Madrid's Royal Palace is a site of turbulent history. The Royal Alcázar of Madrid was erected here by Muhammad I, Umayyad Emir of Cordoba, between 860 and 880; after the Moors were driven out in the 11th century, it came into Spanish hands. The Habsburg Emperor Charles V extended and renovated the castle in 1537; Philip II made Madrid his capital in 1561 and continued the renovations, as did Philips III through V until 1700.
A fire on Christmas Eve in 1734 destroyed the Alcázar, as well as many precious works of art held there. Luckily, the King had moved much of his art collection to Buen Retiro Palace beforehand. Several works, including Velazquez's Las Meninas, - which in fact depicts figures from the Spanish court in a large room of the Alcázar - were saved by being thrown out of a window. The new baroque palace was finally completed (slowed by the death of its original architect) in 1764, and there have been numerous additions since.
After all this, there's plenty to see here. The main façade faces the grand colonnaded Plaza de la Armería; the Plaza de Oriente, which features statues of the Gothic Kings, joins the palace's eastern façade to the Teatro Real. The Campo de Moro gardens, landscaped in Romanticist style, are named so because the Muslim leader Ali ben Yusuf allegedly camped here with his troops in 1109 during an attempted reconquest of Madrid; the 20th century Sabatini Gardens to the north follow a symmetrical French design.
Inside, all is opulence in a royal residence that rivals that of Versailles. The ground floor alone is spectacular, with the Royal Library only a small part of the legacy of kings and queens. The Royal Pharmacy includes fascinating jars and pottery from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Royal Armoury is matched in grandeur only by the Imperial Armoury of Vienna. It displays arms dating back to as early as the 13th century, and magnificent tournament pieces made for Charles V and Philip II - including the armour that Charles V wore in his 1548 portrait by Titian, which is housed in the Prado.
The first floor comprises the old royal apartments, which are full of important sculptures, tapestries, frescoes and paintings: Charles III's throne, sceptre and crown are also on display, and the Stradivarius Room contains a viola, two cellos and two violins by supreme luthier Antonio Stradivari. Don't miss the Palacio Real for a glimpse at royal glory.
Embark on a 3-hour tour of the most emblematic and beautiful places in Madrid, see the most popular highlights of Spain’s stunning capital city, and discover what makes the city so special.
On your private tour, you will:
Madrid is a city of vast plazas, elegant boulevards, magnificent palaces, awe-inspiring Gothic churches, world-renowned art museums and vibrant, delicious food markets. It is also famous for its many green spaces and manicured parks.
This half-day welcome tour of Madrid is the perfect way to get familiarised with the city's history, culture, and architecture. It will take you through some of the most iconic places in Madrid, including the Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real, Palacio Real, Catedral de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, El Oso y el Madroño, Puerta de Alcalá, and the Parque del Retiro, one of Madrid's most beautiful parks.
Along the way, you'll learn about the significance and history of each landmark, and gain insight into what makes Madrid such a special and unique city, and by the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper appreciation for Madrid's rich history and culture and a greater understanding of why the city has become such a popular destination.
Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum.
On your private tour, you will:
Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards.
The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!
Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace.
The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”.
You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café.
Discover the intriguing history of the Spanish royals with this 1.5-hour private walking tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, a true architectural marvel and one of the largest functioning royal palaces in the world.
On your private tour, you will:
Follow in the footsteps of generations of Spanish royalty with a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe. Your expert guide will lead you through the palace’s grand halls and private chambers, sharing tales of royal intrigue, political power struggles, and wonderful artifacts.
The palace was commissioned by King Philip V as a symbol of the Spanish Monarchy’s power and was built on the site of the Alcázar, a Moorish fortress dating back to the 9th century which was engulfed in flames in 1734. Construction of the new palacio real began in 1738 and was completed in 1755, although various monarchs have added their touches over the years. The current palace complex spans over 135,000 square meters and contains more than 3,400 rooms. It served as the home of the Spanish royal family for centuries and remains the official residence Nowadays, you are unlikely to see the current King Felipe, Queen Leticia, or princesses Leonor and Sofia wandering the halls as it is used primarily for state ceremonies and official events.
After meeting your guide, your first stop will be the iconic Plaza de la Armería, where you can get a detailed look at the palace's imposing baroque and neoclassical façade. Once your guide leads you inside, you will begin your journey around the extravagant interior that has witnessed centuries of Spanish history. You will likely pass through the luxurious Throne Room where the walls are adorned with sumptuous silk and the ceiling boasts a fresco by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, a stunning example of the Rococo style popular in the 18th century.
The Royal Palace is well-known for its collection of artworks, including paintings by Goya, Velázquez, and Caravaggio. The palace also houses an impressive collection of tapestries, ceramics, and furniture from various historical periods. You may step into the Hall of Mirrors, a stunning gallery reminiscent of its namesake in the Palace of Versailles. This ornate enclave originally served as the dressing room of Queen Maria Luisa and reflects the immense wealth and influence of the Spanish Empire during the late 18th century. As you walk through this dazzling space, your guide will recount stories of the Bourbon dynasty and their efforts to elevate Spain to new heights of cultural and political power. You will also visit the apartments of King Charles III including the Hall of Columns, a grand space used for concerts and banquets. You will no doubt be drawn to the beautiful frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto along with sculptures by some of the finest artists of the time.
Another gem within the palace interior is the capilla real (Royal Chapel) In addition to an array of religious treasures, this place of worship houses the royal collection of exquisite musical instruments, including the famous Stradivarius violins. Depending on the particular interests of your group, your guide may show you the Porcelain Room where the ceramic-covered walls provide a unique and visually striking experience. This room, along with the Royal Pharmacy and the Grand Dining Room, exemplifies the luxurious tastes of the Spanish monarchy.
If time allows, we can also explore the Royal Armory, one of the finest collections of its kind in the world. Here, you’ll marvel at the intricately crafted armor worn by Spanish kings and knights, alongside ceremonial weapons that played a key role in Spain’s military history. As your tour concludes, your guide will lead you to enjoy the serene beauty of the Campo del Moro Gardens. These sprawling, landscaped grounds provide a tranquil contrast to the palace’s grandeur, offering panoramic views that perfectly frame the palace against the backdrop of the Madrid skyline.
This private tour will feed your curiosity and provide an informative and entertaining experience of one of Madrid’s must-see attractions. The insights of your expert guide will allow you to fully appreciate the splendor and history of one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks.
Madrid is a bustling metropolis that truly comes alive at night. From its stunning architecture illuminated by city lights to the vibrant energy of its bars and restaurants, an evening stroll through the historic centre is an unforgettable experience. On this private 2-hour guided tour, you’ll see a different side of the city’s major monuments and lively plazas. Our engaging route through Madrid de los Austrias, one of the city’s oldest and most significant quarters, offers the perfect opportunity to witness Madrid at its best and uncover its secrets with a passionate local guide.
On your private evening walking tour, you will:
Step into the magic of Madrid as the sun sets and the city’s historic centre comes alive with golden light and twinkling charm. Your local expert will provide an informative 2-hour journey through the heart of the city, where centuries of history, wonderful architecture, and vibrant culture await. Your adventure begins at our conveniently located meeting point, where you will get acquainted with your guide and set off into the Madrid night. Throughout your time together, your private guide will share fascinating insights, anecdotes, and local tips, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation of Madrid’s rich past and spirited present.
Your first stop will be the elegant Plaza de Oriente, where your guide will show you around the intricately arranged gardens and introduce you to the fascinating stories of Spain’s monarchs and the iconic statues that commemorate them. You will then head to the square's Western edge to get a closer look at Madrid’s Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.
After taking in the palace and perhaps enjoying a performance from one of the many musicians that flock to the area at night, you will then proceed to explore Calle Mayor, the main thoroughfare of medieval Madrid that remains an important thread in the fabric of the city today. You will learn about significant events that have taken place along this grand promenade and pause to explore the Plaza de la Villa, a beautifully preserved square that transports you back several centuries to the early days of Madrid’s rise to prominence. As you admire its stately facades, your guide can explain the historical and architectural details of its 3 main buildings and reveal how it served as the city’s civic hub for centuries.
Your route will continue to the narrow, winding Calle del Codo, where you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s medieval urban planning. As you traverse the cobblestone streets of Madrid’s old town, your guide will regale you with stories of Madrileños of years gone by and how the city transformed after being named the capital of Spain in 1561. Of course, no tour of Madrid de los Austrias would be complete without a visit to the Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s most lively and historic squares. While you soak in the impressive architecture and electric atmosphere, your guide will tell tales of the happenings that have taken place within its walls over 400 years, from markets to bullfights, royal proclamations and even grisly executions.
Following your immersion into the stories of Plaza Mayor, your guide will take you over to Calle Arenal, a lively pedestrian street brimming with character. You will discover the architectural gems, buzzing nightlife, and delicious treats found along its path, including the beloved Chocolatería San Ginés, the quintessential destination for churros and chocolate. Last but certainly not least, you will make your way to the legendary Puerta del Sol, the geographical and historical heart of Madrid. Serving as a crucial meeting point since medieval times, Sol is quite literally Spain’s Kilometre 0, the location from which all major roads take their point of origin. Your guide will point out key elements of the expansive plaza and uncover the stories behind some of the iconic neon lights glistening atop the square’s main buildings.
Once your time together comes to an end, your guide will leave you with a wealth of insider tips for how to spend the rest of your time in Madrid. They can also assist with directions back to your hotel or to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants for an authentic taste of Madrid's world-famous nightlife. However you choose to spend the rest of your evening, this tour is an unforgettable way to discover Madrid under the moonlight.
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