Discovering Madrid's Royal Palace: A Must-See Landmark
A top destination when visiting Madrid is undoubtedly the Royal Palace of Spain, located right in the city center. This palace offers a glimpse into Spanish history and grandeur.
A Jewel of European History
The Royal Palace of Madrid stands as one of Europe's most beautiful and well-preserved palaces. Spanning over 135,000 square meters, it has witnessed centuries of Spanish history. Remarkably, it's one of the few official state residences of a head of state open to the public.
Nearly 1.5 million visitors explore its hidden gems, artworks, and unique treasures each year.
The Royal Palace Today
The Royal Palace of Madrid, like all Royal Sites managed by National Heritage, is actively used by His Majesty. The Spanish Monarchs host official events here. It remains the official residence of the King of Spain, making it a vibrant and accessible palace.
A History Etched in Stone
While the Royal Palace dates back to the 18th century, it sits on the site of the old Alcázar of Madrid, a medieval fortress transformed into a palace. Philip II chose it as the official residence of the Spanish Kings in 1561. Decorated with magnificent art from the Spanish Golden Age, the Alcázar burned down on Christmas Eve in 1734. Legend says that members of Philip V's French court started the fire to build a Versailles-style palace. However, that's merely a legend.
King Philip V commissioned Filippo Juvarra, the best European architect of the time, for the massive project. Juvarra passed away before completing the work, a common occurrence at the time due to the project's lengthy timeline. His student, Giambattista Sacchetti, took over, adapting Juvarra's ambitious design. The entire building consists of vaults without any wooden structure, ensuring the Palace's survival in case of fire. It has multiple floors to house government offices, royal offices, and servants. It was a building designed to embody absolute power.
The first stone was laid in 1738, and construction finished in 1751. The surrounding sculptural decoration and "exterior works" continued until 1759, always under Sacchetti's meticulous direction. Francisco Sabatini, architect of Charles III, modified his project. Charles III was the first monarch to live in the Royal Palace, taking up residence in 1764.
Charles III and the Court's Inaugural Residence
Under Charles III, the Royal Palace of Madrid experienced its golden age in the Italian style. The most famous painters of the time, including Venetian artist Giambattista Tiepolo and German painter Antonio Rafael Mengs, who trained in Rome, decorated his residence. Mengs was his first court painter. The series of frescoes these masters painted in the main rooms are a highlight of the residence, where Charles III and his son, Charles IV, resided for only eight weeks each year: December, Holy Week, and part of July. They spent the rest of the year at other Palaces of the Crown: El Escorial, Aranjuez, and La Granja.
Treasures Awaiting Discovery
The Palace's style reflects the tastes of the monarchs who resided within its walls.
King Charles III's room, which encompasses the rooms of the Enlightened Monarch, remains a highlight of Madrid, with decorations designed by Sabatini, consistent throughout the main floor.
The Throne Room and the Gasparini Room exemplify Charles III's taste, reflecting Rococo style with an extravagant Italian flair. Charles IV oversaw the creation of significant Neoclassical collections and French furniture. Fernando VII commissioned the impressive collection of French bronze and crystal chandeliers. Alfonso XII undertook the last decorative renovation, resulting in the current historical appearance in 1879.
Along the east façade are the rooms of Charles IV and Maria Luisa, where successive monarchs lived until 1931.
The Royal Armoury, one of Europe's most important collections alongside Vienna's, belonged to the Habsburgs. Philip II installed it next to the Alcázar, and it moved to its current pavilion in 1891. It remains one of the most well-preserved treasures and a frequently visited room.
