History of Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid: History, Architecture and What to See
3 min read
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish monarchy. At 135,000 m² with 3,418 rooms, it is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. But its history does not begin with the current building — it begins with a fire that destroyed its Habsburg predecessor on Christmas Eve 1734.
From Habsburg Alcázar to Bourbon palace
The site now occupied by the Royal Palace was home first to a medieval Arab fortress, then to the Real Alcázar of the Habsburgs. Philip II transformed that Alcázar into a palace of European scale, which served as the usual residence of the Spanish monarchs until its destruction.
On Christmas Eve, 24 December 1734, the Alcázar burned in a fire that lasted four days. Thousands of artworks were lost, though many paintings from the royal collection — today in the Museo del Prado — were saved by throwing them from the windows. King Philip V, the first Bourbon on the Spanish throne, decided to build a new stone palace — one that could not burn — on the same site.
Construction of the current palace
Philip V commissioned the design from Italian architect Filippo Juvara, who drew up plans for a colossal complex. Juvara died in 1736 before construction began; his pupil Giovanni Battista Sacchetti took over, modifying the project to a somewhat smaller scale.
Construction lasted 26 years (1738–1764). The palace was inaugurated by Charles III in 1764. The style is baroque classicism with Italian and French influences: limestone facades from Colmenar, a square plan around a central courtyard, restrained exterior decoration and sumptuous interiors.
What to see on a visit
The State Rooms
The visitor route passes through the ceremonial apartments: the Throne Room (with Charles III portraits painted by Mengs and Tiepolo's ceiling — the largest ensemble of Tiepolo paintings outside Italy), the Hall of Columns (where in 1985 Spain signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities), and the King's and Queen's Chambers.
The Royal Pharmacy
One of the best-preserved historic pharmacies in the world, with its collection of 18th-century ceramic jars (albarelos) and the original laboratory.
The Royal Armoury
One of the most important collections of armour and weapons in the world, with pieces from the medieval period through the 18th century. The armour of Charles V, made for the Battle of Mühlberg (1547), is the highlight.
The Gardens
The Jardines de Sabatini (to the north, designed in the 1930s on the site of the former royal stables) and the Campo del Moro (to the west, a romantic 19th-century garden with a frontal view of the palace from the Manzanares river) complete the visit.
The monarchy today
The Spanish royal family does not live in the Royal Palace — they reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, northwest of Madrid. The Royal Palace is used for state occasions (state visits, presentation of diplomatic credentials) and is open to tourists for most of the year.
Hours and prices: Open every day except during state occasions. Approximate price: €14 adults, €7 reduced.
See also our guide to Habsburg Madrid and the royal palaces near Madrid.
References:
- Patrimonio Nacional — Royal Palace of Madrid.
- Bottineau, Yves — L'art de cour dans l'Espagne de Philippe V. Bordeaux, 1960.
