Madrid: Museo Cerralbo

Of all the many places I visited in Madrid, the Museo Cerralbo was by far my favourite.

Situated in an unassuming 19th century mansion, the museum showcases the former home and collection of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, an archaeologist, politician and the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo.

When he died in 1922, the Marquis left his collection to the Spanish nation on condition that the state keep the house as he left it.

And I can’t say I blame him for that. Madrid has many lavish, ornate museums and palaces, but the Museo Cerralbo tops the lot with its jaw-dropping décor and furnishings.

When I arrived at the museum, I had to queue and wait a little in a deluge of rain before being allowed inside.

Eventually I was let in, and having paid for my ticket (just €3!) and safely stored my umbrella, bag and coat, I began my visit.

I started my tour looking around a small temporary exhibition of images of the Civil War, which was interesting enough but as all the information was in Spanish I wasn’t always sure what I was looking at.

I then set off to explore the mansion itself – and what a mansion it is!

The first sight that greets visitors is the grand staircase in the entrance hall (above).

With its multi-coloured marble décor, artworks and spectacular chandelier, it makes an unforgettable first impression.

The museum is laid out over two floors and there’s a set path to follow, which is well signposted.

The photogenic grand staircase is an excellent indication of what lies within.

Every room is packed with artworks and treasures of some description or another.

I’m not sure there’s a room in the place that didn’t make me gasp – the entire mansion is breathtaking.

Even the bathrooms and powder rooms are lovely – I wouldn’t mind a marble bath like the one above!

The Marquis didn’t scrimp when it came to decorating the hallways and corridors either (above), they’re just as memorable as the rest of the house.

My favourite things in a museum filled with exquisite objects and furnishings were the light fittings.

They were phenomenal and I was particularly taken by the pretty, delicate glass chandeliers.

I don’t think I’ve taken so many photos of chandeliers and light fittings in my life, but the ones above were my favourites.

Of all the magnificent rooms in the house, the library was a highlight thanks to its intriguing objects and shelves filled with some 7,000 books (above).

But the delightfully dazzling ballroom – its walls adorned with mirrors – is the biggest showstopper and I spent ages admiring its lavish splendour (above).

The ballroom boasts copious amounts of gilding, marble from the Pyrenees and a ceiling painted by the Spanish painter Juderías Caballero.

I’ve seen a few reviews online of people criticising the staff. While I found the staff at the entrance and start unfriendly and lacking in the customer service department, once I got past the ticket office and into the mansion itself, I didn’t have any issues.

It’s such a shame because unwelcoming staff aside, it’s a gem of a mansion and absolutely worth visiting.

I was so glad I’d made the detour in the pouring rain to visit as it’s an extraordinary place that has to be seen to be believed.