The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the official residence of the Spanish monarchy used today for state ceremonies and official events; the royal family lives at the Palace of Zarzuela. It is one of the largest royal palaces in Western Europe and a major cultural attraction.
History and significance
The current palace was built on the site of the old Alcázar, which burned in 1734; construction of the new Bourbon palace began in the mid-18th century under architects such as Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti. Over successive reigns the palace acquired its rich interior decoration and collections.Size and collections
Scale: The palace covers about 135,000 m² and contains 3,418 rooms, making it one of the largest royal residences by floor area.Collections: Highlights include the State Rooms (Throne Room, Hall of Columns), the Royal Armoury, important paintings and frescoes, tapestries, porcelain, clocks, and the unique set of Stradivarius Palatinos.
What to see on a visit
State Rooms: Grand Staircase, Throne Room, Gasparini Room, and the Hall of Columns.Royal Armoury: One of Europe’s most important armour collections.
Gardens and exterior: Plaza de Oriente, Sabatini Gardens and views toward Campo del Moro are excellent for photos and context.
