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Royal Palace of Madrid

Palace

Royal Palace of Madrid

The royal family's official residence: 3,418 rooms built from 1738, with Tiepolo's Throne Room ceiling and the Gasparini Room.

experiences to book
2
typical visit
1.5–2 hours
lowest price
€40

Things to do at Royal Palace of Madrid

Guided tours · 2

  • Traffic on Gran Vía beneath the Metrópolis building

    Valid all day · about 1–1.5 h per route

    Madrid Open-Top Bus

    Board at any stop · open top deck
    Free cancellationfrom€40per adult

About Royal Palace of Madrid

Philip V ordered this palace after the old Alcázar burned down on Christmas Eve 1734. Building began in 1738 to Juvarra's plans, carried on by Sacchetti, and Charles III became the first king to live here in 1764. With 3,418 rooms it is the largest palace in Western Europe, and it is still the official residence of the Spanish royal family, used for state ceremonies.

The visit climbs the grand staircase to the state rooms: the Hall of Columns, the Rococo Gasparini Room, the Gala Dining Room, the Royal Chapel and the Throne Room under Tiepolo's ceiling fresco. Outside, the vast Plaza de la Armería faces Almudena Cathedral, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays the guard changes at the Puerta del Príncipe.

Know before you go

  • Can close at short notice for state ceremonies
  • Security check on entry; avoid large backpacks and suitcases
  • No flash photography, tripods or selfie sticks
  • Wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available on site
  • The Royal Kitchen and the Gallery of the Royal Collections need separate or combined tickets