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.
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.
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