Nowadays, the Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid) is the official residence of the king of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it for important events because usually the King lives in a small palace called The Zarzuela.
History of The Royal Palace of Madrid
The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and the king Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction. Being one of the most emblematic buildings of Madrid, this large palace might remind some French tourist of the Luvre Palace.
To add, this outstanding palace was the home of the Kings of Spain from Charles III (1716-1788), son of Philip V, to Alfonso XIII (1886-1941) who abdicated in 1931 (grandfather of the currently King Juan Carlos).
Visiting The Palace
Visitors should stare its Royal Chapel, The Royal Armory which is one of the most important of Europe, The Throne Hall and Royal Chemist’s all of them are worth a visit. Moreover the palace has an luxury art gallery with stunning paintings.
It takes about one hour to visit this palace. However,it can take three hours if tourists go for a walk or have a drink while enjoying the visit and resting in its quiet gardens.
More places to visit near Palacio Real (Madrid)
– Catedral de La Almudena (Almudena’s Cathedral): This is the main cathedral of Madrid. It is placed in front of Palacio Real.
– Jardines de oriente (Oriente Gardens): A square with a beautiful gardens and two rows of statues on this sides. They are placed beside Palacio Real.
– Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens): These gardens are placed by Real Palace, and also close to El Senado building.
– Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Market): Inside of this famous market you will find an incredibly variety of food: juices, “tapas”, “croquetas”, hamburgers, fruit, fish… all of this of the highest quality.
– Plaza Mayor (Main Square): The Main Square was built around 400 years ago. It is surrounded by charming three-storey buildings, painted mostly in red, with beautiful windows.
– Puerta del Sol (Sun Square): Puerta del Sol (which means “Sun Gate”) is the name of the most famous square in Madrid.
– Gran via Avenue: Gran Via is one of the most famous streets of Spanish capital. It is situated in the center of Madrid and was built 100 years ago. The idea of the street was to join and improve the communication between the districts of the capital city.
– Plaza de España: There you can find the first skyscrapers built in Spain, and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the square with a statue of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza.
Read also our post about What to see in Madrid in one week.