Congress of Deputies

Before you is the Palacio de las Cortes, home of the Congress of Deputies. Its classical temple façade embodies the parliamentary Madrid that was born in the 19th century.

1A building for Parliament

This site was once occupied by the Convent of the Holy Spirit (Espíritu Santo), whose church provisionally housed the Cortes from 1834. The building was badly run down, so it was decided to build a new home. Work began on 10 October 1843 to a design by Narciso Pascual y Colomer, and Queen Isabella II inaugurated it on 31 October 1850. In the meantime, the deputies met in the ballroom of the Teatro Real.

2Lions made from cannons

The two bronze lions on the steps are the work of Ponciano Ponzano. They were cast from the metal of cannons captured from the enemy in the Hispano-Moroccan War of 1859–1860 and installed in 1872. They are popularly known as Daoíz and Velarde, after the heroes of 2 May.

In the pediment, a relief shows Spain embracing the Constitution.

3Recent marks

On 23 February 1981, during the attempted coup d’état, Civil Guards stormed into the chamber and opened fire. The bullet holes are still visible in the ceiling of the debating chamber as a reminder of that day.

4What to look out for

• The portico, with six Corinthian columns.
• The lions and the inscription on their pedestals.
• The Carrera de San Jerónimo, which links Sol with the Paseo del Prado.