Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid was built in the eighteenth century as a symbol of the new dynasty of Kings that came to Spain, the Bourbons.

The current palace was built over the old fortress designed by the Muslims in the ninth century. The Christian conquest (1085) changed the structure of the palace, which over the years was decorated with countless works of art from Italy, Austria, Flanders and France: sculptures, paintings, marble, lamps, valuable furniture, clocks, etc.

After a disastrous fire in 1734, King Philip V (the first Bourbon King in Spain) decided to build this enormous palace as a symbol of his dinasty and Madrid. Some of the best architects of the time took part in this wonderful project as Filippo Juvarra, Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, Ventura Rodriguez and Sabatini.

The Royal Palace of Madrid

The interior of the Royal Palace is absolutely stunning: splendid lamps, tapestries and wonderful porcelain pieces brought from the Royal Porcelain Factory located in Retiro Park. Furthermore all the decoration of this immense Palace (135.000 square metres) was supervised by King Charles III and Charles IV, who was a great clock lover.

Since 1931 the Royal Palace has no tenants. With the proclamation of the Second Republic, Spanish Royal Family went to Rome where they remained for years. In 1975 the dictator Francisco Franco died and the monarchy was restored in Spain. But the Palace would never be inhabited again by the Royal Family who moved to the Zarzuela Palace, located on the outskirts of the city. Today the Royal Palace of Madrid is only used for official ceremonies and gala dinners attended by heads of state and monarchs of other countries.

Visiting the Royal Palace

There are plenty of exciting things to see and do at the Royal Palace and we could spend hours and hours describing all the rooms (over 30 open to the public), so we offer you a brief summary of the most interesting rooms. Unfortunately taking pictures or using cameras and recording devices of any kind is not allowed to be used inside.

Throne Room

This room will leave you speachless. Walls are covered by wonderful deep-red tapestries and mirrors and there is a throne composed by four bronze lions brought to Spain personally by Diego de Velázquez.

Porcelain Room

It is one of the most impressive rooms of the palace. Its walls and ceiling are covered top to bottom with porcelain plates, creating a indescribable feeling.

Dining Gala Hall

King Alfonso XII and his wife Maria Cristina of Hapsburg renovated this room in 1879, creating one of the most amazing rooms. The table, with more than 80 meters, can accommodate more than 200 guests.

Madrid Free Walking Tour - Old Town

✔️ 100% Local Guides
✔️ Award Winning Walking Tours (1,000+ reviews)
✔️ Small Groups

BOOK NOW

LOCAL GUIDES

Changing of the Guard Ceremony in Madrid

First Wednesday of each month (except January, August and September) the Royal Palace of Madrid is decked out for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. The performance begins at 12:00 and consists of more than 400 soldiers, 100 horses, carriages and even a music band. A spectacle well worth seeing.

More info about the Changing of the Guard here

Plaza de Oriente

In front of the Royal Palace we find the Plaza de Oriente, designed by Napoleon’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, who was ruling Spain from 1808-1813. The statue that dominates this romantic square represents King Philip IV on horseback.

Join our Madrid Free Walking Tour and discover Madrid like a local!

Royal Palace of Madrid: Useful Information

-Address: Calle de Bailen

-Metro: Opera (Line 5 and Ramal Ópera-Principe Pío)/ Sol (Line 1,2,3 and Cercanías RENFE)

-Opening Hours: Winter (October to March): 10:00 to 18:00 / Summer (April to September): 10:00 to 20:00

Price: General 10€, Reduced (persons between 5 to 16 years old, students under 25 and people over 65 years old) 5 €. Attention! Free entry from Monday to Thursday from 16:00 to 18:00 (winter) and from 18:00 to 20:00 (summer) for citizens or residents of the European Union and visitors from Latin American countries.

Private Prado Museum Masterpieces Tour

Private Tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid Immerse yourself in one of the finest art galleries in the world with OgoTours. During approximately 2 hours

What to do in Madrid in 2 days

What to do in Madrid in 2 days Visiting Madrid in two days is a truly complicated task considering the city’s numerous attractions: incredible buildings,

Best Panoramic views and Rooftops in Madrid

Best Panoramic Views and Rooftops in Madrid There is a popular saying in Spain that goes “De Madrid al Cielo” which literally means “From Madrid

Madrid Travel Guide

Our Walking Tours in Madrid

Madrid Free Walking Tour - Old Town

 5/5

Based on 1000+ reviews

Our Madrid Private Tours

Private Walking Tours in Madrid with Local Guides

Copyright © OgoTours Madrid 2013-2023

OgoTours is a 100% local company. And as such, we are proud to do our bit to preserve the traditions and spirit of the city. Our goal is to help you experience Madrid like a local.

Tax Identification Number: 46890705F

Got questions?

If you need any additional information about our services, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all your questions.

Walking Tours

Free Walking Tour in Madrid

Madrid Private Tours

Useful Links

Are you travelling around Spain? We are a proud member of Discover Our Cities. This network is made up of local tour opertators that share the same philosophy about tourism. All companies involved in this proyect have something in common; we are focused on offering 100% local and genuine experiences.

Our most popular posts:

The best panoramic views in Madrid

How to get to Segovia from Madrid

What to do in Madrid in two days

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid