Royal Palace and Gardens

The Spanish equivalent of Versailles, this opulent mansion is a royal court built to dazzle. The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid), in contrast to Versailles, which is now only a museum, is still the official residence of a monarch (the King of Spain), and it is still used for formal State occasions.

Philip V ordered the mansion in the eighteenth century. Granite and the white Colmenar stone make up the entirety of the magnificent Neoclassical facade. Ionic columns and Doric pillars on the front are replicas of sculptures that Bernini created for the Paris Louvre. Kings of Spain are represented by statues on the balustrade.

In the beginning, Bernini planned to build the Louvre in Paris. Kings of Spain are represented by statues on the balustrade. The magnificent staircase that leads to the main floor and features a fresco of The Triumph of Religion and the Church is the most prominent feature of the interior. The walls of the palace are covered with works of art, including paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco, and Caravaggio, as well as beautiful tapestries from France and Belgium.

The King Charles III suites are among the Royal Palace's most exquisite spaces. These rooms are decorated with elegant Enlightenment-era furnishings. The Salón del Trono (Throne Room), a masterwork of Rococo art, is decorated with murals by Tiepolo, including one of his works titled The Greatness of the Spanish Monarchy.

Visitors should set aside some time to tour the Campo del Moro Gardens. These lovely old gardens were built under Philip II's rule, and their formal French-style landscaping includes fountains and avenues. The 20-hectare green area offers a calm retreat in the heart of Madrid. It's a great location for leisurely strolls across beautiful scenery.

Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34914548700
Rating: 4.6/5.0, Google reviews
Website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/real-sitio/palacio-real-de-madrid