History of Spain. Madrid. The official inauguration of the "Cárcel Modelo" on 20 December 1883 led to the transfer of all the inmates of the The Saladero Prison (Cárcel del Saladero, also known as Cárcel de Villa). The former "Saladero" (from its original use for bacon salting), used as a correctional prison in unhealthy conditions, was converted into a men's prison by virtue of a decree issued in mid-1831 by King Ferdinand VII. Transfer of the prisoners from the Saladero Prison to the new Cárcel Modelo: first group, in the early hours of 9 May 1884. It was carried out in groups of 30, tied with ropes or chains, depending on the seriousness of the crime of which they were convicted, walking slowly between couples of the Public Security corps. Drawing from life by Nao. Engraving by Bernardo Rico (1825-1894). La Ilustración Española y Americana (The Spanish and American Illustration), May 22, 1884. Author: Manuel Nao (1843-1884). Spanish illustrator. Bernardo Rico (1825-1894). Spanish en