Royal Academy of History, Spanish institution that studies history
The Royal Academy of History, known in Spanish as the Real Academia de la Historia, is a research institution, archive, and publishing body in Madrid focused on the history of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. It holds collections of manuscripts, documents, maps, coins, and printed books gathered over several centuries.
The Academy was founded in 1738 under King Philip V, starting as a small group of scholars working on Spanish history. It received formal royal recognition and grew steadily over the following century, acquiring collections and taking on an official role in documenting the national past.
The building sits in the Huertas neighborhood of Madrid, a few steps from the Paseo del Prado, in a part of the city long associated with writers and scholars. The street-level facade is plain and easy to walk past without noticing.
Access to the reading rooms and collections requires an appointment made in advance, so it is worth contacting the institution before your visit. Knowing which type of material you want to consult will help staff prepare for your arrival.
The Academy is the official body responsible for advising the Spanish state on matters of heraldry and genealogy, a role that goes beyond historical research. When the government needs to verify a coat of arms or a noble lineage, this is the institution it turns to.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
