Compañía Asturiana de Minas

Madrid, Spain

This building often gets overlooked.  If you're ever walking by Plaza España down Bailén street, stop and take a look at the detail of this wonderful building.  The Mine Company of Asturias had it built at the end of the 19th century, designed by the architect Manuel Martínez Ángel.  This architect also lived here, but was tragically shot outside his door by one of his students for having failed an important exam that would have entitled him to a prestigious job working for the city hall.  This building was used later by the government of Madrid as the central office for culture until 2012.  Today it sits empty... such a pity.

The next time I go to Madrid, I'll have to get a picture that isn't quite so crooked!