Royal Palace of Madrid, Baroque palace in central Madrid, Spain
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a baroque building in the center of the Spanish capital that covers more than 135,000 square meters with over 3,400 rooms. The structure sits on a hill above the Manzanares River and forms a continuous architectural ensemble with the adjacent Plaza de Oriente.
Construction began in 1735 after a fire destroyed the previous Alcázar fortress, led by architects Filippo Juvarra and Juan Bautista Sachetti. Completion took several decades and was only finished under Charles III.
The name Palacio Real refers to its function as the official residence of the Spanish crown, now used mainly for state ceremonies. Visitors can walk through halls decorated with frescoes by Tiepolo and Mengs that depict courtly life from past centuries.
The building is open from 10:00 to 18:00 between October and March, and until 20:00 between April and September, with several entrances for individual visitors and groups. Guided tours in multiple languages help with orientation through the many halls and galleries.
The Real Cocina is the oldest preserved royal kitchen complex in Europe with original equipment and architecture from the 18th century. Visitors can see large copper cauldrons and brick stoves there that still show the spatial arrangement of work processes from that time.
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1735
Architects: penepenepene, Francesco Sabatini, Juan Bautista Sachetti
Architectural style: baroque architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Fee: Yes
Address: Calle Bailén
Opening Hours: October-March: 10:00-18:00; April-September: 10:00-20:00
Phone: +34914548700
Email: info@patrimonionacional.es
Website: https://patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-madrid
GPS coordinates: 40.41674,-3.71362
Latest update: December 4, 2025 14:20
Madrid brings together royal history with everyday city life. The city holds palaces from the 18th century, wide parks, and art collections built up over generations. The Royal Palace sits on the site of a medieval fortress, while Retiro Park was once royal grounds before opening to the public. The Prado Museum shows European paintings from several centuries, and the Templo de Debod is an Egyptian temple brought to Madrid in the 1970s. The city's squares reflect different periods. Plaza Mayor from the 17th century hosted public events, while Puerta del Sol marks the geographic center of Spain. Gran Via emerged in the early 20th century as a modern thoroughfare. Markets like San Miguel and the Sunday flea market at El Rastro reveal daily rhythms. Neighborhoods such as La Latina keep narrow streets and traditional taverns, while parks like Casa de Campo offer wide green space on the city edge.
These palaces serve as official seats for monarchs and presidents. The buildings combine historical architecture with political function and document the evolution of state power. The rooms and gardens showcase various architectural styles and political periods of their respective countries.
This guide lists real locations where multiple Netflix productions have been filmed around the world. From New York prisons turned into filming sets to medieval fortresses in Spain, and historic palaces in Eastern Europe, these natural settings have allowed creative teams to bring their stories to life. The collection includes sites as varied as Highclere Castle in England, which hosted the filming of Downton Abbey, the Duomo in Milan seen in Master of None, and the Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos appearing in Sense8. It also features the Georgia Aquarium used for Stranger Things, Washington Square Park in New York for Jessica Jones, and the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest for espionage productions. These authentic locations offer visitors the chance to see the original settings of their favorite series.
Madrid establishes itself as one of the richest cultural capitals in Europe. Behind its wide avenues and lively squares, the city reveals a heritage that is royal, artistic, and popular. From the Royal Palace to the Prado, from the Retiro Gardens to the alleys of Plaza Mayor, each neighborhood tells a piece of Spanish history. Art lovers discover masterpieces from the Golden Age, visitors stroll between contemporary museums, markets, and cathedrals, while Madrilenians enjoy their parks as open-air salons. Between iconic museums, historic buildings, and lively places, this selection gathers the essential sites to understand Madrid’s beauty and energy, balancing tradition and modernity.
Monument to Philip IV of Spain
232 m
Royal Armoury of Madrid
135 m
Throne Room
149 m
Royal Library of Madrid
32 m
Tritones Fountain, Madrid
280 m
Tower of the Bones
141 m
Monumento al capitán Melgar
106 m
Statue of Ataúlfo
125 m
Statue of Wamba, Madrid
147 m
Statue of Ramiro I of Asturias, Madrid
181 m
Estatua de Íñigo Arista, Madrid
166 m
Statue of Alonso I, Madrid
196 m
Statue of Alonso III, Madrid
281 m
Statue of Suintila, Madrid
140 m
Statue of Pelayo, Madrid
154 m
Fernán-González. 1º Conde Independiente de Castilla, Madrid
269 m
Statue of Leovigildo, Madrid
135 m
Statue of Alonso II, Madrid
173 m
Statue of Eurico, Madrid
130 m
Statue of Sancha of León, Madrid
258 m
Ordoño 2º, Madrid
277 m
Commemorative plaque to José del Castillo
170 m
Alfonso VIII
350 m
Statue of Alfonso VI of Castile of Spain in Sabatini Gardens
331 m
Ramiro 2º. Rey de León, Madrid
273 m
Ramiro 1º. Primer Rey de Aragón, Madrid
263 m
Alfonso V of León, Madrid
266 m
Commemorative plaque to the Puerta de la Sagra, Madrid
84 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes