Palacio Real

Introduction

Palacio Real

© aloyce

At the western end of the city centre lies the Palacio Real, and the Cathedral La Almudena. The palace is located at the spot where the city was founded in the 10th century. After the old alcazar burned down on Christmas eve 1734, construction on the new palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1755. Since 1931 the palace is only used for official ceremonies. The royal family lives are the much smaller Palacio de Zarzuela in El Pardo, just north of Madrid.

To the west of the palace is the English garden, called the Campo de Moro, while of the northside lie the Jardines de Sabatini. On the southside of the palace lies the newest part of the palace that was added in the 19th century, and surrounds the Plaza de Armas from three sides, on the other side of the Plaza de Armas lies the Cathedral La Almudena. On the eastside of the palace lies the Plaza de Oriente and behind that the Opera and the city center.

Visits to the palace include the Salones Oficiales, Farmacia and the Real Armería. Also the Picture Gallary can be visited. For the Picture Gallary and the Real Armeria, you can buy seperate tickets, but the Picture Gallery can only be visited with a guide

Opening Hours

The Royal Palace is opened for visitors between 9:00am and 6:00pm, in winter (October until March from 9:30am until 5:00pm). On Sundays and Holidays, the building is opened between 9:00am and 3:00pm (in winter from 9:00am until 2:00pm).

The holidays that the palace is closed are, the 1st and 6th of January, 1st and 15th of May, the 9th of November and the 24th, 25th and 31st of December. The palace can also be closed when special occasions take place at the palace. For the latest update check the website of the Patrimonio Nacional

Cost

Palacio real in madrid

© Exposure

Normal visits to the palace cost €8, if you want to join a guided tour it will cost you €10. It is also possible to include the Picture Gallary into this guided tour, which will cost €1 more.

Audioguides are available for the ones who prefer not to join a group

Getting There

By Metro

The nearest stop is the metrostation of Opera. After leaving the station walk beyond the Opera building, and across the Plaza de Oriente you will see the Palacio Real.