Museo Cerralbo: A Hidden Gem in Madrid

Because of a penchant for castle architecture, crystal craftsmanship, and antiques, I found myself booking a room in the city center, waking up at 4 a.m., and catching the earliest flight just to have an hour and a half to visit the Museo Cerralbo. 🏰✨ It was raining, and I stood barefoot for 30 minutes, shivering in the cold. But when I finally entered the Duke of Cerralbo's private residence, it was like stepping into a visual feast of art and design that seamlessly blends living spaces with a museum's treasures. 🌟 The crystal chandeliers, the artworks, the distinct styles of each room—it's a perfect balance of luxury and functionality. I had planned to just take a few photos and leave, but I ended up spending a whole hour there. The opulence and craftsmanship of each piece are beyond words or pictures. I saw exquisite 19th-century ceramics from Japan and China, but the billiard room was the most surprising—pool was already popular in the 19th century? I might have to learn and get better at it! 🎱😂 If you're into niche, small but exquisite museums, I highly recommend this one. 🌟 #Museum #HistoryAndArt #TravelSpain #Madrid #EuropeanLife #EuropeanTravel