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Palace of Pedralbes
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palace
The Palace of Pedralbes in Barcelona was the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family between 1919 and 1931 during their visits to the Catalan capital. The building originated from the renovation of a country house owned by the Güell family, which was gifted to King Alfonso XIII. The neoclassical design was created by architects Eusebi Bona and Francesc Nebot and is surrounded by a magnificent garden designed by Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí. Inside, the palace impresses with its elegant furnishings, grand staircases, and halls that now partially house museums of ceramics and decorative arts. Following the proclamation of the Republic in 1931, the palace became the property of the city and served various public purposes. The Gardens of Pedralbes are now a popular public park known for their lush vegetation, fountains, and statues. The palace remains a symbol of the connection between the monarchy and the city of Barcelona in the early 20th century.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Font d'Hèrcules · Palau Reial de Pedralbes · Porta Gaudí de les facultats de Biologia i Ciències de la Terra
- Nearby: Sant Just Desvern (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 34 | 32 | 43 | 50 | 49 | 27 | 28 | 41 | 59 | 70 | 54 | 31 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The palace is generally open to the public, allowing you to see the former royal residence and its decorative arts collection. The interior rooms and the landscaped gardens can be visited, though some areas may be restricted during special events.
Typical hours
Opening hours follow typical museum patterns; the palace is usually open most days but may close on Mondays or public holidays. It is advisable to check the current times on the official website before your visit.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash, allowing you to capture the splendid rooms and artworks. Some halls may have a photography ban for special exhibits.
Time needed
A visit typically takes between one and two hours if you view the main rooms and the garden. For a thorough tour with an audio guide, allow two to three hours instead.
Combine with
The palace is near the Pedralbes Monastery and Pedralbes Park, which you can easily combine. The famous Sagrada Família and other Gaudí buildings are also well connected by metro.
Getting there
The palace is reachable by metro line 3 (station Palau Reial) or by buses 7, 33, 67, and 113. From the city center, it takes about 20-30 minutes by public transport.
Insider tip
Visit the palace early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, especially in peak season. Combine your entry with a walk through the nearby gardens for a relaxing experience.
Geography
Facts
- The palace was officially inaugurated as a royal residence in 1924.
- The gardens cover an area of approximately 7 hectares.
- The estate was originally part of the Finca Güell.
- The Hercules Fountain, an early work by Antoni Gaudí, is located here.
- A reception following the wedding of current King Felipe VI was held here in 2004.
- The palace houses the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Palace of Pedralbes (10)
Barcelona al poeta Francesc Mathev
Monument honoring the poet Francesc Mathev in Barcelona.
Finca Güell
Estate of the Güell family, now part of the university campus.
Güell Pavilions
Group of buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, former stables and gatehouse.
Jardins de William Shakespeare🌳 park
Park in Barcelona, named after the English poet.
GaudiFond
Gallery showcasing works and documents related to Antoni Gaudí.
Jardins de Rubió i Tudurí🌳 park
Park in Barcelona, designed by landscape architect Rubió i Tudurí.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was the palace used for in the past?
It served as a residence for the Spanish royal family during their visits to Barcelona.
Can you visit the gardens?
Yes, the gardens are open to the public and are a green oasis in the city.
Are there works by Antoni Gaudí there?
Yes, in the gardens there is a fountain (Herculanum) and a pergola designed by Gaudí.
What is currently housed in the palace?
It is used for official receptions and was the headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean.
How do you get there by public transport?
The 'Palau Reial' metro station (Line 3) is right in front of the entrance.
Palace of Pedralbes: where is it located?
Palace of Pedralbes is located in Galicia, Spain.
Palace of Pedralbes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Font d'Hèrcules, Palau Reial de Pedralbes, Porta Gaudí de les facultats de Biologia i Ciències de la Terra.
Palace of Pedralbes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Palace of Pedralbes: why is it worth visiting?
The Palace of Pedralbes in Barcelona was the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family between 1919 and 1931 during their visits to the Catalan capital.
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