Here comes something somptueuse and wonderful with beautiful things to see and plenty of architecture and history I like. I have written before on the Palacio Real or Royal Palace of Madrid, so therefore will just touch base here for the new readers.
And here is a bit extra with new photos of 2019.
The Palacio Real or Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the King of Spain. The present kings do not reside within it, but rather at the palace of Zarzuela. The Royal Palace is used for protocol functions, and they are own and maintain by the Spanish government. The palace is bordered on the east by the Plaza de Oriente, from which it is separated by the Calle de Bailén. In the south finally, a huge square, called the Plaza de la Armeria, is surrounded by the wings of the palace with at the southof this square is the Cathedral of Almudena.
It is also known as the Palacio de Oriente or Palace of the Orient, although it is located in the most western part of Madrid, because of its location on the Plaza de Oriente itself being located east of the palace. The Teatro Real or Royal Theater having a direct axis with the palace just in front.
The last monarch who lived in the palace was Alfonso XIII, although Manuel Azaña, president of the Second Republic of Spain, also lived in it, occupying the rooms occupied by Queen Marie-Christine and being, therefore, the last head of state to do it.
The most significant elements in my opinion of the Royal Palace are: the Salón del Trono (throne room), also known as the Salón del Besamanos (kiss hands salon), where the allegiance ceremonies to the king took place. The courtyard and the Puerta del Príncipe or Prince’s gate. The area of Carlos III ( Charles III). The Salon de los Espejos or (Hall of Mirrors). The Salon de las Columnas (Hall of Columns). The Salon de Alabarderos (Hall of Halberdiers), The Saleta de Porcelana (Hall of Porcelain), the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel and the Real Armeria (Royal Armory).
The Royal Palace is richly decorated by artists such as Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Tiepolo, Mengs and Caravaggio. Two adjacent gardens form an ensemble with the palace, the Campo del Moro, located to the west, between the palace and the Manzanares river and the gardens of Sabatini to the north.More of them later in my blog.
Some webpages as usual by me to help you plan your trip with my post are
Tourist office of Madrid on the Royal Palace
Official National Heritage of Spain on admission info to the Royal Palace
Needless but worth repeating, this is a very popular monument and lines are long, so need to prepare for it and come early. If you like the freebies there is free admission from 16h to 18h from Mondays to Thursdays and from October to March, and from 18h to 20h from April to September for citizens of the European Union.
But do come anyway, it is worth the admission and an opportunity to see the architecture and history of the kingdom of Spain in Madrid!
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 