The current Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare occupies the building designed by the architect Francisco de Asís Cabrero, in collaboration with the architect Rafael Aburto, for the ‘Vertical Trade Unions’ of the Franco era. In 1949, a bid was called for a draft project, which was won by Francisco de Asís Cabrero; the work was begun immediately, ending two years later, in 1951. In physical terms, it is the tallest building on the entire Paseo del Prado, boasting sixteen stories, and uses granite and limestone in mouldings and brick bonding walls, giving it its characteristic appearance. Since the disappearance of the ‘Vertical Unions’ with the political transition of 1978, it has been the traditional headquarters of the Ministry of Health.