There’s not that much to see in terms of Modernisme architecture in Madrid, except for Palacio Longoria on the corner of Calle Fernando VI and Calle Pelayo in Chueca.
It was built in 1902 by the Catalán architect José Grases Riera.
I’ve read that it’s the best example of Modernisme in Madrid, a movement more associated with Gaudi and Barcelona.
It currently houses the Spanish General Society of Authors and Editors.
Sadly I don’t think it’s open to the public but you can see photos from inside by clicking on this link.
Another building I like is the Casa de los Lagartos at 1 Calle de Mejía Lequerica. On the ground floor it houses the Patrimonio Communal Olivarero olive oil shop mentioned in my Chueca -Food Shops post.
It’s called the Lizard House for obvious reasons. If you look at it from the side you’ll notice that the building is only five metres wide so there are only two flats per floor.
It was designed by Benito González and it’s a very rare example of the Wiener Secession, an Austrian art movement (Klimt was a member), which is characterised by geometric simplicity and symmetrical decoration.
A couple of streets along from Palacio Longoria is Calle San Tome which has some nice residential blocks.
And nearby Teatro Infanta Isabel www.gruposmedia.com at 24 Calle del Barquillo has quite an unusual facade.
On the same street on the corner with Calle del Almirante is a nice house with big windows know as ‘balcones cerrados’, or enclosed balconies.
At 2 Calle del General Castaños is the Parroquia de Santa Bárbara www.parroquiadesantabarbara.es although you get a better view of the front from Calle Barbara de Braganza.
And that’s about it for nice architecture in this barrio. I’ll keep looking though.