King Philip IV of Spain ordered it to be built in 1629, and it was the work of the architect Juan Gómez de Mora. It was originally used as a Mayors' Hall and Court Jail. Since then it has had different uses, such as Palacio de la Audiencia, Overseas Ministry, and Ministry of State.
Its current structure was designed in its latest refurbishment, by architects Pedro and José María Muguruza, who incorporated an adjoining extension to the building. The then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto Martín Artajo, inaugurated the new premises, with their current characteristics, in 1950.
Palacio de Santa Cruz Address
Plaza de la Provincia, 1
28012 Madrid
Tel: 91 379 97 00
Nearest Metro station: Sol or Tirso de Molina