Royal Palace Of Madrid History

The Royal Palace of Madrid’s history began before the 18th century when Emir Mohamed I, the Umayyad Emir of Cordoba, constructed a palace in the 9th century. It was called the Olf Fortress and was used to serve as a defence for Toledo against the advancing Christians. This fortress was also used as a habitual residence to the Trastámara monarchs in the late Middle Ages. During the 15th century, this fortress became the seat of the Royal Court in Spain and a vital part of the city’s defence system.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the old fortress burned down. In 1738, King Philip V ordered a new palace to be constructed on the same site. Filippo Juvara was appointed as the main architect but died before construction began. He was succeeded by Giambattista Sacchetti and Francesco Sabatini who helped in completing the construction in 1764. Royal Palace of Madrid’s history also witnessed landmark events like the Spanish Civil War resulting in the royal family vacating the palace due to the end of monarchy. Currently, it is administered by the Spanish government.

Situated at the northern side of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Sabatini Gardens is one of the two gardens in the palace. The garden has been named after Francesco Sabatini, the architect who designed the first floor plan of the palace. The garden is vast and it extends to the Calle de Bailén and the Cuesta de San Vicente.

Located in the south of the palace building, the Plaza de la Armeria or the Armory Square is the main square in the palace. You will get to witness the Ceremony of Changing the Royal Guards at the Plaza de la Armeria if you visit the Royal Palace Madrid on the first Wednesday of the month.

The Royal Armory of Madrid is known to be one of the best in the world. The Madrid Royal Palace contains treasured pieces of armoury from as early as the 15th century. The equipment used by Emperor Charles V in the Battle of Muhlberg and the riding gear of Carlos V and Felipe II can be found here among many other notable pieces. You will also find the signed armour by one of the greatest armourers, Filippo Negroli.

The Crown Room in the palace used to be the Chamber of Queen Maria. The Crown, the Sceptre and noteworthy jewels are put on display here. Made out of chiselled, embossed and gilded silver, the Crown belonged to Carlos III. The sceptre, which has been made out of rock crystal, silver-plated filigree, enamels, and garnets set, dates back to the reign of Charles II.

Made with pink marbles and a thin layer of white and blue ornamentation, the Hall of Mirrors is one of the most beautiful rooms in the Royal Palace Madrid. Originally it would be used by Queen Maria Luisa de Parma, the wife of Carlos IV, as a dressing table.

The Halls of Columns in the Royal Palace of Madrid is the room where official balls and receptions used to take place. Signing of important treaties also used to be held in the Hall of Columns. The Treaty of Spain's accession to the European Community has been signed within the walls of this hall. You will also get to see some famous and mesmerising work of classical art here. The sculpture of Charles V of Germany and Charles I of Spain has been showcased here. The Belgian tapestries and the stunning vault in this hall are some of the major attractions.

The Main Staircase of the Madrid Royal Palace grabs all the attention. There are 72 marble steps in the staircase and it has two levels. There is a grand sculpture of Carlos III at the central landing of the Main Staircase. It is a splendid work of architecture by Sabatini. The staircase is known to have been particularly admired by the great dictator and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Gasparini’s Hall is one of the most impressively decorated rooms in the Royal Palace of Madrid. It used to be the chamber of Carlos III in his time. It has now been named after Matias Gasparini, the artist who bears the credits for designing this room. The marble floors and the silver thread of the tapestries in this hall are strikingly beautiful. The hall is now used by the King to welcome his royal guests for an aperitif or coffee in this room.

The Royal Chapel in the Marid Royal Palace is a room where the architectural project has never been finished. It consists of a grand altar and the ceiling contains the paintings of Sachetti and Ventura Rodriguez. The musical organ in the Royal Chapel is quite a unique one owing to its quality of sound. It has been made according to tradition by Ferdinand VI, for whom music was paramount.