Royal Palace & Gardens, Madrid
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Royal Palace & Gardens, Madrid - by Cdoncel on Unsplash
Description
The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city; but since they stay in the Palace of Zarzuela in the outskirts of Madrid, the palace is mainly used for state ceremonies and for visits by the public the rest of the times, alongside the gardens. The origins of the site go back to the 9th century as a Moorish Alcázar with the court only moving to Madrid in 1561. The palace as it stands today dates from the mid-18th century (the previous one having burned down) and is built in Baroque and Classic styles with over 3,400 rooms and 135,000m2 of floor space, making it the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. The interior is lavishly decorated with paintings and frescoes by artists such as Goya and Caravaggio. Highlights include the Grand Staircase, the Royal Armory and the Throne Room. There are two gardens adjoining the Palace: the Campo del Moro and the more recent Sabatini Gardens.
Access & Transport
Visitor's access is from the esplanade of the Almudena, at the corner of Calle Bailén. The best way to get there is by metro until Ópera station (2, 5), a 5mins walk away past the Monument to Felipe IV. Príncipe Pío station (C1, C7, C10) is also nearby, just to the north of Campo del Moro. By bus, the Palacio Real station is on Calle Bailén, next to the Catedral de la Almudena.
Instructions & Recommendations
This activity is well combined with the Catedral of the Almudena, the Plaza Mayor, the Temple of Debod, and Plaza de España.
Environmental & Social
Marginally negative from an environmental perspective (heating/lighting) even if some improvements have been carried out (e.g. LED lighting). Part of the country's architectural and artistic heritage.
Conclusion
The Royal Palace of Madrid sheer size and magnificent facade is matched by lavishly decorated interiors and perfectly complemented by well-designed gardens. An excellent alternative to the more traditional museum settings, urban sightseeing and other commercial activities.
Key positive
Beautifully decorated rooms
An opportunity to learn more about the Spanish Royalty history
Key negative
Few rooms open for public visit
Lack of guided tours in foreign languages
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h 15m
Start of Season 1:Oct, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00
Start of Season 2:Apr, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 19:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00