Royal Palace, Madrid

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Madrid's original royal palace was at the site of Retiro Park. It was where the monarchy lived when Spain ruled the world. It was where Velazquez painted his masterpieces. Its architecture featured the square corners with the pointed tops that you can still find all over Madrid. It was truly Madrileño! However, that palace tragically burned, taking with it several masterpieces by Velazquez and Rubens, among other artists.

The palace was rebuilt in the Western corner of the city and it was designed by a French architect. This is why it looks like a mini Versailles. And although it's still gorgeous, it's more French than Spanish looking.

I toured this palace at least twice, back when I first visited this city as a girl and then while I was a student here. I'm sure it's still fantastic and I still remember the endless rooms of tapestries. If you can't tour the palace, then walk around it - it's right in the city - and appreciate the beautiful architecture. And, if you're lucky and have a deep blue sky, like we did, then you'll see how it resembles a beautiful butter cream frosting...!

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We enjoyed touring the rooms of the Palace and especially the two extra sites at the end the Royal Pharmacy and the Armoury. These were most impressive. The furnished rooms of the Palace are full of wonderful furniture and decor as one would expect, and similar to other places we have visited such as Versailles and Stately Homes in Britain but the Pharmacy was a fascinating peek into the world of Medicine as it was in the past. In the armoury you can see whole sets of armour and knights fully kitted out for battle on horseback and that is a very interesting site. If you have a couple of hours to spare the Royal Palace is very nice.

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...but he doesn't live there anymore so it is now open to the public. Madrid's Royal Palace was built during the 18th century with the idea of bringing to Spain the same sort of oppulence that existed at Versailles. The result was one of Western Europe's largest royal palaces, although the royal family divided its time between several palaces and usually ended up spending only a few months each year in Madrid. In 1962, the royal family moved to Zarzuela, using the Royal Palace only for official functions.

The visit of the palace gives access to the throne room, the king's private appartments, the very impressive dining room and porcelaine room, and the royal chapel, among other things (again, it was not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, sorry!). All the rooms are richly decorated (though I wouldn't say it is quite as nice as Versailles) and include a vast number of remarkable paintings by Goya, Velazquez, and other classical painters. It is also possible to visit the more or less interesting Real Farmacia, and the Real Armeria, which I found surprisingly impressive. Outside, the palace is beautifully surrounded by the Plaza del Oriente, the Sabatini Gardens, and the Campo del Moro.

Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (3:00 pm on Sundays). General admission: 8 Euros.

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A must see attraction when in Madrid - the Royal Palace is huge. Built between 1738 and 1755 and now-a-days the ceremonial home of the Spanish Monarchy.

Most of the important rooms are open to the public including the throne room, the Gala Dining Hall, Royal Chapel, Billiard Room and many others, however there are other rooms where priceless objects are on display including the Crockery and Crystal Room, The Stradivarius Room and the Instruments Room.

Entrance price also includes admittance to the Royal Pharmacy and the Royal Armoury. The latter is the highlight where there is an amazing collection of medieval arms and suits of armour for men of wealth and/or class, their sons, horses and even a dogs' armour. Claimed to be one of the largest collections of its type in the world. Allow at least an hour as this section of the Royal Palace, which covers 2 floors.

Cost 10 Euro, European Seniors discounts. Allow at least 4 hours to visit. Note - disabled access is limited owing to stairs. Security screening at entrance.

King Felipe V ordered the construction of the palace in 1737 in sustitution of the Old Madrid Alcazar, destroyed by a fire in 1724. Is the biggest royal palace of wester Europe in extension with 135.000 square meters and 2.800 rooms. It was The Kings offcial residence until midd 30, although at present the palace is use to celebrate state ceremonies, the Royal Family live in Palacio de la Zarzuela another one in a quet area outside Madrid.

Felipe V ordenó la construcción del palacio en 1737 para sustituir al Viejo Alcázar de Madrid, destruido por un incendio en 1724. Es el mayor palacio real de Europa Occidental en extensión, con 135.000 m² y más de 2.800 habitaciones. El Palacio fue la residencia oficial de los Reyes hasta los años 30 del siglo XX, si bien en la actualidad se utiliza únicamente para la celebración de ceremonias de Estado, ya que la Familia Real reside en el Palacio de la Zarzuela.

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Kings spent very little time in the royal palace and used to live in other sites (El Escorial, el sitio del Buen Retiro, Aranjuez). It is structured around a square patio with galleries.
50 (out of 2800!) rooms can be visited. They offer various styles.

Only a small part of the palace is still in use nowadays. The rest serves as a museum. One can hire audio guides and go though marvellous rooms which previous Spanish monarchs lived in. There is an astonishing number of timepieces in every room and they are beautiful. There is also the Royal Armouries and the Pharmacy.

The immense palace was built by King Philips V in 1734. Now, it is used for official acts of state as well as special ceremonies. The royal family does not live there anymore. There are over 2000 beautifully decorated room, some walls are even lined in silver and gold. Each room has its own unique style, no two room seem to be done in the same manner. Only 50 of the 2000+ rooms are available to the general public for viewing.

The Palace is Open:
Weekdays - 9 AM to 6 PM. Holidays - 9 AM to 3 PM.
Oct. 1 to March 31 the Palace is Open:
Weekdays - 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Holidays - 9AM to 2 PM