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Impressive Opulence at The Royal Palace of Madrid

Although it is the official residence of the Royal Family, today it is mainly used for state ceremonies as King Felipe VI and his family choose to reside in the more private Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city

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The Palace's History

When a 9th century palace built by Muhammad I of Córdoba was burnt down on Christmas Eve, 1734, King Philip V commissioned a new one to be built in its place. It was Italian architect, Filippo Juvarra who conceived this project of grand proportions, inspired by Bernini's plans for Versailles. This time, every construction was vaulted in stone and brick, instead of wood, so that no fire could destroy it. The Sicilian, Francesco Sabatini, added neoclassical elements in 1760. The palace's decor has continued to change according to the different artistic styles of the period.

Experience the Palace

Today, the palace is open to visitors, who can wander freely through the Banqueting Hall, the throne room, residential areas, the Royal Armoury and Royal Pharmacy. Decorated according to the tastes of King Charles III, this is finery at its most flamboyant. Keep an eye out for rare paintings by masters such as Velázquez, Francesco de Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio. In fact, there are frequent exhibitions which can be accessed at no extra cost.
It was in the palace's Hall of Columns that Spain signed a treaty admitting it into the European Union in 1985. The Palace Gardens are also worth investigating: the Campo del Moro and the Plaza de Oriente are particularly eye-catching, as is the vast courtyard.

Practical Information

Getting to the Royal Palace of Madrid is easy, with it being a five minute walk from the Opera metro station or the Príncipe Pío train station.
Ideally you should allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit, so that you can really explore this vast site. This also means that it is a good idea to grab something to eat before going in. Once inside, you are free to look around by yourself or take the guided tour. Note that information points in Spanish and English pop up at regular intervals. At the time of writing, entrance is 10 euros, with concessions available.

Planning your trip to Madrid? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Madrid.

Where to stay in Madrid

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NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa
San Sebastian, 2. 28012 Madrid
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa hotel is set in a beautiful 19th-century palace designed by the architect of the Plaza Mayor. Perfect for those looking for a charming boutique hotel, it’s in the Barrio de "Las Letras" neighborhood, the historic center of Madrid’s literary scene. From this elegant oasis you're minutes away from the Gran Vía Shopping area and just a short stroll away from some of Spain’s most famous monuments such as the the Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Teatro Real, and the Madrid de los Austrias.

  • 13.57km Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
  • 1.12km Almudena Cathedral
  • 1.4km Atocha Station
  • 3.43km Avenida de America
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    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • babysitter
    Babysitter
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
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    Meetings
  • numberRooms
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  • spa
    Spa
nh-hotels
NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares
Paseo Virgen del Puerto, 57,. 28005 Madrid
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares hotel is a great base from which to explore Madrid. It’s right next to the gardens of the Manzanares River. The Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral are also nearby.

  • 15.47km Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
  • 1.26km Almudena Cathedral
  • 5.21km Avenida de America
  • 2.44km Caixaforum vertical garden
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • pool
    Pool
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-hotels
NH Madrid Atocha
Paseo Infanta Isabel, 9,. 28014 Madrid
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Madrid Atocha hotel, formerly known as NH Sur, is perfectly placed for Madrid’s ‘Art Triangle’ – the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza museums are all within 15 minutes’ walk. So is a whole host of shops, tapas bars and sightseeing spots.

  • 13.04km Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
  • 2.32km Almudena Cathedral
  • 3.55km Avenida de America
  • 0.53km Caixaforum vertical garden
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pets
    Pets
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
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