How Long Did It Take to Build the Royal Palace of Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

The Royal Palace of Madrid is an iconic landmark in Spain, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, drawing millions of people from all over the world each year.

But how long did it take to build this magnificent palace?

The construction of the Royal Palace of Madrid began in 1738, during the reign of King Philip V. It was designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, who had been commissioned by the king to create a new royal residence that would rival the grandeur of other European palaces.

Over the next several decades, construction on the palace continued under a number of different architects and designers. The palace’s interior was decorated with lavish furnishings and artwork, while its exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Despite its grandeur, however, the construction process was not without its challenges.

One major setback came just a few years after construction began when a fire broke out in 1745, destroying much of what had already been built. This setback delayed construction by several years as efforts were made to rebuild what had been lost.

Another challenge came in 1760 when lead shortages caused a delay in roofing work. This further pushed back completion of the palace by several years.

Despite these setbacks, however, work on the Royal Palace of Madrid continued steadily over the years. By 1764, much of the exterior had been completed and work on interior decorations was well underway.

The Final Years

In 1768, King Charles III took over as monarch and made it his priority to finish construction on the palace as quickly as possible. He brought in a team of skilled architects and designers who worked tirelessly to complete all remaining work on both the interior and exterior.

Finally, after more than three decades of construction and setbacks, the Royal Palace of Madrid was officially completed in 1764. It was a stunning achievement of architectural and artistic skill, and remains one of the most impressive landmarks in all of Spain.

Conclusion

So, how long did it take to build the Royal Palace of Madrid? All told, construction on the palace took a total of 32 years from start to finish.

It was a long and challenging process, but the end result was truly breathtaking. Today, visitors can explore this magnificent palace and marvel at the incredible skill and dedication that went into its creation.