The Royal Palace of Madrid, known in Spanish as the Palacio Real de Madrid, serves as the official residence of the Spanish royal family and acts as a venue for state ceremonies. Located on Bailén Street in the western district of central Madrid, the site lies east of the Manzanares River and is accessible via the Ópera metro station. Covering more than 135,000 square meters and housing 3,418 rooms, it is recognized as the largest royal palace in Europe.
The complex stands on the site of a ninth-century Muslim fortress built by Emir Muhammad I. That castle eventually became the Royal Alcázar, serving medieval monarchs before undergoing major expansions during the sixteenth century. Following a fire that destroyed the Alcázar in December 1734, King Philip V commissioned a replacement structure. Designed in a late Baroque classical style by architects such as Filippo Juvarra, Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, and Francesco Sabatini, construction took place between 1738 and 1755, with King Charles III first taking up residence in 1764.
The palace exterior is crafted from grey granite and white limestone set over a rusticated stone base. Its primary façade overlooks the Plaza de la Armería, which sits directly across from the Almudena Cathedral. The palace is surrounded by several notable outdoor spaces, including the French-designed Sabatini Gardens to the north and the Romanticist Campo del Moro gardens to the west. To the east, the Plaza de Oriente features manicured hedges, a central equestrian statue of Philip IV, and a series of limestone sculptures depicting historic Spanish monarchs.
Inside, the residence displays detailed craftsmanship and fine materials across numerous grand chambers. Rotating public tour routes showcase prominent spaces such as the Main Staircase, the Throne Room, the Hall of Columns, the Rococo-style Gasparini Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Library. The rooms are decorated with frescoes and paintings by renowned artists, including Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Goya, Caravaggio, and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
Visitors can also explore significant historical collections held within the complex. The Royal Armoury contains one of the world's largest assortments of arms and armor, alongside displays of antique clocks, porcelain, silverware, period furniture, and a complete Stradivarius string quintet. Managed by the Patrimonio Nacional agency, the palace is open to the public except during official state events, with entry requiring a fee, though free admission is offered during specific times.
See the full Madrid travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.