Madrid Royal Palace: Visit the Largest Palace in Europe

Nestled in the heart of Madrid, the Palacio Real, or Madrid Royal Palace as it is often called, is not only the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, but also the largest palace within the entire continent of Europe! Though the Royal Family have since moved to the Palacio De La Zarzuela, the Palacio Real is still used for special occasions with grandiose ceremonies and opulent banquets. Said to have been built on the same lands as the 9th-century Muslim fortress, the Alcázar, it was the Bourbon king, Felipe V, who saw the opportunity to build a palace of grandeur and splendor, far exceeding its European counterparts. 

After the Alcázar was destroyed by a Christmas fire in 1734, the foundation was set for the construction of the awe-inspiring Palacio Real. Felipe’s grand plan for a fireproof stone and brick construction came to a premature end when he passed away before it was completed. As a result, this baroque leviathan stands as a testament to his ambition, yet with only 3400 rooms, roughly a quarter of the original design, it still covers an impressive 135,000 sq. mt. of floor space. 

From the majestic exteriors to the awe-inspiring interiors, this royal palace is sure to take your breath away – with a little help from renowned painters and frescoes by Caravaggio, Francisco de Goya, Velázquez, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Juan de Flandes, Corrado Giaquinto and Anton Raphael Mengs. Experience a royal journey as you drive through 50 palace rooms, a special-sighting of 215 exquisite clocks, 5 Stradivarius violins and Goyas. As you ascend up the central stairway, you will be awe-struck by the statement of royal power, further leading to the Halberdiers’ and the Throne Room.

Afterwards, you will be graced with one of the most lavish rooms in the palace, the Salón de Gasparini. Here, you will find walls adorned with silk and gold embroidered silks, a clock over the fireplace, luxurious wooden and bronze furniture, a marble floor, and a grandiose chandelier dangling from a magnificent stucco ceiling. It was in this room, where Carlos III elegantly welcomed the court, as bequeathed by his inheritance.

Grand Staircase of Madrid Royal Palace

In 1789, Sabatini crafted the magnificent Grand Staircase to King Charles IV’s exact specifications, having been relocated from its original position. Cut from a single piece of San Agustin marble, with two regal lions as its foundation, the four-cartouches at each corner symbolize air, earth, water, and fire. And if that wasn’t enough, the ground and upper floors were even more ornately decorated with a statue of Charles III. Quite an impressive feat, wouldn’t you say?

‘King and Queen’ Apartments

Dating back centuries, the Royal Palace’s Throne Room boasts awe-striking 18th-century French bronzed chandeliers, the magnificent Tiepolo ceiling frescoes, and four regal portraits of the royal family by Goya. The Salón del Trono is extravagantly adorned with auburn velvet walls and gorgeous furnishings. But the true highlight here is the Musical Instruments Room, featuring Francisco Bayeu’s ceiling fresco which portrays providence and fortitude in every stroke. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this timeless masterpiece!

Salón de Gasparini and Porcelana

The luxurious Gasparini Room or Salón de Gasparini dazzles with its golden and silver embroidered silks adorning the walls and a pristine stucco ceiling. Conversely, the Porcelain Room or Sala de Porcelana is a sight to behold with its abundance of porcelain pieces screwed onto the walls in a nod to the Retiro porcelain factory. All in all, a feast for the eyes!

Plaza of the Armoury

The Plaza de la Armería, or the Plaza of the Armoury, stands as a symbol of majesty for the palace. It is here that Madrid’s captivating ‘changing of the guard ceremony’ is held between the palace and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena on the first Wednesday of each month. If you can’t make that time, there’s a simpler version of the same ceremony that happens at Puerta del Príncipe within the palace walls every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm – so you can get a taste of the grandeur without having to commit fully.

While here, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Armería Real, a spectacular repository of 16th and 17th-century weaponry and armoury suits. They say Madrid’s Royal Armoury is one of the best – if not THE best – in the world. Get ready to feast your eyes on tournament pieces made for Charles V and Philip II by prominent armourers of Augsburg and Milan, as well as other items dating back to the thirteenth century. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Farmacia Real Or Royal Pharmacy

As the reign of Philip II dawned, so did the Royal Pharmacy, an appendix to the kingdom fit to manage the supply of medicines fit for a king! Step inside to explore an awe-inspiring collection of 18th and 19th-century Talavera and La Granja de San Ildefonso earthenware and a magnificent selection of medicinal jars used to prepare the royal concoctions. A visit to the Farmacia Real is sure to be a royal experience!

Comedor de Gala

The grand Gala Dining Room or Comedor de Gala is an awe-inspiring space for magnificent ceremonial events. Its splendor is magnified by the presence of antique artworks, striking chandeliers, and a lavish archway – making it the perfect place for your most special occasions.

Royal Library

The Royal Library of the Madrid royal palace is a treasure trove of books and artifacts! From the period of Alfonso XII, Charles III and Isabel II, you’ll get to step back in time and explore Rococo binding styles adorned with lace, as well as writings of gothic, poetic, neoclassical and renaissance themes. It even houses the personal Bible devoted to Ferdinand VI by Farinelli, the codex of the time and the Book of hours – plus an archive of the Royal Palace with an impressive 20,000 articles. If reading isn’t your thing, fear not! There’s also a selection of royal medals and maps that you can peruse. So go on, take a break and get lost in some fascinating history!

Jardines de Sabatini and Campo del Moro Gardens

Jardines de Sabatini is a remarkable French-inspired garden that was built in the 1930s to replace the regal stables that used to stand in its place. These exquisite symmetrical gardens boast captivating small labyrinths, spectacular fountains and offer unparalleled views of the palace’s northern façade. Named after Francesco Sabatini, the designer of the original royal stables, the Sabatini gardens stretch from Cuesta de San Vicente to Calle de Bailén and proudly display a well-crafted French design.

But it isn’t just the layout that makes these gardens so impressive, as they also feature a magnificent rectangular pond surrounded by statues of Spanish kings, and breathtaking fountains. Moreover, Campo del Moro didn’t miss out either, as King Philip IV made sure to add some extra sparkle by adding fountains and planting a variety of bulbs and seedlings. Ah, what a sight!

Also on the city tour bus route, this resplendent Royal Palace is indeed one of the most majestic landmarks in Madrid, showcasing some of Spain’s most breathtaking treasures. From its artistic architecture to its grand staterooms to its captivating gardens; the Royal Palace of Madrid will blow you away with its magnificence. Entry Fee: €11 (But don’t worry, on some special days, entry is absolutely free!)

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