The Royal Palace in Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. However, King Juan Carlos I of Spain uses the palace only for official ceremonies, and resides with his family in a more modest palace.
The Royal Palace was commissioned by King Philip V, who wished to have a palace as beautiful and grand as the Palace of Versailles. The palace was designed by Italian architects Filippo Iuvarra, Giovanni Sacchetti and Francesco Sabatini, who worked on the final stages of the design.
Construction of the palace lasted from 1738 to 1764, and was completed under King Charles III. The palace is situated on a hillside, so its foundations stand on stepped platforms with internal slabs. The main entrance to the palace is on the side of the Armoury Square, on the southern façade of the building. This is where the royal couple enters in carriages during ceremonies, and where the changing of the guard takes place every first Wednesday of the month.
The interior of the palace is magnificent and richly decorated. Most of the halls are decorated in the Rococo style. Here you can see amazing frescoes by outstanding Italian, Spanish and German masters. The walls are decorated with magnificent tapestries, portraits and paintings, beautiful crystal chandeliers hang on the ceilings. The rooms are furnished in Empire and Rococo style. There is also an amazing collection of Stradivarius violins and a collection of antique weapons. A visit to the Throne Room, Porcelain Room, Royal Chapel, Royal Pharmacy and Armoury will be particularly interesting.
There is a beautiful park around the Royal Palace, and the park houses the extremely interesting Carriage Museum.
Every day, except for official ceremonies, the Royal Palace is open to the public.
