Have you still not visited the Palacio Real in Madrid?
Like the famous song says, “There it is seeing time go by, like the Puerta of Alcalá”. However, its true charms, and part of Spanish history, are located inside. Come and visit it.
The best day to do so is on Wednesday, the day of the changing of the guard, a bit like the one at Buckingham Palace although you can see this one from Calle Bailén. Knowing this, once you are inside we recommend you go on a guided tour, because otherwise you could miss out on all the secrets hidden in the halls of this emblematic building, which used to be the home of the Bourbons, the Spanish Royal family, until the time of King Alfonso XIII, the last monarch to live here. It was also the home of the last Head of State that wasn’t a monarch, Manuel Azaña, the President of the Spanish Republic, whose office can also be visited.
Ordered to be built by King Felipe V, the first stone of Palacio Real was placed in 1738 and it became the residence of, among others, King Carlos III, known as the “Mayor of Madrid” due to his commitment to the city’s improvement and development. His room still preserves all the decoration carried out by Sabatina, with marble, stucco and paintings by the best artists of the Eighteenth century. Also not to be missed are rooms like the Royal Armoury, considered the most important collection alongside the one in Vienna, created by the Habsburg family during the reign of King Felipe II.
Everything in this building is related to history, and it was from here that they tricked Prince Francisco de Paula and Maria Luisa of Parma to leave the palace, which caused the revolts against the French on May 2nd 1808.
You can check ticket prices and plan your visit here, with general admission costing 11 euros. Another option, as a side activity, is to enjoy a walk around the palace gardens, Jardines del Moro, whose only access and exit is located on Paseo de Virgen del Puerto. The gardens are open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. in winter and entrance is free.
Categories: Arte y cultura
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