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The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, though it is now used primarily for state functions. Construction began in 1738 under King Philip V on the site of the old Alcázar fortress. Designed by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, the palace is built in the Baroque style with classical influences. It covers an area of 135,000 square meters and contains 3,418 rooms. Notable interiors include the Throne Room, adorned with velvet and mirrors, and the Royal Chapel featuring frescoes by Tiepolo. The palace houses the Royal Armory, one of the world's finest collections of weapons and armor, as well as a collection of over 3,000 tapestries and paintings by masters such as Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. The Royal Library holds more than 300,000 volumes. The palace is surrounded by the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro park. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 within the 'Palacio Real y el Paseo del Prado' ensemble.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Royal Palace of Madrid · Real Armería · Royal Palace
- Nearby: Pozuelo de Alarcón (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 39 | 48 | 52 | 43 | 22 | 9 | 14 | 24 | 66 | 54 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Royal Palace of Madrid is open to visitors; you can see the sumptuous state rooms, the Royal Armory, and the throne halls. Entry is usually with a ticket, with some parts of the palace reserved for the royal family.
Typical hours
The palace follows typical opening hours for palaces; it is usually open Tuesday to Sunday but closed on Mondays. It is recommended to check the exact times on the official website as they vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography is prohibited in most interior rooms to protect the delicate decorations. In the courtyard and gardens, however, photos without flash are allowed.
Time needed
A visit to the Royal Palace usually takes two to three hours to see the main rooms. For a comprehensive tour with all collections, allow at least three hours.
Combine with
The palace is located right next to Almudena Cathedral, which you can visit after the palace. Plaza Mayor and the La Latina neighborhood are also within walking distance.
Getting there
The palace is reachable by metro line 5 (station Ópera) or buses 3, 25, 39, 46, 50, 133, 138, 148, and 150. From Príncipe Pío station, it's about a 10-minute walk.
Insider tip
Book your entry ticket online in advance to avoid waiting at the ticket office. Visit the palace in the late afternoon when visitor numbers drop slightly.
Geography
Facts
- The palace has 3,418 rooms, of which only about 30 are currently open to the public.
- The Royal Armory houses one of the world's finest collections of armor and weapons, with over 1,000 pieces.
- The palace's Royal Pharmacy, established in the 18th century, contains over 2,000 ceramic jars and pharmaceutical instruments.
- The main staircase, designed by Sabatini, features 72 steps made of a single block of marble from the Macael quarries.
- The Clock Room (Salón de los Relojes) displays more than 75 clocks, including a 19th-century astronomical clock by Breguet.
- The palace's library holds over 300,000 printed books, 3,000 manuscripts, and incunabula from the 15th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Royal Palace of Madrid (10)
Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena🏛 museum
Museum in Madrid's cathedral, displaying religious art and liturgical objects.
Catedral de la Almudena
Roman Catholic cathedral in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena.
Palacio de Abrantes
Home of the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid, a historic palace.
Ruinas del Ábside de la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena
Ruins of the apse of the old church that stood on the site of the current cathedral.
Parroquia San Nicolás de Bari de los Servitas
Personal parish of the Italians in Madrid, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari.
Muralla Árabe
Remains of the 9th-century medieval Arab city wall of Madrid.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When does the changing of the guard take place?
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 (except during rain or official acts).
Does the royal family live there?
No, it is the official residence, but they live in the Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid.
Can you take photos inside?
In most official rooms, photography is strictly prohibited.
Is there free entry?
For EU citizens, entry is often free from Monday to Thursday in the late afternoon.
How many rooms does the palace have?
It has over 3,400 rooms, making it one of the largest palaces in Western Europe.
Royal Palace of Madrid: where is it located?
Royal Palace of Madrid is located in Galicia, Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid: what is there to see?
Highlights include Royal Palace of Madrid, Real Armería, Royal Palace.
Royal Palace of Madrid: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Royal Palace of Madrid: why is it worth visiting?
The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, though it is now used primarily for state functions.
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