Second only to Versailles in size and splendor, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is an architectural marvel along with a treasure trove. Nearly three thousand rooms, with 240 balconies and over forty staircases, this magnificent work is one of Madrid's main tourist attractions.
Despite the fact that less than 10% of the room is open to the public, there is still far far more than a visitor could see in a single day. Everywhere the eye looks can be seen fine rococo decoration, lush tapestries, bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and thousands of other precious objects.
Long the property of Spanish monarchs (it was conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931), this palace was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world.
Sited at the former Moorish fortress, Alcázar (built inside the 9th century, but burned down in 1734), the palace itself is an outstanding example of French classical architecture. But beyond the constructing there are actually statuary and grounds that total the work.
The stone statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only two of the a lot of unusual touches around the palace grounds.
The two-hour tour of the palace consists of the Salón de Gasparini, where it is possible to see astonishing ceramic walls and sparkling chandeliers. It also covers the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests for dinner.
Twenty-five years in construction, the palace contains the throne room and armory of one of the world's superpowers of the 18th century. Both are on display nowadays.
Within the throne room are the two seats occupied by a succession of Spain's rulers, from which they issued edicts that influenced significantly of the world's history for centuries. The Armeria Real (Royal Armory) shows quite a few weapons and armor, together with a range of medieval torture implements utilised inside the Spanish Inquisition.
But you can find also on display examples of Spain's more exalted aspects.
You'll have an opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), too. Not a serious competitor compared to the Vatican collection, but well worth a go to. You will see a initial edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes magnum opus, and various Stradivarius stringed instruments.
The Royal Pharmacy displays a lot of of the instruments utilized to treat the members of the royal family, and gives some insight into the medical understanding of the day. It is still in use, and consequently is closed in the course of official functions.
Visitors can witness the changing of the guards outside, although taking in a view of one of the most effective of Madrid's numerous fine gardens. Stand on the Patio de Armas and take pleasure in the view of the Manzanares River.
Despite the fact that less than 10% of the room is open to the public, there is still far far more than a visitor could see in a single day. Everywhere the eye looks can be seen fine rococo decoration, lush tapestries, bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and thousands of other precious objects.
Long the property of Spanish monarchs (it was conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931), this palace was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world.
Sited at the former Moorish fortress, Alcázar (built inside the 9th century, but burned down in 1734), the palace itself is an outstanding example of French classical architecture. But beyond the constructing there are actually statuary and grounds that total the work.
The stone statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only two of the a lot of unusual touches around the palace grounds.
The two-hour tour of the palace consists of the Salón de Gasparini, where it is possible to see astonishing ceramic walls and sparkling chandeliers. It also covers the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests for dinner.
Twenty-five years in construction, the palace contains the throne room and armory of one of the world's superpowers of the 18th century. Both are on display nowadays.
Within the throne room are the two seats occupied by a succession of Spain's rulers, from which they issued edicts that influenced significantly of the world's history for centuries. The Armeria Real (Royal Armory) shows quite a few weapons and armor, together with a range of medieval torture implements utilised inside the Spanish Inquisition.
But you can find also on display examples of Spain's more exalted aspects.
You'll have an opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), too. Not a serious competitor compared to the Vatican collection, but well worth a go to. You will see a initial edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes magnum opus, and various Stradivarius stringed instruments.
The Royal Pharmacy displays a lot of of the instruments utilized to treat the members of the royal family, and gives some insight into the medical understanding of the day. It is still in use, and consequently is closed in the course of official functions.
Visitors can witness the changing of the guards outside, although taking in a view of one of the most effective of Madrid's numerous fine gardens. Stand on the Patio de Armas and take pleasure in the view of the Manzanares River.
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