The Royal Palace of Madrid (El Palacio Real de Madrid) is set in western downtown Madrid, and it is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family. However, King Juan Carlos and his family have chosen to live in the smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city.
The palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and covers an area of over 135,000m2, distributed on more than 2,800 rooms. It is used for state functions, and it is owned by the Spanish state.
The site of the palace was originally a 10 th century outpost constructed by Mohammed I, Emir of Córdoba. When the Moors lost Madrid to Alfonso VI of Castile the building was more or less abandoned until Philip II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.
In the 16 th century the ‘Antiguo Alcázar (Old Castle) was built on the site, however, it burnt to the ground on Christmas eve in 1734, and construction of the present palace was initiated. Construction spanned the years 1738-1755, and when it was finished its first inhabitant was Carlos III who took residence in it in 1764. He decorated it lavishly to his own taste.
Just walking around the outside of the Royal Palace is impressive. There is a vast courtyard behind elegant iron fencing. To the side of the courtyard is an unexpected and stunning view across the countryside beyond. It’s as if Madrid just stops and the fields and trees start. On a clear day this panoramic view is breathtaking
When the palace is not used for state functions, parts of it are open to the public.
The interior that is open to visitors consist of:
• the main staircase • Halberdiers Room • Hall of Columns • Throne Room • Saleta and antechamber of Charles III • Chamber and bedroom of Charles III • Gala Dining Room • Music Room • China collection • Royal Chapel
The vast palace is richly decorated by artists such as Velázquez, Tiepolo, Mengs, Gasparini, Juan de Flandes, Caravaggio, and Goya. Several royal collections of great historical importance are kept at the palace, including the Royal Armoury and weapons dating back to the 13th century, and the
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world's only complete Stradivarius string quintet, as well as collections of tapestry, porcelain, furniture, and other objets d'art of great historical importance.
Below the palace, to the west, are the gardens of the Campo del Moro that were given this name due to the fact that here in the year 1109, Muslim leader Ali Ben Yusuf, encamped with his men in the attempt to recapture Madrid and its Alcázar (fortress) from the Christians. The east façade of the palace gives onto the Plaza de Oriente and the Teatro Real operahouse. To the south is a vast square, the Plaza de la Armas, surrounded by narrow wings of the palace, and to the south of that is located the Catedral de la Almudena. To the north are the Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens), named after one of the architects of the palace.
The wedding banquet of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz took place on 22 May 2004 at the central courtyard of the Palace.
When you visit, you have a choice of purchasing either a ticket for a guided tour, or a normal ticket (1 euro less) so that you can walk around at your own pace. The guided tour is very in depth and takes about 45 minutes. If you walk around under your own steam, there are still information points throughout that explain more about each room and its function.
Go visit this vast palace, wander around the lavishly decorated rooms and ramble through the extensive park. It is a truly impressive monument; you’ll be hard pressed to see it all in a day.
If you would like to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, contact us here at the Messenger and we will help you arrange your trip.
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