👑 At The Sun Places we know that luxury is also found in the history and grandeur of royal palaces.
That's why we invite you to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish monarchy and the largest palace in Western Europe.
With more than 3,000 rooms and an area of 135,000 square metres, the Royal Palace is an essential monument that treasures works of art, tapestries, clocks and furniture of incalculable value.
The Sun Places invites you to discover its halls, gardens and best-kept secrets, staying in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid, located in the heart of the capital, just minutes from this emblematic building.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a Baroque and Classicist-style building, built in the 18th century by order of Philip V. Its construction lasted more than 20 years and involved some of the most important architects of the time, such as Juan Bautista Sachetti, Francesco Sabatini and Ventura Rodríguez.
📜 History of the Royal Palace of Madrid
The history of the Royal Palace of Madrid dates back to 1734, when the old Alcázar, a 9th-century medieval fortress, was destroyed by fire.
King Philip V commissioned the construction of a new palace on the same site, more sumptuous and in keeping with the power of the Bourbon monarchy.
The project was entrusted to the Italian architect Juan Bautista Sachetti, who designed a Baroque building with Classicist influences.
Work began in 1738 and continued until 1764, although the interior decoration and gardens were not completed until the reign of Charles III.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Royal Palace was the residence of the Spanish monarchs until 1931, when the proclamation of the Second Republic turned it into a public museum.
Today, it is used by King Felipe VI for State ceremonies, receptions and official visits, and is open to the public for guided tours.
📍 Location and how to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is located at Calle de Bailén, 1, in the heart of the Habsburg Madrid, opposite the Almudena Cathedral and the Plaza de Oriente.
It is easily accessible by public transport, or by private transport if you wish.
From our Luxury Apartments in Madrid in the Salamanca Neighbourhood, you can reach the Royal Palace in less than 10 minutes by taxi or in 20 minutes walking through the historic centre.
The main entrance is on the Plaza de la Armería facade, opposite the Almudena Cathedral.
🏛️ What to see at the Royal Palace of Madrid? Halls, collections and gardens
A visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid is a tour of some of the most sumptuous halls in Europe. These are the spaces you cannot miss:
- Throne Room: This is the most impressive room in the palace, where official receptions are held. Decorated in a Neoclassical style, it features a throne designed by King Charles III and tapestries from the Royal Santa Bárbara Factory
- Royal Armoury: Houses one of the world's most important collections of weapons and armour, with pieces from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The armour of Charles V and Philip II stand out
- Royal Kitchens: One of the most curious parts of the visit. These are the palace's original kitchens, where banquets for the royal family were prepared. The utensils, stoves and an impressive collection of copper cookware are preserved
- Royal Library: Founded by Philip V, it houses more than 300,000 volumes, including medieval manuscripts and books of great historical value
- Painting Gallery: Exhibits works by masters such as Caravaggio, Velázquez, Goya and Rubens, among others
- Campo del Moro Gardens: A lush Romantic-style garden located west of the palace, covering more than 20 hectares. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk and to enjoy views of the palace from below
- Sabatini Gardens: A Neoclassical-style garden located north of the palace, with ponds and statues. It is an ideal place for a stroll and taking photographs
🎫 Guided tours and VIP experiences
For The Sun Places guests, we recommend a private guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid outside regular opening hours.
These visits allow access to rooms not open to the general public, such as the kings' private halls, and include a guide expert in history and art. I
t is also possible to organise a dinner or cocktail at the palace for special events, a unique luxury experience.
The Sun Places can arrange these private visits, as well as purchasing tickets to avoid queues and gain priority access.
🎭 Events and curiosities of the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the setting for important official events, such as the ceremony for the presentation of ambassadors' credentials, State receptions and gala dinners hosted by the King.
Concerts by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra are also held in the Throne Room.
A curiosity: the palace has 3,418 rooms, a one-piece marble imperial staircase and a collection of 18th and 19th-century clocks of great historical value.
The Royal Palace is also the official residence of the royal family, although the King and Queen live at the Zarzuela Palace, on the outskirts of Madrid.
🎭 What the Royal Palace of Madrid represents for the city and The Sun Places
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the symbol of the history, grandeur and luxury of the Spanish monarchy.
It is the most emblematic building in the city, alongside the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol.
For the city, the Royal Palace is a top tourist attraction, a museum that attracts millions of visitors each year and a venue for the most important State events.
For The Sun Places, discovering the Royal Palace of Madrid is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.
That is why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in the most central areas, just a few steps from the palace. Furthermore, the Royal Palace of Madrid is connected to other great attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: the Plaza Mayor, the San Miguel Market, the Chocolatería San Ginés, the Habsburg Madrid and the Cibeles. All of this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and the Royal Palace of Madrid is one of its most precious jewels.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
Friday: Arrival and first historical immersion
Saturday: Palace Day
- In the morning, you visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with a private guided tour (arranged by The Sun Places)
- You tour the Throne Room, the Armoury, the Royal Kitchens and the Library
- In the afternoon, you stroll through the Campo del Moro gardens
Sunday: Relax and farewell
- Final walk through the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles before returning
Ready to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect royal getaway.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation in Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
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