Madrid is a beautiful city with a lot to see and do. Here is an example: the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The Royal Palace of Madrid
This is one of the main tourist attractions in the city and is the official residence of the King of Spain.
Although today it is mainly used for official ceremonies,
The palace was built in the 18th century by order of King Felipe V and is one of the largest palaces in Europe, with more than 3,400 rooms. It was built over the site of the former Alcazar of Madrid, which was destroyed by fire in 1734.
It is known for its impressive architecture. Visitors have a tour that includes visiting the works of artists of the time, such as Goya, Velázquez, and Mengs, as well as some of the palace’s rooms, including the throne room, the porcelain room, the Gasparini room, and the Royal Armory, which houses an impressive collection of weapons.
In addition to tourist visits, it is used for a variety of official events and ceremonies, such as the reception of foreign heads of state and the celebration of weddings and other royal events that are surrounded by artists such as Caravaggio, El Greco, and Rubens. In short, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a must for any tourist visiting the city, as it offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Spain.
What to see in the Royal Palace of Madrid
Some of the things not to be missed when visiting the palace include:
- The Throne Room: This impressive room is the place where the official ceremonies and protocol acts of the Spanish crown are held.
- The Royal Armory is one of the most important collections of arms and armor in Europe, with more than 3,000 pieces.
- The Porcelain Room: This room is famous for its walls and ceilings decorated with Chinese porcelain.
- The Royal Chapel is an impressive church that houses a large collection of religious objects and works of art.
- The Gasparini Room is one of the most spectacular rooms in the palace, with luxurious decoration and an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures.
- The Campo del Moro gardens are a beautiful garden that surrounds the palace and offers impressive views of the city.
After all these main attractions, visitors can explore many other rooms and halls in the palace, including the Tapestry Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Hall of Kings. Guided tours are also possible to get a more detailed insight into the palace’s history and architecture.
The surroundings that you should not miss
The surroundings of the Palace of Madrid are a very interesting place to visit and walk around. Some of the notable places that are located near the palace include:
- The Plaza de Oriente: this square is one of the largest and most beautiful in Madrid and is located right in front of the Royal Palace, which is surrounded by gardens and has an impressive equestrian statue of King Felipe IV.
- The Royal Theater, located next to the Royal Palace, is one of the most important opera houses in Spain. It was built in the 19th century and is famous for its impressive architecture and decoration.
- The Almudena Cathedral, located a few steps from the Royal Palace, is the main cathedral of Madrid. It is an impressive neoclassical church with an impressive interior and a collection of sacred art.
- El Templo de Debod: It is an Egyptian temple that was dismantled and moved to Madrid in the 1960s. It is located in a park a few steps from the Royal Palace and is a very popular place to watch the sunset.
- The Mercado de San Miguel, located about a ten-minute walk from the Royal Palace, is a gastronomic market that offers a wide variety of tapas, wines, and local products.
In addition, the area of the historic center of Madrid, known as the Madrid de los Austrias, is close to the Royal Palace and is a perfect place to explore the history and culture of the city.
Staying near the Royal Palace
We have accommodation for days and apartments throughout Madrid, but also the Royal Palace
