About the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral
The Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral represent two key moments in the history of Madrid as the seat of the Spanish monarchy. The Royal Palace, built in the 18th century on the site of the old Alcazar, symbolizes the Bourbon power and the consolidation of the capital as a political center. Opposite, the Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993, reflects centuries of religious and urban aspirations, integrating styles ranging from neoclassical to neo-Gothic.
What to see during the visit
During the tour, you will discover emblematic spaces such as the Throne Room, the Royal Library or the Royal Palace Armory, decorated with works by artists such as Giaquinto and Tiepolo. In the Almudena Cathedral, its neo-Romanesque crypt, its colorful interior and contemporary stained glass windows stand out. You can also appreciate the visual and symbolic connection between the two monuments from the Plaza de la Armería.
“Power needs symbols to be understood.” – Umberto Eco
Curiosities
- The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the largest in Western Europe, with more than 3,000 rooms, although only part of it is open to the public.
- The Almudena Cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II, being the only Spanish cathedral consecrated by a pontiff.
- Beneath the cathedral is a crypt that predates the upper temple and houses more than 400 columns, each with a different capital.