In the 19th century, the Marqués de Salamanca intentionally created Salamanca to be an enclave for the capital’s aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie. To this day, the neighborhood attracts the rich and famous not just from Spain, but from around the world. Barrio Salamanca is home to many embassies, located in elegant old buildings. For example, the beautiful Italian embassy is located in a French Baroque style building designed by Joaquín Rojí, one of the best Spanish architects of the early 20th century. The building once belonged to the Marquess of Amboage, a man of immense wealth who had a noble title granted to him by the Vatican.

The Salamanca neighborhood is especially evocative in spring, when the trees lining the elegant streets are festooned with yellow flowers. Calle Serrano, which starts at the roundabout that houses the Neo-Classic arch called Puerta Alcala, is Spain’s version of the Champs-Élysées. It is lined with shops from big international brands, such as Longchamps, MaxMara, Coach and Caroline Herrera. The smaller streets, such as Calle Lagasca and Calle Claudio Coello, have many fashion boutiques, as well as shops by local designers.