{"id":1875,"date":"2016-04-26T14:24:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T18:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=1875"},"modified":"2018-01-28T14:42:37","modified_gmt":"2018-01-28T19:42:37","slug":"palacio-real-de-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=1875","title":{"rendered":"Palacio Real de Madrid"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 \u00a0Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sad and disappointed at having been turned away at the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, finding an alternative way to occupy my afternoon was now a priority.<\/p>\n

Having been in Madrid many times, I knew that both the Opera House or Teatro Real and the Royal Palace were a short walk from my location. \u00a0Heading first to the Teatro Real\u00a0and remembering once having to return for the tour, as it is conducted\u00a0at predetermined times, I decided bypass this attraction. \u00a0 Continuing my walk, I ventured through the\u00a0Plaza de Oriente to the\u00a0Palacio Real de Madrid.<\/p>\n

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Teatro Real<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Plaza de Oriente<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Standing on the site of the former Alcazar of Madrid, \u00a0a medieval fortress transformed into a lavish palace by John II, Charles V and Phillip II, who in 1561 made it the official residence of the Spanish Monarchy, the current building’s construction began in 1738. \u00a0With the completion in 1751, Charles III was the first ruler to install his court within the palace in 1764. \u00a0 Although, now presently the\u00a0official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the city of Madrid, the palace is only used for state ceremonies. \u00a0King Felipe VI and the Royal Family\u00a0choose to reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.<\/p>\n

After entering the security checkpoint and purchasing your ticket, you enter the Plaza de la Armeria. \u00a0Standing in this vast courtyard, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the palace and the Catedral de la Almudena directly across and outside the palace gates.<\/p>\n

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Palacio Real de Madrid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Catedral de la Almudena<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Grand Staircase<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon entering the palace, a turn to the right encounters the Grand Staircase, composed of a single piece of San Agustin marble and graced by two lions on the landing. \u00a0Glancing upward, the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling, by Corrado Giaquinto, and depicting the Religion Protected by Spain<\/em> takes one’s breath away. \u00a0Before climbing the stairway, take a minute to glace back at the statue of Charles III in Romantoga.<\/p>\n

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“Religion Protected by Spain”, ceiling frescoe by Corrado Giaquinto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Charles III<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The tour is self-guided and takes you through many elaborately\u00a0embellished chambers, including King Charles III’s Apartments, the Queen’s Apartment’s and Banqueting hall, Apartments of Infante Luis, including the Musical Instruments Room, The Royal Chapel and the Crown Room.<\/div>\n
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King Charles III Apartments<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Queen’s Banquet Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Apartments of Luis Infante, Musical Instruments Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Royal Chapel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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The Crown Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Photos are allowed when entering and on the Grand Staircase, however, are not allowed throughout the first floor and is strictly enforced. \u00a0Having mastered the art of sneaking a few shots, I was able to get a few\u00a0photos\u00a0within some of the rooms\u00a0using my iPhone.<\/div>\n
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After your tour of the main palace is complete, walk out to the back of the palace and gaze upon the Campo del Moro Gardens and the exquisite view beyond. \u00a0The gardens here are so named because in 1109, during an attempted reconquest of Madrid, Muslim leader Ali ben Yusuf, allegedly camped here with his troops.<\/div>\n
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Campo del Moro Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Continue walking to the front right corner of the premises, while facing Catedral de la Almudena, and enter the\u00a0Real Armeria or the Royal Armory. \u00a0The armory is considered one of the world’s best, housing pieces from as early as the 13th century. Tournament pieces made for Charles V and Philip II and full armor and weapons that Emperor Charles V used in the Battle of Muhlberg are the highlights of the collection.<\/p>\n

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The Royal Armory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Quite glad that I noticed the small Royal Armory sign before I left the palace, I had curiously ventured over to this corner of the Plaza de la Armeria. Worth taking the time to enter,\u00a0it was\u00a0something that my son and I had\u00a0missed a couple of years ago. \u00a0Again, pictures are not allowed in these quarters and it is an extreme\u00a0shame, as there are a vast number of\u00a0beautiful pieces.<\/p>\n

The Palacio de Real Madrid is an historic part of the city and certainly a must-see on a visit to Madrid. \u00a0Combine it with a visit to the Teatro Real, the Monastery de las Descalzas or the Catedral de Almudena, all within the same area. \u00a0Take a few minutes to wander through the adjacent Plaza de Oriente, admiring the fountain and the many statues nestles within the gardens. \u00a0And lastly, combine it with a nice meal at the many restaurants located in the area or at the nearby Plaza Mayor, maybe stopping to browse at some of the local’s artwork that line the street. \u00a0All in all, much history and culture can be experienced in this one area of the city.<\/p>\n

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Fountain in Plaza de Oriente<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Plaza de Oriente<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Metro stop nearest to Teatro Real and Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Local artist Badri Kokaia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Check out more pictures on Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

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Palacio de Real Madrid<\/strong><\/p>\n