Madrid - Barracks of the Count-Duke Cuartel del Conde-Duque

Must-see attractions nearby: Royal Palace Prado Museum Queen Sofia Art Centre Plaza Mayor Art Gallery Real Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales National Archeological Museum

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.