CERRALBO MUSEUM MADRID

The 17th Marquis of Cerralbo was passionate about politics and the arts. His collection, which has to be shown as he left it. includes 30,000 'works of art, archaeological objects and curios', gathered from around the world. Although the best-known of his paintings is The Ecstasv of St Francis of Assisi by EI Greco, there is also porcelain, Greek and Roman pottery, furniture, swords and oriental armour.

Connoisseurs appreciate the aristocratic mansion as much as the artifacts. The sumptuous ballroom (renovated in 1999) contrasts with the practical office library; even the parquet floors in the dining room and billiard room demand admiration.