The Embassy

The "Barrio de Salamanca" is one of Madrid’s most important districts, in terms of both its characteristic distribution and the famous inhabitants who have lived there over the years.

The district’s construction dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century, when it was part of the urban expansion pursued under Isabella II’s reign. Its pioneer, and the man to whom the district owes its name, was the wealthy banker José de Salamanca y Mayol, the Marquis of Salamanca, who conceived a new area comprising immaculate buildings to house Madrid’s aristocracy and bourgeoisie. He wanted to turn it into the city’s "Faubourg Saint-Germain".

Salamanca was traditionally a residential area inhabited primarily by Spain’s political and economic elite. Over the last 50 years, its residential function has come to co-exist alongside business, diplomatic and especially commercial activities, as it has become one of the capital’s leading districts for high-end fashion.

Salamanca is home to boutiques showcasing top designers and national and international fashion houses: haute couture, designer shoes, accessories, jewellery and prestigious watches (Cartier, Gucci, Christian Dior, Hermès, Céline, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada…) can all be found here.

The city’s main cultural gems are located within or close to the ‘Barrio de Salamanca’: the Prado Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Museo Lázaro Galdiano, the Juan March Foundation, the Carlos de Amberes Foundation, the Palacio de Cibeles, Plaza de Colón, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, among others.

Monaco’s diplomatic representation comprises H.E. Ms Catherine FAUTRIER-ROUSSEAU, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, and:

• Ms Nuria Grinda, Counsellor to the Embassy of Monaco in Spain