The neighbourhood takes its name from the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although they no longer live there day to day. The current building's construction began in 1738, after the 1734 fire that destroyed the previous residence, commissioned by Philip V, and took 17 years to complete.
History & origins
Palacio moves at a slower pace: wide avenues, monumental façades, ordered gardens. It's the most institutional neighbourhood in this guide, the polar opposite of the rhythm of Gran Vía or Malasaña.
Heritage & architecture
The Royal Palace, built as a square around a large courtyard, has more than 3,000 rooms. Charles III became its first occupant and is still nicknamed "the best mayor of Madrid" for his urban reforms. Among its notable rooms: the grand staircase of more than 70 steps, the Throne Room with a Tiepolo ceiling, the floral-decorated 18th-century Gasparini Room, and the royal chapel, which still holds Stradivarius instruments.
The Sabatini Gardens, built in the 1930s on the site of the former royal stables, take their name from the architect Francesco Sabatini, but not their design, which is the work of Fernando García Mercadal. Opened to the public in 1978 by King Juan Carlos I.
Facing the Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente is adorned with the equestrian statue of Philip IV, the work of Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca, created with the help of Galileo's physics calculations to balance on the horse's hind legs alone. It is also home to the Teatro Real, Madrid's opera house, which sits directly opposite the palace.
The idea of an Almudena Cathedral dates back to the reign of Philip II. The first stone was laid on 4 April 1883; Pope John Paul II consecrated it on 15 June 1993, making it the youngest cathedral in Europe.
Royal Palace
Official residenceMore than 3,000 rooms, not lived in day to day.
Sabatini Gardens
Neoclassical styleOpened to the public in 1978.
Plaza de Oriente
Equestrian statue of Philip IVWork of Pietro Tacca, aided by Galileo's calculations.
Teatro Real
Madrid's opera houseFacing the Royal Palace, on Plaza de Oriente.
Almudena Cathedral
Consecrated 1993The youngest cathedral in Europe.
Throne Room
Tiepolo ceilingWithin the Royal Palace.
Royal chapel
Stradivarius instrumentsKept on site.
Culture & living traditions
The Royal Palace holds a solemn changing of the guard at regular intervals, one of the neighbourhood's most popular free attractions. EU citizens get free entry on weekdays from 5pm to 7pm (4pm–6pm in winter).
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 10am–1pm: Royal Palace
Grand staircase, Throne Room, Gasparini Room, royal chapel.
Afternoon · 1pm–5pm: Gardens and cathedral
Lunch nearby, then Sabatini Gardens and Almudena Cathedral.
Evening · 5pm onwards: Moving on
Walk to a livelier neighbouring neighbourhood for dinner; Palacio isn't geared towards nightlife of its own.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
How many rooms does Madrid's Royal Palace have?
More than 3,000.
Is entry to the Royal Palace free?
Yes, for EU citizens on weekdays from 5pm to 7pm (4pm–6pm in winter).
Why is the Almudena Cathedral so recent?
The project took over a century to complete, with a final consecration in 1993.
Are the Sabatini Gardens named after their architect?
No, they're named after the former royal stables designed by Sabatini, but the gardens themselves were designed by Fernando García Mercadal.
What is there to see on Plaza de Oriente?
The equestrian statue of Philip IV, the work of Pietro Tacca created with the help of Galileo's calculations, and the Teatro Real, Madrid's opera house, which faces the Royal Palace.
Is Palacio a good neighbourhood for nightlife?
No, for nightlife head to nearby Malasaña or Chueca instead.
