The Royal Palace, or Palacio Real in Spanish, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Madrid, Spain. It is a grand architectural masterpiece that has been the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family for centuries. The palace is a symbol of power and prestige and attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
History
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1738, under the orders of King Philip V. It was built on the site of a former fortress that had burnt down in 1734. The palace was designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, who passed away before its completion. His work was continued by his pupil, Juan Bautista Sachetti.
The palace’s construction took almost twenty-six years to complete and was finally finished in 1764 under King Charles III. Since then, it has undergone various renovations and changes to its interior design.
Architecture
The Royal Palace’s exterior is an impressive display of Baroque architecture with neoclassical elements. Its massive structure is made up of white granite and has over three thousand rooms spread across 135,000 square meters.
The palace’s facade features intricate designs and sculptures by famous artists such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The central balcony on the facade overlooks Madrid’s Plaza de la Armería and is where significant events such as royal weddings take place.
Interior
The interior design of the Royal Palace is just as impressive as its exterior. Visitors are awed by its extravagance with each room adorned with exquisite furniture, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, and tapestries from different eras.
One notable room is the Throne Room or Salón del Trono that has a magnificent ceiling fresco painted by Tiepolo. Other rooms worth visiting include the Hall of Columns or Salón de Columnas that features marble columns and the Royal Chapel or Capilla Real.
Touring the Palace
The Royal Palace is open to visitors for tours, allowing them to explore its grandeur and learn about its rich history. The guided tours take visitors through the palace’s various rooms, giving them a glimpse of how royalty lived.
Visitors can also witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at noon in front of the palace’s main entrance.
Conclusion
The Royal Palace in Madrid is a must-see for anyone visiting Spain’s capital city. Its stunning architecture, intricate interior design, and rich history make it a fascinating attraction that leaves visitors in awe.
The use of Baroque architecture with neoclassical elements makes it stand out from other landmarks in Madrid. A tour of the palace is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into Spain’s royal past.