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Nope, Royalty could not be found here, as their official residence is the less exposed venue of Zarzuela palace. The King and Queen would only be found here during official receptions and events of similar nature... So chances of seeing the Royal family in person could be accounted to more or less 0, as neither you nor me are likely to be invited to this kind of events ;-). Anyway, the beautiful ornamented halls of the palace are open to the public (open from 9.30 to 17.00h mon-sat, 9.00 to 14.00h sun).
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Calle Bailén 28071 (MADRID)
Phone: 91 454 88 00
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The Plaza de Oriente was built during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte with the aim to protect the Royal Palace against uprisings. The square is marked by the beautiful garden in the center, with plants and fountains.
It is said that Galileo helped to do the calculations for its design :)
Written Jul 22, 2010
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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Plaza de Oriente is located right in front of Royal Palace. In the middle of the square stands a fountain with a statue of Philip IV. on his horse.
The interesting thing about Plaza de Oriente is, that at the side stand several statues of monarchs and important persons, which (as our friend told us) were supposed to stand on the top of the palace. After they had been made, it was found out, that they are too heavy to be placed on the palace, so since that time they stand in the park and between the green colour of trees and plants, i think it fits them much more there on the ground.
Updated Jan 25, 2010
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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The Plaza de Oriente was once an central meeting place for state events where Royalty made public appearances on the balcony of the Palace which faces the Plaza. The inspiration for the plaza was from King Joseph I who was Napoleons brother and who ruled Spain from 1808 to 1813.
In the centre of the Plaza is a statue to Felipe IV.
Written Sep 27, 2009
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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The Royal Theatre (Teatro Real) was ceremonially inaugurated by the Queen Isabella II on November 19th 1850. In the past Verdi and Wagner operas, works by Stravinsky and Russian ballet performed at the theatre.
Today it has one of the largest stages in the world. The theatre annual programs are diverse from classical to the contemporary.
Plaza de Oriente, s/n Madrid, 28013
Nearest Train: Ópera
Fax: +34 91 516 0651
Written May 31, 2009
Address: Near Royal Palace
Phone: +34 91 516 0660
Website: www.teatro-real.com/
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The bronze statue of Philip IV in Plaza de Oriente was erected in 1843. It was commissioned by Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca’s who begun work in 1634 and designed the statue based on drawing by Spanish artist Velaquez.
Written May 31, 2009
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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Plaza de Oriente square was constructed during Joseph Bonaparte and completed during the reign of Isabel II. The Plaza locations are between Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and Teatro Real (Opera House). The square shapes are surrounded by beautiful garden with beautiful flowers arrangements and manicured small trees. In the middle of Plaza de Oriente stand impressive statue of Phillip IV. If you walk around the garden of the plaza there are several statutes of Spain's monarchs.
Apparently Plaza de Oriente comes alive at night with live music. Unfortunately we did not experience the night activities.
Written May 31, 2009
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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Here you find the statues of formers Spain's kings.
This is a very beautiful place facing another beauty: the Royal Palace. There were two street musicians playing Spanish songs so, imagine how happy I felt while walking in there!
There is a statue of Felipe IV.
Great place for picnic or just relax if you feel tired after visiting the Royal Palace and the Almudena House.
Written Dec 31, 2008
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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This sits east of the Royal Palace, hence it's name. Madrid owes this place to Spain's 'Non-King' Joseph Bonaparte. He ordered the clearing to start during his brief reign (1803-1813). It was left as a dusty space until 1844. Moving on, during the dictatorship, devotees from all over Spain came for a glimpse of Franco, who addressed from the Royal Balcony. In the centre of the square is an equestrian statue of King Philip IV.
This is a good place to have a wander around or to enjoy a cold drink. There is a playground nearby for children.
Written Aug 13, 2008
Address: Between Royal Palace and Opera House
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This large crescent-shaped garden separates the opera and the Royal Palace and, therefore is one of the most popular spots of Madrid with tourists. It is believed that its name refers to the fact that the square faces the Eastern façade of the Royal Palace. Oddly enough, the Royal Palace has become known as Orient Palace for assimilation with the Square's name, despite the fact that it is located in the Occident of the city.
The present configuration of Orient Square was laid down in the 19th century by Narciso Pascual. It is presided by a 17th century bronze statue of King Philip IV by Pietro Tacca, which is said to be the first equestrian statue where the horse stands only on two hooves.
In the gardens, you will also find some rather crude statues depicting various early Spanish Kings. They are locally known as the Goth Kings, but some of the first Christian Kings after the Reconquista are also represented. Not that the artist who sculpted them were not skilful enough, but they simply were not designed to be observed from the ground perspective. They make part of a collection that included all the Spanish kings, intended to decorate the roof of the adjacent Royal Palace. For fear that the structure of the building would not support their weight, the sculptures were recycled for the "ornamentation" of different gardens and parks in the city, including Orient Square, the Sabatini Gardens and the Retiro Park.
Updated Jun 13, 2008
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Plaza de Oriente tips and photos posted by real travelers and Madrid locals.
Write a ReviewThis large crescent-shaped garden separates the opera and the Royal Palace and, therefore is one of the most popular spots of Madrid with tourists. It is...
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