ALDAMA PALACE

Built between 1840 and 1844 as the residence of the family of Domingo Aldama, a wealthy Spanish landowner and merchant, the Palacio de Aldama (Aldama Palace) now houses the official Institute for the History of the Communist Movement and the Socialist Revolution. Unfortunately, this institute is not open to the public... You will have to be content with contemplating the building from the outside.

In 1869, the palace was stormed by the voluntarios, the most fervent supporters of the colony, who volunteered to fight against the independentists. This was done in order to show Aldama and his nephew Leonardo del Monte that their independence aspirations were frowned upon. The residence and all the family's belongings were confiscated by order of the colonial government, which set up its court there. In the 1920's, the cigar factory La Corona took possession of it. The palace was almost demolished in 1946 and was only saved by popular will. Since then, it has been declared a national monument.

Its proportions and the richness of its interior decoration make it one of the jewels of the capital. It consists of two contiguous buildings, in neoclassical style, with some Italian reminiscences. The floors are made of different types of marble, the ceilings of the rooms and stairways are decorated with frescoes. You will also notice the wrought iron gates. To find it, go to the Parque de la Fraternidad (formerly Campo de Marte): the Palacio is located right across the street.