Royal Observatory of Madrid

The Royal Observatory of Madrid is an astronomical facility on Cerro de San Blas built in neoclassical style with a central dome and symmetrical wings. The building houses historic scientific instruments and an important collection of books related to astronomy and geography.

King Charles III commissioned the site in 1790 to strengthen Spain's scientific work and capabilities. Architect Juan de Villanueva designed the main building as part of a broader effort to develop Madrid as a center of knowledge.

The observatory was created to advance scientific knowledge and remains a place where visitors encounter how people studied the heavens in earlier times. The building itself reflects an era's desire to understand and document natural phenomena.

Visitors can join guided tours that must be arranged in advance and provide detailed views of the collections and equipment. It is advisable to check conditions beforehand as access may vary depending on the season.

Inside is a Foucault pendulum that demonstrates Earth's rotation through a striking physical demonstration visible to visitors. The site also preserves two original Herschel telescopes from the late 1700s that can be viewed during a tour.

Location: Madrid

Inception: 1790

Architects: Juan de Villanueva

Official opening: 1790

Elevation above the sea: 697 m

Part of: Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences

Website: https://astronomia.ign.es

GPS coordinates: 40.40841,-3.68763

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52