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Home / Provinces of Spain / Madrid / Madrid / Attractions in Madrid / Royal Palace of Madrid /

Royal Palace of Madrid

Historical Introduction

The current civil wars (the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of Independence) excluded Spain on a second order in the international scene; that was why it should be reformed in order to compete with the main international powers. It is the Age of Enlightenment. In Spain, the development of an enlightened thought was favoured by the arrival of the Borbón dynasty to the throne and the contact with intellectuals from other European countries.

 

If the main person to start the reform was the King, the rest of the authorities should support him. In this way, a new critic conscience appeared as a way of patriotism among a minority of Spaniards. The foreign policy should be revised, the power should be centralized, the administration should be reformed, the economy should experience an increase, and in the social field it was necessary to favour an attitude towards the work and renew the culture and the scientific thought. A great part of reformist and political intellectuals took part in this project. This new cultural and intellectual mentality will be spread to the rest of the people by the intellectuals.

 

The policy of the reform was more developed during Fernando VI´ s reign, and it achieved its fullness during Carlos III´ s reign, thanks to Campomanes´ s intellect and activity.

 

The first members of the Borbón dynasty, who made Madrid a perfect place for the political, social and cultural life, made a series of modifications in the palace when the city became the capital city of the Empire. In 1561, they carried out a series of internal and decorative reforms based on the French style.

Best things to do

★★★★★5 reviews

From 15.00 €
Flamenco shows in Madrid.
From 15.00 €
If you're visiting Madrid do not miss an essential tour through its most emblematic places.  [+]

If you're visiting Madrid do not miss an essential tour through its most emblematic places. 

This guided tour will takes to you to stroll historical and enchanting Madrid sights such as the Paseo del Retiro, the Barrio de las Letras, the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Without forgetting the Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral are located.

From 29.95 €
Make the most of your visit to the Prado National Museum. By booking your ticket with an audio guide here, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to the museum and an app that provides all the details about masterpieces by renowned artists like Goya and Velázquez,... [+]

Make the most of your visit to the Prado National Museum. By booking your ticket with an audio guide here, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to the museum and an app that provides all the details about masterpieces by renowned artists like Goya and Velázquez, as well as great European painters like Rubens.

A perfect option to explore at your own pace one of the largest and most visited art galleries in the world.

From 29.95 €
Discover one of Spain's most visited contemporary art museums, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. [+]

Discover one of Spain's most visited contemporary art museums, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid.

Book your ticket with a multilingual audioguide and be captivated by the stories behind masterpieces like Guernica by Pablo Picasso or The Face of the Great Masturbator by Salvador Dalí.

This plan is perfect for exploring the museum at your own pace without missing a single detail.

Plan your visit

Address and telephone

  • Calle Bailén, s/n. 28004 Madrid
  • +34 914 548 800

Opening times

  • Everyday
    • October to March: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
    • April to September: 10 am to 8:00 pm.
  • Closed:
    • 1st May and 25 December all day
    • 24 and 31 December from 3:00 pm

Prices

  • General Ticket: 10 €.
  • Travel Agency: 8 €.
  • Reduced entry: large families, children aged between 5 and 16 years old, pensioners, students under 25 years old: 5 €.
  • Free entry: children under 5 years old. Disabled, and unemployed persons.

 

 

If you see any mistakes or want to add anything to this information, please contact us.

Location

Things to do in Madrid

★★★★★5 reviews

From 15.00 €
Flamenco shows in Madrid.
From 15.00 €
If you're visiting Madrid do not miss an essential tour through its most emblematic places.  [+]

If you're visiting Madrid do not miss an essential tour through its most emblematic places. 

This guided tour will takes to you to stroll historical and enchanting Madrid sights such as the Paseo del Retiro, the Barrio de las Letras, the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Without forgetting the Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral are located.

From 29.95 €
Make the most of your visit to the Prado National Museum. By booking your ticket with an audio guide here, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to the museum and an app that provides all the details about masterpieces by renowned artists like Goya and Velázquez,... [+]

Make the most of your visit to the Prado National Museum. By booking your ticket with an audio guide here, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to the museum and an app that provides all the details about masterpieces by renowned artists like Goya and Velázquez, as well as great European painters like Rubens.

A perfect option to explore at your own pace one of the largest and most visited art galleries in the world.

From 29.95 €
Discover one of Spain's most visited contemporary art museums, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. [+]

Discover one of Spain's most visited contemporary art museums, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid.

Book your ticket with a multilingual audioguide and be captivated by the stories behind masterpieces like Guernica by Pablo Picasso or The Face of the Great Masturbator by Salvador Dalí.

This plan is perfect for exploring the museum at your own pace without missing a single detail.

From 35.00 €
Would you like to stroll through the heart of Madrid and taste the best tapas? This is your tour. [+]

Would you like to stroll through the heart of Madrid and taste the best tapas? This is your tour.

By booking, you’ll receive a link to download an exclusive, multilingual app. With it, you’ll explore iconic spots like Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, and Puerta del Sol.

Discover renowned venues where you can savor the finest Spanish and Madrid-style tapas, from timeless classics to bold innovations. Immerse yourself in the culinary culture of this vibrant city and its people. You’ll even learn fascinating stories and fun facts about each selected bar.

Don’t miss out on this experience!

From 15.00 €
Discover Madrid through its movies with this incredible tour—an original way to explore the city's heritage and culture. You'll learn about Madrid's origins while strolling through film locations and watching their sequences. [+]

Discover Madrid through its movies with this incredible tour—an original way to explore the city's heritage and culture. You'll learn about Madrid's origins while strolling through film locations and watching their sequences.

Your journey will start at the Royal Palace, passing through the Austrias neighborhood, Plaza Mayor, Sol, and Callao. Along the way, the guide will reveal fascinating anecdotes about Madrid in cinema.

The tour ends on Gran Vía, a backdrop for iconic films, where you'll enjoy a cocktail at the legendary Chicote. Don't just hear about it—experience it yourself!

Attractions in Madrid

The Prado Museum is considered as one of the most important art galleries in the world.
It is a museum of Spanish art from the XX Century. It has headquarters in the old San Carlos Hospital built by Francisco Sabatini, and recently enlarged by the architect Jean Nouvel. It was inaugurated the 10th September 1992 by their Majesties the King...
This Cathedral is placed in Madrid city centre, in front of the Royal Palace. The temple joins different styles, such as Neoclassic, Neogothic, Neoromanesque. It was consecrated by the Pope John Paul II, during his fourth visit to Spain, the 15th June...
It is one of the most emblematic monuments of Madrid.

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