Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence for state ceremonies of the Spanish monarchy, located in central Madrid. Construction of the present palace began in 1738 after a fire destroyed the old Alcázar and was completed in the mid-18th century.

The interior includes around 3,000 rooms of varying function, with major highlights open to visitors such as state apartments, a ceremonial Throne Room and the Royal Armoury. Visitors commonly tour ornate reception rooms, galleries with paintings by Velázquez and other masters, and the palace kitchens.

The current palace was commissioned by King Philip V and designed initially by Filippo Juvarra; construction continued under several architects through the Bourbon period. It has been used for official ceremonies and is still maintained by the Patrimonio Nacional; the Spanish royal family lives outside the palace in private residences.

The palace sits on the western edge of Madrid’s city center, overlooking Plaza de Oriente and adjacent to Almudena Cathedral. It is a short walk from the historic Habsburg quarter and roughly 2.5 km northwest of Madrid Atocha station.

• Admission: Public visits require timed tickets; guided tours include the official rooms and the armoury while other wings are closed for state use.
• Best views: Best photographic views are from the terraces overlooking Plaza de Oriente and from the gardens across the street at dusk.

What to See #

• Royal Armoury: Houses a large ceremonial armory with weapons and armor spanning the 14th to 19th centuries, displayed in a long gallery open to visitors.
• Throne Room: The main ceremonial reception room used for state events, decorated with chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and tapestries from the Bourbon period.
• Royal Chapel: Small royal chapel inside the palace complex containing liturgical furnishings and used for official ceremonies.