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TRAVEL DESTINATIONS >>
SPAIN >>
MADRID
Palacio Real
Second only to Versailles in size and splendor, the Palacio Real in
Madrid is a simply spectacular architectural marvel.
Sited at a former Moorish fortress, or Alcázar (built in the 9th
century, but burned down in 1734), the palace is an outstanding example of
French classical architecture. With two thousand rooms, 240 balconies and over
forty staircases, this magnificent work is one of Madrid's major tourist
attractions.
Even with the relatively small number of rooms open to the public, there
is still far more here than you could see in a single day. You will find salon
after salon of fine art, elaborate rococo decoration, lush tapestries,
bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and literally thousands of other precious
objects.
The Palacio Real has long been the home of Spanish monarchs (it was
conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931) and was once
the center of power for kings who ruled half the known world. The stone
statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only
two of the many unusual touches around the palace grounds which speak to the
strong arm and long reach of Spain’s colonial empire.
There is a two-hour tour of the palace which includes the Salón de
Gasparini, where you will see remarkable ceramic walls and sparkling
chandeliers, and the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests
for dinner.
In the throne room are the seats of power occupied by an illustrious
succession of Spain's rulers, from which they issued edicts that impacted and
influenced much of the world's history for several centuries. The Armeria Real
(Royal Armory) houses the weapons and armor wielded by a seventeenth century
superpower, along with notorious medieval implements of torture used by the
Spanish Inquisition.
You'll have the opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal
Library) which houses a first edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes’ great opus,
as well as several Stradivarius stringed instruments.
The Royal Pharmacy displays many medical instruments used to treat the
members of the royal household, and gives some insight into the medical
knowledge of the day.
Outside the palace, you can watch the changing of the guards while
taking in the view of one of Madrid's best gardens. Stand on the Patio de
Armas and enjoy the view of the Manzanares River.
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