Cheap Hotels in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The site on which the Palace stands dates back as far as the 10th century. King Juan Carlos and his family do not live in the palace but choose to live in the smaller palace of Palacio de la Zarzuela, situated just on the outskirts of Madrid. Although the King does not reside in the Royal Palace official engagements and banquettes are attended by the King and his family in the Royal Palace.

The palace is situated on Bailen Street in the west of Madrid. Visitors to the palace can use the underground station Opera which is just a short walk from the palace. Parts of the palace are open to the public except, of course, when it’s in official use.

The Royal Palace has the distinction of being the largest in size in the whole of Western Europe. The palace has over 2,800 rooms and covers an area of 135,000 square meters.

The Royal Palace is vastly decorated and features paintings from some of Spain’s greatest artists. These include the work of Goya, Caravaggio, Mengs, Tiepolo and many more. The palace has several royal collections of huge historical importance which are displayed for the public on occasions.

Within the palace you can find a Royal armoury section which dates back till the 13th century. Other objects on display include a collection of furniture, porcelain and tapestry. The palace very proud of having the worlds only complete string quintet of a Stradivarius collection.

Visitors to the Royal Palace are only allowed to a small section of the building, but soon realise, just how vast this palace is.

To the west of the palace, are the gardens of Campo del Moro. The garden, takes it name after the Muslim leader Ali Ben Yusuf, encamped here with his army in the year 1109. To the south area of the palace you can find a large square called the Plaza de la Armas surrounded by narrow wings of the palace.

In the north part of the castle are the gardens of Sabatini named after Jardines Sabatini, architect of the palace.

For those who are thinking of visiting the palace. A wide range of cheap hotels in Madrid are always available.