History of Royal Palace of Madrid in a nutshell
The Royal Palace of Madrid has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 16th century. The palace was originally constructed on the site of the old Alcazar fortress, which had been destroyed by a fire in 1734.
Construction on the new palace began in 1738 and was completed in 1764. The palace was designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, who unfortunately passed away before the completion of the project. It was then finished by his pupil, Juan Bautista Sachetti.
Over the centuries, the palace has served as the official residence of various monarchs, including Charles III, Alfonso XIII, and King Juan Carlos I. It has also been the site of many important historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Madrid in 1750 and the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931.
During the Spanish Civil War, the palace suffered damage from bombing raids but was later restored to its former glory. Today, it remains the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although they primarily reside in the more modern Palace of Zarzuela.
Royal Palace of Madrid architecture