Royal Palace of Madrid
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a castle from fairy tales like those in Disney movies, then visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. It is grandiose and decorative. And, it is still a royal complex. It is used for state dinners and receptions.
After security, you traverse the expansive entrance court with large and decorative lamp posts. I could only imagine what it may have looked like on the night of a ball during the 18th or 19th century as carriages of the highest quality entered and dropped off guests at the front doors.
A self-guided tour
The palace is actually entered through the main doors that really act as a drive through into the central courtyard. A grand staircase rises up from this driveway greeting visitors in the most spectacular way. The murals and sculptures are stupendous. Imagine Cinderella running down stairs like these and losing her slipper on the way out.
The self-guided tour path then leads visitors through a series of elaborately decorated rooms. Some of them were private chambers at one point, but now they are all reception spaces or museum spaces. Photography is not allowed after the first room, which is a shame because some of the other spaces are absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any decent photographs of those rooms in the palace shop. Yes, there were some photos but no really good ones, especially of the rooms I liked most.
One of my favorite rooms is the Chamber of Charles III. The chinoiserie style of Gasparini’s colorful plaster work is stunning. My least favorite room was actually the throne room, which has a dark and stagnant feel to it. There are plaques in each room with English to explain what the room is and the design of the space.
Armory
The Madrid Royal Palace tour also includes entrance into the armory. This two-story collection of armor and weapons from the last several hundred years is impressive. However, I found it a bit monotonous after a while. I’m sure if you’re really interested in armor, horses, weapons, swords, heraldry, etc. you would love this area of the palace.
Madrid Cathedral
Directly across from the palace is the cathedral. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were there, so we couldn’t go in or go up the tower. Both are options if you’re there when it is open.
To visit
To visit the Royal Palace of Madrid be sure to make your reservations online. We skipped the huge line and went straight in because of this. The public entrance is on the southeast side of the palace.
