Royal Palace of El Pardo, Renaissance royal palace in El Pardo, Spain
The Royal Palace of El Pardo occupies a position within 16,000 hectares of woodland on El Pardo Hill and features corner towers along with a surrounding moat. The building follows Renaissance architecture and combines symmetry with the natural setting of the forested landscape.
Built in 1547 under King Charles I and completed during Philip II's reign, the palace replaced a small castle from the fourteenth century. The complex underwent several expansions over the centuries and served different Spanish monarchs as residence.
The interiors display tapestries based on designs by Bayeu and Goya along with furniture collections from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This decoration conveys the impression of court life from past centuries and remains in use during state visits today.
Visitors can explore the palace from Tuesday through Sunday with opening hours extending from 10 AM to 6 PM in winter and until 7 PM in summer. Guided tours provide access to the state rooms and offer insight into the royal furnishings.
Since 1983 the palace has functioned as the official residence for foreign heads of state during their diplomatic visits to Spain. The rooms are regularly prepared for high-level receptions and retain their historical atmosphere throughout.
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