Madrid’s Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. The palace sits on the site of the former Alcázar of Madrid, which was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1734. Construction began on the Royal Palace in 1738 and was completed in 1751. Charles III was the first king to live in the palace. Today it is still the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, but is only used for state ceremonies, as the Royal Family chooses to live in the Palacio de la Zarzuela located on the outskirts of the city.
The Royal Palace has over 2,800 rooms and contains paintings, frescoes and tapestries by notable artists, including Velázquez, Goya, Tiépolo, Caravaggio, and Meng. Visitors to the palace can tour a variety of rooms and collections, including the Throne Room, Charles III’s Apartments, Royal Pharmacy, and the Royal Armory.
The Royal Palace is generally open daily, but it does close for state meetings and government receptions, so be sure to check for your specific dates. For more information on opening hours and entrance fees, click here.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Royal Palace tour, click here, and for information on all of our Madrid tours, click here.
Photo credit: Antonio Velez (CC BY-SA 3.0 ES)
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.