Royal Palace of Madrid: Home of Spain’s Monarchs

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

The official residence of the Spanish royal family in Madrid was designed and begun by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra in the Baroque style. The palace was completed by Spanish architect Juan de Villanueva and Italian-Spanish architect Francesco Sabatini, who added elements of the neoclassical style. Inspired by French Baroque palaces, the palace features a large square floor plan with a central courtyard, Baroque gardens, and galleries. The design draws inspiration from Bernini’s sketches at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Novikov Aleksey/Shutterstock

Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, the Royal Palace of Madrid stands as a symbol of Spain’s regal heritage. Built in the mid-18th century atop an old Moorish fortress in the French Baroque and neoclassical styles, the palace spans over 1 million square feet and almost 3,500 rooms. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and is still used for state functions. Madrid’s Royal Palace is famous for being one of Europe’s largest palaces.

King Philip II modified the original Moorish fortress in 1561 into the royal residence, the Alcázar. After a fire destroyed the palace in 1734, King Philip V ordered the construction of a Royal Palace. Construction began in 1738, designed by several architects, including Filippo Juvarra, Giovanni Battista Sacchetti, and Francesco Sabatini. The Royal Palace was inaugurated in 1764.

The palace’s façade is made of limestone and is adorned with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, sculptures, and balustrades. The Royal Palace is surrounded by a beautiful landscape, including the Campo del Moro and the Sabini Gardens.

The palace’s interior includes the grand staircase in the Spanish Baroque style and the Baroque Throne Room with gilded features and a large ceiling fresco. The interior is adorned with Spanish marble, mahogany doors, stucco frescoes, rich tapestries, and expensive furnishings. The palace also hosts a large art collection with works by Velázquez, Goya, and Caravaggio, as well as historical artifacts, such as a medieval armory collection.

The palace's entrance façade is mostly in the French Baroque style. The two stories of granite and white limestone feature sculptures, balustrades, and balconies. Neoclassical touches include the grand windows and doors, with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, which date from the reign of Charles III. (Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

Neoclassical design and symmetry characterize the upper level of the palace façade, with fluted Corinthian columns and pilasters that extend across stories.  Above the columns, an entablature (the horizontal structure supported by columns) and projecting cornice is just below the balustrade, which lines the roofline. On one level are large, rectangular windows with decorative pediments and ornate moldings, and on the upper level windows open onto small balconies with intricate iron railings. The upper part of the building is adorned with statues, intricate carvings, and a central pediment displaying a crest or coat of arms, flanked by additional ornamental details. (Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock)

Designed by Sabatini in 1789, the main staircase is composed of a single piece of San Agustin marble. The staircase has more than 70 steps and is framed by two lions sculpted by Felipe de Castro and Robert Michel. The coffered ceiling has gold detailing, medallions, and frescoes by Corrado Giaquinto. Arches frame windows and openings to the balustrade. (Diego Grandi/Shutterstock)

The Throne Room is adorned with a crystal chandelier, gilded mirrors, and rich furnishings. The ceiling fresco by Italian painter Giambattista Tiepolo depicts the Apotheosis of the Spanish Monarchy. The room still holds the original decorations from the reign of King Charles III. Colinmthompson/Shutterstock

A glimpse inside the Baroque-style banquet hall shows an elongated room with a long banquet table running its length, surrounded by upholstered chairs. Large tapestries and draperies frame the walls.  The ceiling features elaborate plasterwork with gilded accents and painted panels, with a grand crystal chandelier that is reflected in a large mirror at the far end. Colinmthompson/Shutterstock

The Halberdier’s Hall, also known as the guard room, was designed by Sabatini. The room features high ceilings adorned with elaborate stucco work and gilded moldings. Wall sconces are on pilasters throughout. The walls are covered with tapestries depicting historical scenes; a large patterned rug covers the floor. (Diego Grandi/Shutterstock)

Designed in 1748 by G.B. Sacchetti and Ventura Rodríguez, the Royal Chapel was commissioned by King Phillip V. The chapel layout is symmetrical and is adorned with intricate frescoes and gilded stucco work. The walls are lined with Corinthian pilasters and columns, each delicately carved and topped with gilded capitals. The altar is constructed from fine marble and adorned with gold leaf. Above the altar, a religious painting serves as a visual representation of divine presence, drawing worshippers' eyes toward heavenly realms. (Colinmthompson/Shutterstock)

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