Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Royal Palace

a large tree in front of a building

History, Art, and Majesty: Discover the Famous
Royal Palacel

The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of Spain’s most iconic monuments and a must-see for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the capital’s rich history and culture. Located in the heart of Madrid, this majestic building is much more than the official residence of the King: it is an architectural gem that attracts millions of visitors every year.

A journey into the real past

Built on the remains of the old Alcázar de los Austrias, the Royal Palace was constructed in the 18th century by order of Philip V. With more than 3,000 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Western Europe, surpassing even Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles in terms of surface area.

A visit to the Palace is like stepping back in time: you can walk up the impressive Main Staircase, admire the opulent Throne Room, marvel at the delicacy of the Gasparini Hall, and visit the Royal Armory, which houses one of the most important collections of weapons on the continent.

a room filled with furniture and a fireplace

Why visit the Royal Palace?

  • It is one of the most impressive buildings in Europe.
  • It houses works by Goya, Velázquez, Caravaggio, and other great masters.
  • Official events, ceremonies, and royal receptions are held here.
  • Its gardens and views of the Campo del Moro are ideal for a photo shoot or a leisurely stroll.

Interesting facts you can’t miss at the Royal Palace:

  • Although it is the official residence of the King of Spain, the current monarchs do not live there, but rather in the Zarzuela Palace. The Royal Palace is used solely for ceremonies and official events.
  • It covers an area of more than 135,000 square meters and has more than 3,400 rooms, making it the largest royal palace in Europe in official use.
  • It houses one of the world’s most important collections of clocks, as well as the only complete collection of Stradivarius Palatine instruments.
  • Inside, you can see one of the few historic royal pharmacies still in existence, with original bottles, formulas, and utensils used by royal apothecaries.

a room filled with furniture and a fire place

Plan your visit

The Palace is open every day, although opening hours may vary depending on the season or official events. We recommend booking your ticket in advance and, if possible, taking a guided tour so you don’t miss any of the details of this majestic building.

Unique experiences with IbeTours

If you are looking for a complete and hassle-free experience, at IbeTours we offer guided tours of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Our tours include skip-the-line entry, official guides in Spanish and English, and the option to combine your visit with other tourist attractions such as El Retiro Park or the Royal Collections.

  • Posted in: