Royal Palace of Madrid

Overview

The Palacio Real is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though they now live at the more modest Zarzuela Palace outside the city. With over 3,400 rooms and 135,000 square metres of floor space, it is the largest royal palace in Western Europe by floor area.

Highlights

• The Throne Room: A dazzling crimson-and-gold room with a ceiling fresco by Tiepolo and the original thrones of Charles III, still used for state ceremonies.
• The Royal Armoury: One of the finest collections of arms and armour in the world, including the full tournament suit of Emperor Charles V.
• The Royal Pharmacy: An atmospheric 18th-century apothecary with hundreds of original Talavera ceramic jars lining the shelves.

History

Built between 1738 and 1755 on the site of the old Alcázar fortress that burned down on Christmas Eve 1734. Philip V commissioned Italian architects Filippo Juvara and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti to design it entirely in limestone and granite—no wood—to prevent another fire.

Visitor Tips

• Changing of the Guard: A full ceremonial changing of the guard takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at noon (except July–September and during rain).
• Free Hours: Free entry for EU citizens Monday–Thursday 16:00–18:00 (October–March) and 18:00–20:00 (April–September).
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.