Museo de Historia de Madrid

You're standing on Calle de Fuencarral, right in the heart of Madrid, outside the Madrid History Museum. This is the museum that tells the story of the city itself. Take a good look at the building. It wasn't built as a museum at all, but as a home for the poor: the Royal Hospice of San Fernando. It was designed by the Spanish architect Pedro de Ribera. Have a close look at the entrance. It's packed with carved decoration, in the exuberant Baroque style Ribera became known for.