The enormous Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of His Majesty The King of Spain, who makes use of it for official ceremonies, though he does not reside there. With 870 windows, 240 balconies, 44 sets of stairs and 110 doors, it is quite a structure. The building occupies the same area as the old Alcazar of the Hapsburgs. Some of its 2,000 rooms are open to the public; others are still used for state business. It is well worth seeing. The palace was last used as a royal residence in 1931, before King Alfonso XIII and his wife fled Spain.
The origins of the Palace go back to the 9th century, when the Islamic Kingdom of Toledo built a defensive fort on the site, later used by the Kings of Castile. It was on this ancient fortress that the Old Alcázar was constructed in the 16th century. The Alcázar was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve, 1734, and King Philip V wished for a new palace occupying the same site. The entire complex was built with stone and brick vaulting, without any wood, so that no future fire could destroy it. Building work took from 1738 to 1755 following the plans drawn by Juan Bautista Sachetti. King Charles III took up residence in the Palace in 1764.
The decoration of the Royal Palace has evolved over time in accordance with the styles prevailing at different moments. From the reign of King Charles III are some of my favourite rooms - the Throne Room, the King's Chamber (or Gasparini Room), and the Porcelain Room, a masterpiece produced by the Royal Factory of El Buen Retiro. Rich materials were used everywhere: Spanish marble, gilded stucco, and mahogany in doors and windows. Important works of art include frescoes by the principal artists of the period, Giaquinto, Tiepolo and Mengs, and their Spanish followers Bayeu and Maella.
The Palace has an immaculate appearance both inside and outside. The gardens are beautiful, especially in bloom. Inside, it is not only the size of the rooms, (some are huge) but also the tapestries and frescoes which have been done by master artists. There are walls covered with red velvet lined with silver. There are bronze sculptures of the rococo style, as well as many other decorations which will amaze you.
The rooms are literally stuffed with art treasures and antiques -- salon after salon of monumental grandeur, with damask, mosaics, stucco, amazing ceilings, gilt and bronze, chandeliers, and paintings. In the Armory, you'll see the finest collection of weaponry in Spain. Many of the items -- powder flasks, shields, lances, helmets, and saddles -- are from the collection of Carlos V. From here, you can go into the old Pharmacy.
If your visit falls on the first Wednesday of the month, look for the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs at noon and is free to the public.
by LenR on May 26, 2007
Palacio Real
Calle Bailén, 6 Madrid, Spain 28013
+34 91 5475350