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Everything you need to know to visit the Madrid Royal Palace | 31 MAY

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Visiting the Madrid Royal Palace is a unique opportunity. It is one of the largest palaces in the world, with 135,000 square meters and more than 3,400 rooms. Each year, it welcomes 2 million visitors who come to see its impressive halls and the works of art that decorate them.

If you also want to know this incredible place, stay to find out everything you need to know to visit the Madrid Royal Palace.



What is the Madrid Royal Palace?

The Madrid Royal Palace, also known as the Palacio de Oriente, is the official residence of the Head of the Spanish State, the King. It is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest palaces in the world.

It stands out as one of the few official residences of Heads of State that are open to the public. Ceremonies and official acts are held here, making it a consistently active and dynamic visit for tourists.



What is the history of the Madrid Royal Palace?

The Madrid Royal Palace was built in the 18th century, but it is based on an old Alcázar used as a Royal residence since 1561. Unfortunately, in 1734 a fire destroyed the Alcázar. Legend has it that King Philip V's own court set fire to build a new palace.

Construction began in 1738 and lasted until 1751, although some exterior work continued for longer. However, it was not used as a royal residence until 1764, when Carlos III became the first monarch to reside in the new Royal Palace in Madrid.



What to see in the Madrid Royal Palace?

In the Madrid Royal Palace, you will find the room of King Carlos III, which still preserves all the original decoration. We also owe this monarch the Throne Room and the Gasparini Chamber, fantastic examples of the Italian Rococo style.

Later, Carlos IV would incorporate neoclassical elements and a vast repertoire of French court furniture. Fernando VII, for his part, introduced an impressive collection of chandeliers in bronze and glass. The current state of the decoration corresponds to the last renovation, carried out in 1879 by King Alfonso XII.

Inside the Royal Palace, the Royal Armory stands out, whose collection dates back to the 15th century and is considered one of the best in the world.

You can also visit the “Campo del Moro” outside the palace, the magnificent park adjacent to the palace. It is an awe-inspiring garden, full of walks and paths that wind through the trees. This is one of the most special places in Madrid and the perfect opportunity to have a drink in an authentic palatial garden.



How to get to the Madrid Royal Palace?

The access to the Madrid Royal Palace is on Calle Bailén, near Príncipe Pío. You can get there in multiple ways:

  • By bus: you can take lines 3, 25, 39 and 148, which connect with a large part of the city and will leave you next to the Palace.
  • By metro: lines 2 and 5 will leave you at the Ópera station, very close to the entrance to the Palace.
  • By train: if you come from outside, the Príncipe Pío station is about a 10 minutes walk from the Palace and connects with numerous suburban areas.


When can I visit the Madrid Royal Palace?

The Royal Palace and the Gardens each have their own opening hours:

  • Royal Palace:
    • Monday through Saturday: 10:00 to 19:00 h
    • Sundays: 10:00 to 16:00 h
  • Gardens:
    • Every day: 10:00 to 18:00 h

Remember that these are closing times. Entry is only available until one hour before closing, both for the Palace and the Gardens.

The Royal Palace closes some days totally or partially due to the numerous acts celebrated in it. You can check the detailed schedule on the official website.



The best option is to visit the Madrid Royal Palace

The Madrid Royal Palace is one of the most emblematic places in the city. Inside, you will find unique collections in the world, such as the Royal Armory, and you will learn about the legacy of such important monarchs as Carlos III or Fernando VII.

Without a doubt, the best way to enjoy the Madrid Royal Palace is to be accompanied by a guide to get to know in-depth all the stories and details of this impressive palace.

Come and visit the Madrid Royal Palace with the best guides!


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