Royal Palace of Madrid Tours | Learn About This Iconic Landmark From an Expert Guide

The Royal Library

The Royal Library at the palace houses a vast collection of books, articles, maps, and medals from various royal eras, including those of Charles III, Isabel II, and Alfonso XII. The bookshelves showcase binding styles ranging from Neoclassical books in polychrome to Romantics featuring Renaissance and Gothic motifs. 

The Archives of the Royal Palace hold over 20,000 articles, including scores from musicians of the Royal Chapel, Philip II's testament and correspondence from several House of Bourbon kings. Additionally, the Royal Library features maps providing insights into the territories of the former Spanish Empire.

Crown Room

Formerly Queen Maria Christina of Austria's apartment, the Crown Room now houses significant royal artifacts, including the crown, Charles III’s throne, jewels from the Hispanic monarchy, and the silver-gilded scepter with filigree, rock crystal, and enamels. The room's walls showcase tapestries by Jacopo Amigoni depicting the Four Seasons, along with the proclamation and abdication speeches of Felipe VI and Juan Carlos I. Explore this chamber to witness a rich display of historical regalia and symbolic elements associated with Spanish monarchy.

The Royal Armory

Ranked among the world's finest, the Royal Armory at the Royal Palace of Madrid stands alongside Vienna's Imperial Armoury. Dating back to the 13th century, this extraordinary collection showcases weapons, armory, and artifacts. Notable highlights encompass the riding gear of Carlos V and Felipe II, the full armor and weapons used by Charles V in the Battle of Muhlberg, and the signed armor crafted by renowned armorer Filippo Negroli. The armory also houses a shield and burgonet crafted by Francesco. Each piece within this collection belongs to the king of Spain and other members of the royal family.

Hall of Mirrors

It’s not just the Palace of Versailles in France that has a Hall of Mirrors. The Royal Palace of Madrid has it too and a remarkable one indeed! This Hall of Mirrors was initially used as a dressing table by Queen Maria Luisa de Parma and later as Alfonso XIII’s music room. The room consists of pink marble walls along with white and blue embellishments. The chandelier boasts intricate and elaborate stucco work while the surrounding ceiling depicts scenes from Pompeian life. Decorated by Charles IV, the Hall of Mirrors is one of the most beautiful and stunning rooms in the palace making it worth a visit.

The Grand Staircase

Designed by Francesco Sabatini, the Grand Staircase was built in 1789 on the orders of Charles IV. The staircase is made using a single piece of San Augustin marble and adds to the magnificence and grace of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Two striking lions by Felipe de Castro and Robert Michel grace the landing while the ceiling is adorned with spectacular frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto. There are several sculptures and paintings describing Spanish royalty in the 18th century. There are a couple of statues of Charles III and Charles IV while the four carvings on the corners represent water, earth, fire, and air.

The Royal Chapel

One of the most stunning rooms inside the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Chapel is intricately and luxuriously designed by Sacchetti and Ventura Rodriguez in 1748. The magnificent dome of the chapel is a standout. Also, observe the frescoes on the ceiling by Giaquinto. A few noteworthy ones include Allegory of Religion, The Trinity, and Glory and the Holy Trinity Crowning the Virgin, among others. St. Michael by Ramon Bayeu adorns the area above the High Altar while the reliquary altar exhibits Pope Leo I Stopping Attila at the Gates of Rome by Ercole Ferrata.

Artworks

The Royal Palace of Madrid houses one of the most spectacular and exclusive collections of artworks in the world. The palace has on display works of renowned artists like Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, Caravaggio, Sorolla, Federico Madrazo, Juan de Flandes, Luis Morales, and many others. Marvel at the paintings, sculptures, frescoes, tapestries, armors, swords, and several other artistic treasures as you walk along each room. Learn about the meaning and significance of the artworks and the artist from your tour guide.

The Royal Kitchen

The Royal Kitchen, possibly one of the oldest and best-preserved royal kitchens, stands as a massive and elaborate culinary space within the palace. Renovated on the orders of Queen Isabella II and Alfonso XII between 1861 and 1880, it encompasses several rooms and accessories. Within its walls, you'll find a bakehouse, wine cellars, fruitery, confectionery, saucer, pastry and various exquisite kitchenware. The Royal Kitchen also houses a woodyard, Ramilette, and chandlery, providing a fascinating glimpse into the historical preparation of meals for the royal family.

Royal Pharmacy

Established during the reign of Felipe II, the Royal Pharmacy is an indispensable part of the royal household. The pharmacy is home to several prescriptions handed out to the members of the royal family. The beautiful collection includes cabinets that store medicinal herbs, containers, vials, stills, and jars and bottles from La Granja Palace’s ceramics factory. The supply of medicines continues even today.

The Room of King Charles III and the Queen

Designed in Rococo style, the room of King Charles III and the Queen is one of the most impressive and beautiful ones inside the royal palace. The walls are adorned with the Shepherd’s Clock, one of the most important clocks of the palace, and four portraits of the royal family painted by renowned artist Francisco de Goya. The room is a celebration of nature with marble marquetry on the floor depicting plant motifs. There are several frescoes on the ceiling including Apotheosis of Trajan and The Apotheosis of Hercules by A.R. Mengs among others.

The Throne Room

Completed in 1772, the Throne Room is decorated in fiery red with red velvet walls and decoration that symbolizes and represents the rich history of the Spanish monarchy. Large mirrors with metal work in gold adorn the walls of the Throne Room. The beautiful chandeliers and mirrors reflect the rays that radiate from the crystals. A couple of lions guard the throne while a red carpet with a tinge of gold, white, and blue also occupies a place of pride in the Throne Room.

The Stradivarius Hall

Previously the chamber of Infante Luis, Count of Chinchon, the Stradivarius Hall now boasts four instruments – a viola, a cello, and two violins. Acquired by the court in 1775, the musical instruments were regularly used for events and concerts that were held at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Music lovers from across the world throng this room for the instruments and decoration. There are several frescoes on the ceiling of the Stradivarius Hall by celebrated artists like Velazquez, Francisco Bayeu, and others.