Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is not the official residence of his Majesty the King of Spain but actually where state ceremonies happen, official Banquets and other state function take place, The King of Spain actually lives in Zarzuela Palace, just outside of Madrid.

Before the Royal Palace of Madrid was built, in the Ninth Century, the Muslim Kingdom of Toledo built a defensive building, that was later used by the Kings of Castile, who later went on to building the Alcázar castle, in the 16th century. However, due to the castle being built out of wood, it was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734, 24 December.

King Felipe the fifth wanted to build a palace for his Borbon dynasty and Italian Architect Filippo Juvara was chosen to design the new palace, and all construction was made in stone and brick, so it can’t be destroyed by fire, Construction happened between 1738 and 1755.

The Palace has 1,450,00 sq ft of floor space and has 3,418 rooms, 44 staircases, 240 Balconies and 870 Windows, it’s the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area and the inside of the Palace is well-known for its wealth of Art and use of fine Materials.

The Royal Armoury is situated inside the Royal Palace, its considered one of the best Armouries in the world, The collection ranging from the 15th century onwards, you can find tournament pieces made for Philip II and Charles the Firth, by one of the best armourers of Augsburg and Milan. You can also find pieces of the armoury and full tools used in the battle of Mühlberg by Charles V however during the Peninsular War and the Spanish Civil War, parts of the Armory was lost.

The Royal Pharmacy has some interesting features such as cabinets that were used to store medicinal herbs, bottles, stills, containers and prescriptions which was given to the Royal Family.

The Royal Kitchen first opened to the public on October 2017, after undergoing a complete renovation, its one of the most striking examples of historical kitchens in European Royal Residences, the kitchen is situated in the first basement, it was renovated between 1861 and 1880 thanks to the orders of Isabella II and Alfonso XII.

The last known Monarch who lived continuously in the Royal Palace was King Alfonso XIII and the last head of state was Manuel Azaña, who was the president of the Second Republic, during the Period where Manuel Azaña, the Royal Palace was known as “Palacio Nacional” and to this day, the room next to the Real Capilla, is known as “Office of Azaña”.

The palace is owned by the Spanish State and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional, a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Visitors all around the world can visit the palace, Several rooms in the Palace are regularly open to the public, except during state functions and Don’t miss the Changing of Guard which happens every Wednesday and Saturday and the Magnificent solemn changing the Guard happens on the first Wednesday of each Month.

Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography credit:Mikhail Z

Telephone: +34 91 454 8700 | Official Website |

How to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid

The nearest metro station is the Opera, it’s about 5 minutes walk to the Royal Palace, however only just walking two minutes, you will see the stunning royal palace. Opera red line L2 and Green Line L5.

The Nearest Train Station is the Madrid-Sol

Nearby Bus services: 3, 25, 39, 46, 75, 138, 148, C1

Opening Hours

From April 01 to September 30

Monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

From October 01 to March 31

Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission

Ticket Type Price
General Admission €11
Concessions €6
Agency rate €8
Free admission October to March Monday to Friday between 4 PM to 6 PM
Free Admission Hispanic American citizens with certification of nationality
Free Admission Madrid Card
Other Rates for tours differ to the Standard prices.

Box office and admission to the Palace closes one hour earlier.

Information

  • Function: Palace
  • Architects: Filippo Juvarra, Francesco Sabatini, Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, José Segundo de Lema
  • The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of Europe’s largest palaces
  • Construction started: 7 April 1735
  • Historic period: 18th century
  • Floor area: 135,000 m2
  • Client: King Felipe V of Spain
  • Architectural style: Baroque, Classicism

More Photography’s

royal palace of madrid 2 Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography credit:K R
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography credit: luiswolg
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography flickr credit:joanbrebo
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography flickr credit:teckman
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography flickr credit:Jorge Donaire
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography flickr credit: joanbrebo
Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid photography flickr credit: JOSE MANUEL GABRIEL

Location

Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain | Coordinates: 40.417974°N 3.714302°W

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