Madrid - Royal Palace Palacio Real

 
After the fire which destroyed the old Alcázar of the Habsburgs at Christmas 1724 Philip V commissioned the Italian architect Filippo Juvara (1678-1736) to design a new palace in its place. After Juvara's sudden death work on the plans was continued by his associate Giovanni Battista Sacchetti (1700-64), who simplified the design into a closed square with an inner courtyard and projecting elements at the corners.

Must-see attractions nearby:
The facade was based on drawings prepared by Bernini for the Louvre in Paris.

The palace is built entirely of stone - granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Massive foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in gardens (the Jardines de Sabatini to the north, the Campo del Moro to the west). The impression of imposing and unapproachable majesty which is conveyed by the palace is reinforced by the massive substructure of finely dressed ashlar with small windows.
Things to See

Read More Hall of the Halberdiers

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Read More Royal Palace - Chapel

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Read More Royal Palace - Throne Room

Address: Palacio Real / Royal Palace, Calle Bailén 2, E-28071 Madrid, Spain
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 9am-6pm; Sun: 9am-3pm
October 1 to March 31: 9:30am-5pm; Sun: 9am-2pm
Always closed on: Madrid Day - Spain (May 2)
Tips: There are conducted tours of the palace in English, French, German and Spanish. Closed once or twice a week for official functions. Operating hours on public holidays are the same as Sundays.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour available as optional extra.
Transit: Metro: Opera; Bus: 3, 25, 33, 39, M1, 148.

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