About the museums
The tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Collections Gallery offers an immersion in the institutional and artistic history of the Spanish monarchy. The Palace, built in the 18th century by order of Philip V on the site of the former Alcazar, is one of the largest royal palaces in Western Europe. Next to it, the Gallery gathers in a rigorous and contemporary way valuable pieces from the Royal Collections, preserved by Patrimonio Nacional as a testimony of the historical and cultural legacy of the Crown.
What to see during the visit
The visit allows visitors to tour the official halls, galleries and historic rooms of the Palace, as well as to contemplate an outstanding artistic selection in the Gallery. The works include paintings by Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya and Caravaggio, along with sculptures, Flemish tapestries, historical furniture and ceremonial armaments. The specialized audioguide allows visitors to understand the context of each piece and delve deeper into court life, offering a complete and enriching cultural experience.
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the transmission of fire.” – Gustav Mahler
Curiosities
- The Royal Palace of Madrid has more than 3,000 rooms, although only part of it is open to the public.
- After the fire of the old Alcazar in 1734, it was decided to build a new palace entirely in stone and vault, without wood in its main structure, to avoid future fires.
- The Royal Collections Gallery integrates state-of-the-art museographic resources that allow the works to be contextualized within the different reigns and historical periods.
