In an era when Basque pelota was the premier spectacle, the Frontón Jai Alai opened its doors on Alfonso XII street, transforming into the heart of a sporting and social phenomenon that captivated Madrid's society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This venue was more than just a place to thrill to the speed of a small leather ball; its thirty-three boxes, café, restaurant, and spacious stands attracted aristocrats, merchants, military personnel, and entire families. It served as a meeting point for closing business deals and discussing current events, establishing Basque pelota as the city's greatest entertainment for decades.
The building, designed by Miguel Mathet y Coloma, became a symbol of Madrid's Belle Époque, offering a complete leisure experience that extended beyond the sporting competition.
