The Royal Palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. It stands where the old Alcázar of Madrid burned down on Christmas Eve 1734. Its replacement, in white stone and granite, took decades to build, and Charles III was the first king to live in it. Today it is the official residence of the King of Spain, used for state ceremonies – the royal family lives in the smaller Zarzuela Palace.
What to see
The state rooms
A grand staircase leads to a sequence of lavish rooms: the Throne Room, with its ceiling painted by Giambattista Tiepolo, the Gasparini Room covered in silk and stucco, and the vast Gala Dining Room.
The Royal Armoury
One of the finest collections of armour in the world, with suits made for Charles V and Philip II – and even for their horses.
The gardens
The formal Sabatini Gardens lie to the north, and the landscaped Campo del Moro slopes down towards the river.
The Changing of the Guard
A solemn Changing of the Guard, with horses and music, is held on the Plaza de la Armería on certain Wednesdays; check the dates on the official website.
Tips
- Book online, especially in summer and on weekends.
- Arrive at opening time: the rooms get crowded by late morning.
- Next door, visit the Almudena Cathedral and watch the sunset from the palace terraces.
