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Why Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a true pride of Spain, often compared to the French Versailles. The Residence of the Spanish Royal Family, located in the very heart of the Spanish capital, is considered to be the biggest royal palace in Europe and is an unmissable destination of any Madrid tour.

The construction of the impressive residence began in 1735 on site of a Moorish Alcázar. The enormous edifice of baroque and classical styles, built under the direction of Italian architects, boasts incredibly decorated facades and 3418 lavishly designed rooms.

In fact, the interior of the palace is claimed to be one of the most splendid in Europe, having extraordinary furniture and crystal chandeliers, colorful paintings, various unique ceramics and frescoes of Caravaggio, Velasquez, Goya, and Lopez.

In case you plan an inside visit to the gorgeous Royal Palace, which is indeed a must-do, you should definitely explore the Royal Armory, containing the most important collection of weapons and armor in Spain, and the exposition of the Royal Pharmacy with a rich herbarium and a beautifully reproduced alchemy laboratory of the 17th century.

From the western facade of the Palace there stretches a stunning garden “Campo del Moro”, set gracefully on a steep slope of a ravine. Having lots of beautiful greenery and flowers as well as swings, summer houses and artificial caves, the charming garden is a perfect place for peaceful strolls.

Planning your visit, bear in mind that the Royal Palace of Madrid is open from April to September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from October to March from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

However, the Palace can be closed for housing some official ceremonies so don’t forget to check if any celebrations are held during your stay in Madrid.