Do you want a royal encounter that will astound you? The Royal Palace of Madrid is the only place to look!
One of the grandest palaces in all of Europe, the Royal Palace has a storied past that dates back to the sixteenth century.
You might believe that the Royal Palace of Madrid is just another stuffy, outdated palace, but you would be mistaken!
The Royal Palace of Madrid has a lot to offer, from its royal roots to its priceless art collection
Its rooms are crammed with priceless artwork and artifacts, and it is an architectural marvel.
In this article, we will take you through 10 mind-blowing facts about Madrid’s Royal Palace.
1. Largest functioning Palace in Western Europe.
The Royal Palace of Madrid holds the title of being the largest functioning Palace in Western Europe.
The Palace has a total of 3418 rooms and chambers.
This makes it bigger than Buckingham Palace in London, the Palace of Versailles in France, and the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
2. Home of the Spanish Royal Jewels
The Spanish Crown Jewels are also kept in Madrid’s Royal Palace.
The Spanish royal family has been passing down this collection of priceless artifacts for many generations.
The “Black Prince’s Ruby” diamond, which weighs 6.35 carats, and the “Tear of the Rock” emerald, which weighs 106 carats, are both part of the crown jewels.
3. Architectural majesty
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a prime example of Baroque architecture and is generously adorned with gold leaf, marble, and tapestries.
The building’s imposing facade extends over 130 meters, and its elegant neoclassical design oozes elegance.
The staircase, balconies, statues, and Corinthian columns all have intricate details that exude symmetry.
4. Historical Relevance
Designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, the Royal Palace of Madrid is located where a Moorish castle once stood but was destroyed by fire in 1734.
The palace was built in an effort to build a new royal residence that would reflect the splendor of the Spanish monarchy.
It hosted significant historical occurrences over the years, such as King Juan Carlos I’s coronation in 1975 and King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s nuptials in 2004.
5. Artistic treasures
Paintings by Spanish masters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco are among the collections of art found in the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The palace also contains numerous sculptures, tapestries, and other pieces of artwork.
A remarkable collection of weapons and armor can also be found in the palace’s Royal Armory.
6. Popular Filming Location
The Royal Palace of Madrid serves as a popular backdrop for a variety of movies and television shows.
For filmmakers looking to add a dash of regal splendor to their stories, its royalty and elegance made it an alluring setting.
It has been featured in films such as “The Bourne Identity” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
7. Changing of the Guard
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 am, a colorful and impressive display of Spanish military tradition is performed during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
With trumpets and drums accompanying them, the guards march in formation while donning traditional attire.
It is a truly unforgettable experience and a wonderful way to learn about Spanish history and culture.
Follow this link to learn about the best time to see the Changing of Guards
8.Open to the public for tours
For many years, the Royal Palace of Madrid has been open to the public for tours.
It gives visitors the chance to tour the lavish halls and rooms of the palace, giving them an understanding of the splendor and legacy of the Spanish monarchy.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the on-site office, but it is best to do so online to avoid logistical delays.
9. Spanish National Pride
The National Palace of Madrid bears witness to both the country’s rich history and the many challenges it has faced.
It fosters national cohesion by bringing Spaniards together through their shared culture, history, and heritage.
For Spaniards, it is a source of pride in their country and serves as a reminder of its strength and renown.
10. In demand tourist attraction
Madrid’s Royal Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.
Over 2.5 million people are estimated to visit the Madrid palace each year.
This makes it the tenth most visited tourist attraction in Spain and the second most visited tourist attraction in Madrid, after the Prado Museum.
Inside the palace, you can find a vast collection of art and artifacts, including the Imperial Crown of Spain.
You can also visit the Throne Room, where Spanish monarchs have been crowned for centuries.
Featured Image: Patrimonionacional.es