Welcome to Madrid

The Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional (CESEDEN) is the main military teaching centre for the Spanish Armed Forces. The CESEDEN delivers advanced national defence courses, and also conducts research, and promotes and disseminates the culture of defence.

The building that houses this centre was designed by architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco and was constructed between 1887 and 1898. The facade comprises careful exposed brickwork, with granite and artificial stone detailing. After the Civil War, it was turned into an advanced school for the army and expanded, losing its original configuration, although the style was reproduced by the engineer Medrano in all the new added pavilions.