This is yours truly with another episode of some news from Spain !!! Lots of things going on! This is Spain, let me tell you my latest news chosen by yours truly, By the way CLXVIII is old Roman numeral for 168, Hope you enjoy this post as I.
Never-before-seen tapestries, marbles and Queen Victoria Eugenia, upcoming exhibitions at the Galería de las Colecciones Reales or Royal Collections Gallery, Felipe V, the first king of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain, (grandson of Louis XIV born in Versailles) liked them in shades of yellow and purple; however, Fernando VI, the son who succeeded him in 1746, was more attracted to them in red. Two of the monarchs, including Carlos III were privileged to choose which marbles would be used to cover the rooms of the Royal Palace when construction began in 1738. These limestone pieces were presented in rectangular wooden cases called “arcas,” sample boxes that each contained 40 types of marble. A must to see indeed.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum occupies the historic Villahermosa Palace , a building steeped in history for centuries. Before becoming an art gallery, it was an aristocratic residence, a cultural venue, and a banking space right on the Paseo del Prado. The Villahermosa Palace, along with the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, is part of Madrid’s art triangle. However, before becoming a space dedicated to culture, the building evolved from the aristocracy to banking, passing through important stages such as the Artistic and Literary Lyceum. Its transformation into a museum in 1992 consolidated its role within the capital’s cultural heritage. The neoclassical-style building sits on a site whose history dates back to Madrid’s expansion in the 16C. During the reign of Felipe II, Madrid became the permanent seat of the Spanish court, which drove its growth towards the east. The site where the museum is today was acquired by Pedro Franqueza, a high-ranking official who amassed a great fortune and became the Count of Villalonga. However, after being accused of corruption, his properties were confiscated and sold to different buyers. Over the years, the land was reunited by Diego de Silva, Count of Galve, who commissioned the construction of a manor house in the 17C. The property was inherited by his wife’s family and passed through various hands until, in 1746, it was acquired by the Duchess of Atri. Margaret Eleanor Pius of Savoy, widowed Duchess of Atri, decided to build a new palace on the site in the Rococo style of the time. After her death, the palace passed into the hands of her second husband, Abbot Pico della Mirandola, who sold it in 1771 to the Duke of Villahermosa. The expansion of the palace in 1805 gave the building its current neoclassical appearance. However, the Duchess was barely able to enjoy the residence, as the Napoleonic invasion forced the family to abandon it in 1808. The Peninsular War left its mark on the palace, which was looted by French troops. After the war, the building fell into the hands of the Duchess’s descendants, but its residential use gradually faded. In 1839, the property became the headquarters of the Lyceum of Art and Literature of Madrid, an institution that hosted recitals and concerts, including one by the pianist Franz Liszt in 1844. In the late 19C, early 20C, the palace passed to other owners and lost part of its original grounds. The Banco López Quesada bank acquired the property in 1971 and carried out a comprehensive renovation that completely altered its interior. After the bank went bankrupt in the 1980s, the building passed into the hands of the Bank of Spain and was eventually acquired to house the art collection of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza , who was looking for a suitable home for his works. Its inauguration in 1992 marked the beginning of a new era for the building, consolidating it as one of the most important museums in Madrid . In 2004, the museum was expanded with the incorporation of the adjacent Goyeneche and Guaqui palaces, adapted to house temporary exhibitions and the Carmen Thyssen Collection. Since 2021, the Thyssen has been part of the Landscape of Light, a recognition awarded by UNESCO to the Paseo del Prado and the Retiro Park as World Heritage.
A Spanish city has been highlighted by National Geographic for its extraordinary coexistence of architectural styles, its Roman imprint and its historical importance. On the banks of the Ebro River stands
Zaragoza, a city where time has woven a web of cultural influences from ancient times to the present day. Indeed a City to be visited more, me think (see post), The article highlights its double cathedral, an exceptional case in the world, where the Basilica of El Pilar and the Seo del Salvador share the spotlight. While the former dazzles with its Baroque majesty and devotion to the Virgin of El Pilar, the latter exhibits a fusion of styles ranging from Romanesque to Mudejar, with an imposing alabaster altarpiece. In addition to its cathedrals, the report highlights the splendor of its Roman past, visible in the ruins of the Roman Theatre and the Forum of Caesaraugusta. The Aljafería Palace, known as the “Alhambra of the North” and currently home to the Aragonese regional parliament, represents the city’s Islamic legacy and is an 11C architectural gem. Its interior courtyard and ornamentation reflect the wealth of the Taifa of Saraqusta, and after the Reconquista, it became the residence of the Catholic Monarchs. Zaragoza’s artistic wealth, with a space dedicated to the Goya Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of works by the Aragonese painter, including his most emblematic engravings. Not far away, the Palace of the Infanta recovers the Renaissance essence with its Mannerist courtyard, rescued from her exile in Paris and returned to the city in the 20C.
This place in the province of Zaragoza is famous for being a symbol of the impact that the Spanish Civil War had ,and still does on Spain, as it preserves the vestiges of what was the original town before it was destroyed. Known as the Old Town of Belchite, it is located 40 km south of the city of Zaragoza. Its ruins remain intact (although deteriorated by the passage of time) since it was completely devastated after the Battle of Belchite in 1937, which ended with the capture of the town by the Republicans.and later Nationalists, This town was abandoned rather than rebuilt by Gen/dictator Franco, who chose to build a new one next to it, known today as Belchite Nuevo. In this way, the impact of the Spanish Civil War remained forever reflected in the facades and structures of the buildings of Belchite Viejo. One of the main attractions of this place is undoubtedly the Church of San Martín de Tours, which, despite having suffered significant damage during the battle, has a clock tower that still stands. The Convent of San Rafael can also be visited, although it is much more deteriorated. The Plaza Mayor, the Arco de la Villa, the ruins of the Town Hall, Calle Mayor, and the Molino are other unique buildings that can be seen in this abandoned town, which today has so much historical significance as it is a perfect reflection of the consequences that the Spanish Civil War had on Spain.
The province of Cuenca is much more than its main city and its hanging houses. In addition, it adds to its list of attractions up to 175 castles spread throughout its geography, some better preserved than others, perfect for taking a trip to the past and soaking up centuries of history. I have all except on on my posts in my blog, The town of Uclés, houses one of the most important monumental complexes in the province, One of its main attractions is the Castillo de Uclés . Of the original construction, only three towers remain standing, the Póntido, the Palomar and the albarrana tower, as well as a part of the wall. On the outskirts of the town of Belmonte , at the top of the hill of San Cristóbal, stands its most important monument, its
Castillo de Belmonte . The origin of this building dates back to 1456, when Don Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena a trusted man of King Henry IV of Castile and one of the most powerful lords of the kingdom at the time. This fortress has a Gothic-Mudejar style, It is still held by the descendants of Empress Eugénie wife of Napoléon III , a room is dedicated to them, In the town of Cañada de Hoyo , atop the Buen Suceso hill, stands the Castillo del Buen Suceso (not been to this one), the most notable monument in the area along with the Lagunas. Originally, this site housed a Muslim watchtower that protected the Taifa of Cuenca from the Castilian advance. After the Christian conquest, it was transformed into a castle and became part of the so-called sand border, a line of fortresses designed to defend the territory against the Taifa kingdoms of Albarracín, Alpuente, and Valencia. In the 19C, it was reinforced by queen Isabel II to contain the Aragonese Carlists and has recently been restored. To the south of the province, between the regions of La Mancha Conquense and La Manchuela and located on a promontory formed by a bend in the Júcar River, in the town of Alarcón, is the Castillo de Alarcón , a medieval castle whose foundation is attributed to King Alfonso VIII, according to the Chronicle of the Wise King of the 12C, at least the one that has come down to us since previously there was an Arab fortress. Later it would be renovated by the Infante Don Juan Manuel and the Marquis of Villena. In the region of La Mancha Conquense, 64 km from Cuenca is the Castillo de Garcimuñoz , a peculiar castle and it is said that it has not one but two, one on top of the other. The first references to this fortress of Arab origin date back to 1172, the year in which the Emir Abu Yacub Yusuf destroyed it. It was later restored by Garcí-Muñoz, a knight who accompanied King Alfonso VIII, and inhabited by Juan Manuel, who controlled the lordship of Villena from there. In 1458, the second castle began to be built on the remains of the previous one by order of the Marquis of Villena, Don Juan Pacheco. Today, the entire enclosure of the exterior walls with loopholes is preserved, but the interior is destroyed except for the basement buildings that were used in the 19C as a cemetery.
I was traveling a bit late on this one but is held every year around this time, Last March 9th, 2025 was the International Day for the star of our cuisine. The Tortilla de patata or Potato omelette ,one of the most consumed dishes in Spain and one of the most missed when living abroad, whether for breakfast, as an aperitif, lunch, or dinner. The Potato omelette, with or without onion, with more ingredients added, rare or more moist, on a skewer or as a main course, always fits in at any time of day. Some of my favorite spots over the years in my Madrid are:
This spot in the Rastro that has just won the competition for the best potato omelette in the Community of Madrid 2025, organized by the Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs of Madrid (ACYRE Madrid). The Tortilla Castiza , in addition to the traditional tortilla, also offers truffle tortilla, octopus a feira tortilla, León chorizo tortilla, and Manchego cheese tortilla. This is at the Rastro, Ribera de Curtidores, 26 – Local 16 with webpage: https://www.latortillacastiza.com/
This iconic restaurant and tapas bar is changing its location, but not its menu, which remains the same with a few additions. Its star feature is its juicy potato tortilla tapa with caramelized onion, one of its specialties and a big draw. The potato and onion are cooked over low heat for two and a half hours with a blend of organic oils and spices to achieve a creamy texture and an unmistakable aroma. The tortilla is served at room temperature. Juana La Loca, Paseo de Recoletos 10.
Hundreds of people make the pilgrimage every day (especially at breakfast and lunch) to the central Mercado de la Paz to enjoy the famous tortilla pincho from this stall, which now has two locations within the market, each with a bar and a small dining room. The tortilla is made with sour potatoes from Castilla-La Mancha or Galicia, and is cooked for less than a minute on each side to ensure it’s extra juicy. They come with or without onion and country-style, and are also served covered with tripe stew, bacon, and ratatouille (the pinchos). Casa Dani, inside the Mercado de la Paz at Calle Ayala, 28.
The tortilla pincho has been a success in the Salamanca neighborhood for almost six years. The tortilla is made with sour potato and onions confit in warm oil, then cooked for just 30 seconds on each side, leaving it succulent. Colósimo ,Calle José Ortega y Gasset, 67
Their Betanzos-style tortilla is one of Madrid’s most acclaimed. The owners learned how to make it at the O’Pote restaurant (Betanzos, Galicia), famous for its tortillas, and it has become a signature of the establishment. To make it, they only use eggs from young, free-range hens weighing exactly the right amount. They serve it whole to share. Taberna Pedraza Paseo de Recoletos, 4
At the restaurant group with several locations in Madrid , the tortilla is prepared daily with organic free-range eggs from happy hens in the Sierra de Madrid mountains and a perfect blend of red onion and fried Galician potatoes, slowly cooked until caramelized. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the inside, it can be enjoyed all day long on a skewer with sourdough bread. Lamucca is available at the following locations: Almagro, 3; Serrano, 91; Plaza de España, 10; Plaza del Carmen, 5; and Hermosilla, 46., My experiences have been at plaza del Carmen.
For those seeking a more innovative potato omelet, this exclusive restaurant, whose partners include Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo, features the classic truffle omelet on its menu, which is also served at the brand’s other locations in Ibiza, Dubai, and Valencia. Using quality ingredients, the key to success is the result of being lightly set and expertly flipped in the air. It contains an intense truffle aroma and is filled with a potato foam. Served whole, it’s a perfect option for sharing. Tatel Paseo de la Castellana, 36
A place dedicated to the enjoyment of wine, what better way to do it than with a tortilla pincho? Among its tapas hits is “La Repolla”, a very thin potato omelette with cabbage that is a delight, Caiño ,Calle Ibiza, 35.
There you go folks, another dandy tour of my dear Spain. It is time to enjoy my some news from Spain once again, Remember, Spain is everything under the Sun ! Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.
And remember ,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 