You may never see anything as majestic as the Palacio Real anywhere else. Although Spain’s monarchs do not reside here anymore, it has been maintained in an immaculate state truly worthy of royalty.

Since we visited in January, I can only imagine how stunning the gardens and landscaping outside the palace must be during the summer. However, the lack of greenery did not detract any of the palace’s prominence. Gigantic dimensions and splendor were the theme of all corners of the royal grounds. It is said that the palace has a total of 2,800 rooms! And although only a few rooms have been opened for public viewing, this was enough to give people a glimpse of how the monarchs lived.

Some of the rooms made available are the Throne Room, the Library, the Royal Armory, the Official Dining Room, the Chapel, the Pharmacy, the Porcelain Room, and the Game Room. It is almost overwhelming to take in the exquisite frescoes, as well as collections of sculptures, tapestries, furniture, porcelain, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, and even musical instruments. The palace also houses an assembly of artwork by masters such as Caravaggio, Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens, among others. Rooms have been walled with royal emblems, sides have been gilded seamlessly, heavy chandeliers bejeweled the ceilings, rich curtains and carpets framed the rooms, and the list goes on. In a way, every room is different yet the same.

Although you may take pictures inside, flashes are not allowed. This is indeed frustrating, because I wanted to be able to capture all that magnificence and look at it when I’m back home. Also, we didn't take the guided tour because we wanted to be able to explore on our own, on our time, but in retrospect, it may have been a better idea to be able to place the palace in a historical perspective. If it will take you some time before you can go back to Madrid, I highly recommend that you reserve at least half a day to explore and absorb the royalty’s world.

The views from the court are absolutly awe-inspiring.

Parallel to the palace is the cathedral, which maintains Spain's historical look from the outside, but within, it's a bit more contemporary than most of the cathedrals in Spain.

Behind regal gates facing the south lies the Plaza de Armeria that seems to stretch out inordinately before the visitor.

Both its exterior and interior seem designed to impress any visitor with a sense of the power and wealth behind its creation. The Sabatini staircase you ascend upon entry is eye-poppingly regal, glittering with gold and surrounded by frescos, chandeliers, and tapestries, all opulent. A symphony of red and gold, the Throne Room, with its plush thrones on a dais encircled by four lions, is simply over-the-top in embellishment, with an alfresco Tiepolo painting, red damask walls bordered by handsome silver mirrors, and extensive red carpet.

Equally ornate, the late 19th-century dining room can accommodate 145 dinner guests amid bronze and crystal chandeliers, old Flemish tapestries, frescos, and porcelain, flanked by marble columns. Of course, elegant dinner service adorns the table as it would be set for a state occasion. Really baroque, its epitome is the Porcelain Room, featuring the work of the Buen Retiro Tile Factory of Madrid. No surface is left unembellished. If, like me, you dislike baroque’s claustrophobic clutter effect, this room will merit a quick pass. Don’t miss the 6 stradivari in Alfonso XIII’s music rooms - true works of art.