Palace of Zarzuela, Royal palace in El Pardo, Madrid, Spain.
The Palace of Zarzuela is a baroque royal residence in the El Pardo district of Madrid and serves today as both a workplace and home for the royal family. The rectangular stone structure rises three stories and features arcaded galleries along with slate roofs that crown the building above the three garden terraces.
King Philip IV commissioned architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1627 to build this hunting lodge, which was completed eight years later. The complex changed its function several times over the centuries and eventually became the permanent residence of Spanish monarchs.
The residence maintains strong ties to Spanish musical theater tradition and still shows the terraces and galleries where performances once took place for the court. Visitors can see the Italian-style fountains in the gardens that emphasize the formal character of the complex.
The grounds lie in the northern part of Madrid and can be reached by car or public transport from the city center. The complex is not open for visits as it continues to serve as a royal workplace and residence.
The complex consists of two separate buildings, with the main residence housing Queen Sofía and the Prince's Pavilion accommodating King Felipe VI's family. This spatial division reflects the organization of the modern Spanish royal household.
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