northwestern approach to the capital. The long ranges of plain brick buildings, now empty and rather dilapidated, have an air of austerity and grimness. Only the handsome main entrance recalls the architect who created the Hospicio de San Fernando and the Puente de Toledo.