Why the
Royal Palace Madrid
is special

The 18th century Royal Palace Madrid has rooms adorned with sumptuous furnishings and magnificent artworks.

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Royal Palace Madrid
tips & insights

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Exterior

The Royal Palace Madrid was partially inspired by Versailles in France, but its exterior falls short of Versailles' architectural grace.

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Interior

The greatness of Madrid's Royal Palace is some of its interior rooms. You will enjoy magnificent paintings (by Velazquez, Caravaggio, Goya, and other masters), frescoes and furnishings.

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Open to visitors

About 50 of the 2800 rooms in Madrid's Royal Palace are open daily to the public.  Exception: When royal or state functions are occasionally held.

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Top attraction

The large Throne Room is the Royal Palace's star space. The frescoes by Tiepolo and the silver-lined red velvet walls captivate the eye. Other must-see attractions include the Armory, Banquet Room and Pharmacy.

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Official, but not the
de facto royal residence

Although the Royal Palace Madrid is the official residence of the current king, he doesn't live there. He resides in the smaller Zarzuela Palace a short distance from Madrid. Alfonzo III was the last king to call the Royal Palace Madrid his home. In 1931, he abdicated and was exiled.

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Avoid the crowds

To avoid long ticket lines and crowded rooms during the peak tourist season, be among the first to enter the building in the morning - or come midday just past noon (when the bulk of your competition eats or takes siestas).

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