Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid, Comunidad de
The Royal Palace of Madrid, located in the heart of Spain's capital, is the official residence of the Spanish monarchy, although the royal family currently resides in the nearby Zarzuela Palace. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe, boasting 3,418 rooms and covering an area of 135,000 square meters, nearly double the size of Buckingham Palace or Versailles. Built on the site of the former Alcázar palace which was destroyed by fire in 1734, its construction began in 1738 under architect Filippo Juvarra, later continued by his disciple Giovanni Battista Sacchetti and other notable architects such as Ventura RodrĂguez and Francesco Sabatini. The palace exemplifies Baroque architecture with French influences, reflecting the tastes of the Bourbon dynasty. Inside, it houses an extraordinary collection of artistic treasures including paintings by masters like Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, as well as frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The palace also contains valuable collections of musical instruments, porcelain, armory, furniture, and silverware. It is used primarily for official state ceremonies and solemn events, with many of its state rooms and art collections open to the public when not in use for official functions. Managed by Patrimonio Nacional, the palace remains one of Spain's most visited monuments, attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually.
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Tipp: Visitors are advised to check the official website for opening hours and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. The best time to visit is in the morning when it is less crowded. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and large groups. Guided tours provide enriched historical context and are recommended to fully appreciate the palace's art and architecture.
Interessante Fakten
- •The Royal Palace of Madrid has 3,418 rooms, almost twice as many as Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Versailles.
- •It houses the Stradivarius Palatinos, a unique collection of historic string instruments.
- •The palace is located on the site of the old Alcázar, a fortress that burned down in 1734.
- •The palace contains artworks by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, among other renowned artists.
- •It is managed by Patrimonio Nacional, a government agency responsible for royal heritage properties.
- •Despite being the official royal residence, the Spanish royal family lives in the nearby Zarzuela Palace.
- •The Plaza de Oriente, in front of the palace, was named for its position east of the palace, although the palace itself lies in the western part of Madrid.
Geschichte
The Royal Palace of Madrid was constructed starting in 1738 on the site of the former Alcázar, which was destroyed by fire in 1734.
Commissioned by King Philip V, the palace was designed initially by Filippo Juvarra, whose plans were adapted by Giovanni Battista Sacchetti after Juvarra's death.
The palace was completed under the supervision of architects including Ventura RodrĂguez and Francesco Sabatini.
It became the main royal residence with King Charles III as its first continuous occupant.
The last monarch to reside in the palace was Alfonso XIII, with subsequent royal families preferring the Zarzuela Palace.
The building has undergone various modifications and restorations over the centuries, preserving its Baroque grandeur and artistic heritage.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
State Rooms18th century
Lavishly decorated rooms used for official ceremonies and receptions, featuring exquisite tapestries, chandeliers, and paintings by master artists.
Royal Chapel18th century
A richly adorned chapel within the palace where religious ceremonies are held, designed by Ventura RodrĂguez.
ArmoryVarious periods
One of the most important collections of arms and armor in the world, including weapons used by Spanish monarchs throughout history.
Art Collections Gallery17th-18th centuries
Houses paintings by Caravaggio, Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, and other notable artists, as well as frescoes and tapestries.
Stradivarius Palatinos17th-18th centuries
A unique collection of historic string instruments crafted by the renowned Stradivari family.
Kontakt
Telefon: 914 54 87 00
