Palaces Palaces in the Madrid Region

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the most emblematic monuments of the Spanish capital and the official residence of the King of Spain. Although no monarch has lived there permanently since Alfonso XIII, the royal family currently resides in the Zarzuela Palace. The building is primarily used for state ceremonies, official receptions, and solemn events.

The palace's origins date back to the 9th century, when Emir Mohammed I ordered the construction of a defensive fortress on the current site, taking advantage of the founding of Madrid by the Muslims. After the Christian conquest, the fortress was transformed into the Alcázar of Madrid, the residence of the kings of Castile and, later, of the Habsburgs. This Alcázar underwent numerous expansions and renovations, especially under Charles V and Philip II.

On December 24, 1734, a devastating fire destroyed the Old Alcázar, prompting King Philip V to order the construction of a new palace in keeping with the taste of the time and worthy of the Bourbon monarchy.

The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738, initially following the designs of the architect Filippo Juvara, although it was his disciple Juan Bautista Sachetti who adapted and executed the final project. The building was built entirely of stone and brick to avoid the fire risks that the old fortress had suffered. The main work was completed in 1754, although the palace was not inhabited until 1764, when Charles III made it his permanent residence.

Over the centuries, the palace underwent extensions and renovations by architects such as Ventura Rodríguez and Francesco Sabatini, who contributed elements such as the Royal Chapel.

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Western Europe, with 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms, almost double that of Buckingham Palace or Versailles. Its predominant style is Baroque, with influences from French and Italian Classicism, inspired in part by Bernini's sketches for the Louvre.

The building is surrounded by emblematic spaces such as the Plaza de Oriente, the Sabatini Gardens, the Campo del Moro, and the Plaza de la Armería. The main façade displays the coat of arms of the House of Bourbon and is adorned with sculptures of Visigothic kings and other historical figures.

The most notable architectural elements include:

The grand main staircase, crafted from a single piece of St. Augustine marble, crowned by a fresco by Corrado Giaquinto.

The Royal Chapel, with a valuable collection of relics and sacred art.

The Royal Library, which houses manuscripts, incunabula, and historical documents.

The Royal Armory, considered one of the most complete in the world, with pieces dating back to the 13th century.

The palace's interior is richly decorated with frescoes, tapestries, clocks, furniture, and works of art by great masters such as Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. Highlights include Charles III's apartments, the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Pharmacy.

The palace also houses the Palatine Stradivarius musical instrument collection and one of the finest collections of porcelain, clocks, and tapestries in Europe.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez, located on the Tagus River valley, is one of the residences of the Spanish Royal Family and an exceptional testament to Spanish history and art. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the former Casa Maestral of the Order of Santiago, used as a recreational residence by the monarchs beginning in the 15th century.

The Palace we know today is the result of a long construction process spanning several centuries and involving numerous architects and artists. Philip II commissioned the initial project to Juan Bautista de Toledo in 1561, who designed a palace around a square courtyard with two side wings, following the model of El Escorial. After Toledo's death, Juan de Herrera continued the work, introducing some modifications and completing the Cuarto Nuevo (New Room), intended for the king's chambers and the chapel.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Palace was expanded and transformed. Philip V promoted the construction of the eastern and western wings, while Santiago Bonavía carried out major remodeling work, such as the main staircase and the main façade. Charles III focused on the interior decoration, highlighting the Porcelain Cabinet, a jewel of Spanish Rococo art. Francesco Sabatini was commissioned to design the two wings flanking the Plaza de Armas, as well as the Royal Parade, a space designed for events and performances.

In the 19th century, the Palace underwent further transformations, adapting to the tastes and needs of the time. Modifications were made to the interior decoration, such as King Francis's Arab Cabinet, an example of exoticism and fascination with Eastern culture.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is an architectural complex of great historical and artistic value. Elements of different styles, from the Renaissance to Neoclassicism, can be appreciated here, merging into a harmonious and balanced whole. Highlights include its facades, interior courtyard, main staircase, chapel, and numerous halls and rooms decorated with works of art and period furniture.

The Palace also has other tourist attractions, such as its gardens, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover one of the former residences of the Spanish royal family: The Royal Palace of El Pardo, a place with a fascinating history and impressive architecture.

The Royal Palace of El Pardo is one of the residences of the Spanish royal family, located in the Royal Site of El Pardo, in Madrid, in the surroundings of Monte de El Pardo.

The palace was built in the 15th century as a hunting lodge for the Spanish monarchy in  a Renaissance style. In the 16th century, it was extended by Philip II, and chose as a winter residence. The palace has been the site of important historical events, such as the coronation of Philip VI in 2014. 

The palace presents a limestone façade and a grand marble staircase and inside it, you can find luxurious furniture, works of art, and decorative objects from the 16th to 19th centuries, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and a library and historical archive that preserves documents of the Spanish royal family.

Adjacent to the Royal Palace of El Pardo is an extensive park, which was designed by Juan de Villanueva. The park is an ideal place to stroll, relax and enjoy nature.

The Linares Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Madrid. It was built in the 19th century being a masterpiece of Spanish neoclassicism. The palace was designed by the architect Antonio López Aguado and commissioned by the Marquis of Linares, a wealthy Spanish entrepeneur.

It is an imposing building with a two-storey limestone façade, decorated with columns, pilasters and sculptures. Inside the palace, we can find a grand marble staircase, a ballroom, a library and a series of lavishly decorated rooms.

The Linares Palace is a must-see for any lover of culture and history. The Palce also hosts  an extensive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and furniture. Visit the Linares Palace and discover an architectural masterpiece and a fascinating journey into Spanish history and culture. 

Next to the Palacio de Linares we find the Casa de América Park, an extensive park designed by the architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. The park is an ideal place to stroll, relax and enjoy nature.