Things to do in Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, however, it is currently used exclusively for receptions, ceremonies, and official acts. Today the King and Queen of Spain reside in the Zarzuela Palace, located on the outskirts of the Spanish capital.
The Royal Palace is located on the site of the old Alcazar of Madrid, a medieval fortress converted into a luxurious palace by John II, Charles V and Philip II. The Alcazar was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1734.
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764, the year in which Charles III decide to reside there. Also known as the Palacio de Oriente, it is surrounded by the Campo del Moro Gardens and the Sabatini Gardens. The building is inspired by the sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris and is articulated around a square courtyard. It has a gallery and a Plaza de Armas, where the main facade of the palace is located.
Featuring 3,400 lavish rooms, visiting the largest royal palace in Europe is an experience in itself. The Throne Room preserves the original decoration from the reign of Charles III, including the impressive vault fresco by Tiepolo to show the grandeur of the monarchy. The chandelier and the Shepherd's Clock are two of the main attractions of the Gasparini Room (the room where the king dressed), and the Royal Armory is one of the most complete on the continent. Other unmissable rooms are the Hall of Columns, the Royal Kitchen, the Halberdiers' Hall and the Royal Chapel.
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, from mid-September to mid-July, the changing of the Royal Palace guard takes place. During the summer months, the hours are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The building can be visited practically all year round, as it is closed only during official ceremonies and festivities.
Our recommendations in Royal Palace of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid tour with local guide
Get ready to discover the lavish rooms and gardens of the Royal Palace of Madrid together with an expert local guide.
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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
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Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
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Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid tour with local guide
Get ready to discover the lavish rooms and gardens of the Royal Palace of Madrid together with an expert local guide.
en, es
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided tour
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
en, es
Madrid Royal Palace skip-the-line tickets and tour with an expert guide
Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid, admire the artworks by Goya and Velázquez and visit the gardens booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, fr
Royal Palace of Madrid skip-the-line tickets and guided visit
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets and enjoy a guided visit of one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe booking this 2-hour guided tour.
en, es
Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace Guided Tour in Spanish
Enjoy a guided tour in Spanish of the Royal Collections Gallery combined with the Royal Palace and learn more about the country's history with an expert guide.
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Royal Collections Gallery Tickets and Guided Tour in Spanish
Enjoy a Spanish guided tour of the Royal Collections Gallery, Spain's most important museum project, to learn more about its past thanks to an expert guide.
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Royal Collections Gallery Tickets and Guided Tour in English
Enjoy a Spanish guided tour of the Royal Collections Gallery, Spain's most important museum project, to learn more about its past thanks to an expert guide.
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Madrid's Royal Palace and Royal Armoury guided tour with tickets
Admire the richness and beauty of the Royal Palace of Madrid, walk through the kings' rooms, visit the Royale Armory and its weapons exhibition.
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Royal Collections Gallery and Royal Palace Guided Tour in English
Enjoy a guided tour in English of the Royal Collections Gallery combined with the Royal Palace and learn more about the country's history with an expert guide.
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Royal Palace of Madrid guided tour and Tablao Torres Bermejas flamenco show with tapas
Skip the long lines and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with an expert guide. Enjoy a live flamenco performance at Tablao Torres Bermejas and taste a menu of Spanish tapas and a drink included.
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Madrid highlights with entrance and guided tour to the Royal Palace
Discover Madrid and the Royal Palace booking this 4-hour guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
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Madrid highlights and Retiro Park Segway™ tour
Explore Madrid's most famous spots, including some places that only locals know about on this 2.5-hour guided Segway™ tour.
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How to get there
Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid
Spain
Reviews Royal Palace of Madrid
“Bonjour,Belle visite, mais pas de guide en français ! Mon mari ne comprend ni l anglais ni l espagnol.Il faudra recruter !”
