Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish monarch, though it is not used as a home by the royal family. It is located in central Madrid and is primarily used for state functions and ceremonial events.

The current palace was built after a fire in 1734 destroyed the Royal Alcazar of Madrid. King Philip V ordered a new structure to be built on the same site, and construction began in 1738 and finished in 1764. The design was influenced by European architectural styles, and stone and brick were used to reduce fire risk.

King Charles III was the first monarch to live in the new palace. Later rulers added to the interior and collections. Alfonso XIII was the last king to reside there before the monarchy was abolished in 1931. Today, the royal family lives at Zarzuela Palace.

The Royal Palace of Madrid covers more than 135,000 square meters and contains over 3,400 rooms. Notable areas include the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. The building also houses the Royal Armoury and the Royal Pharmacy.

© European Union, 2025, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Art collections in the palace include works by Goya, Velázquez, Caravaggio, and Tiepolo. Decorative items such as tapestries, clocks, and furniture from different periods are also displayed. Guided tours are available to the public.

Duimdog at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 nl via Wikimedia Commons

The Sabatini Gardens are located next to the palace and are named after one of its architects. The Campo del Moro gardens are behind the palace and offer a larger green space. Both areas are open to visitors.

The changing of the guard takes place regularly and draws public interest. The palace also hosts exhibitions and official events tied to national holidays or royal occasions.

The building is managed by Patrimonio Nacional, the agency responsible for royal sites. It remains a symbol of Spain’s monarchy and history, and its preservation reflects its role as a national landmark.