The Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain or Palacio Real, was commissioned by King Philip V of Spain and completed in 1764, occupied by King Charles III. It is on the site of an older fortress that was occupied by the Moors, called Alcazar, which was destroyed by a Christmas Eve fire in 1734. Built of limestone and granite, the palace was designed to resemble the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France.
The palace is the largest in Western Europe and was the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. However, the last king to actually live in the palace, Alfonso XIII, vacated in 1931 when he left Spain and went into exile. Currently the royal family resides in a smaller palace outside of Madrid.
The architectural style of the Royal Palace is described as a mix of Baroque and neo-Classic. It was originally designed with Italian influence, and later modified in a French style. Today it holds 13th Century weaponry in the Royal Armoury, in addition to classic art, and historic furnishings. The Royal Library contains books, maps, medals, royal correspondence, and musical scores. The Royal Palace of Madrid is open to the public, except during state ceremonies. Only 50 of the more than 2,000 rooms in the palace are open for tours, including the china room, or Sala de Porcelana, and throne room, or Salon del Trono.
The outside grounds of the Royal Palace feature the Campo del Moro and Sabatini gardens, where fountains, French gardens, and statues of Spanish kings are displayed. The Sabatini Gardens replaced the royal stables at that location. The Plaza de la Armeria is an open square that sits between the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Once the location of medieval houses, the Plaza de Oriente now hosts small gardens and sculptures of forty kings. A central courtyard is accessed via the Puerta del Principe door.
The Royal Palace is in the heart of central Madrid on Calle de Bailen, in the area of the massive Casa de Campo park and old town apartments Madrid. Guided or audio tours are available and the palace is open all year, except for major holidays. The palace charges a fee for entry.
