Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, previously the site of a Moorish fortress, this huge palace was begun in 1738 during the reign of Felipe V. This enormous Baroque style palace of 2800 rooms was last used as a royal residence in 1931 when King Alfonso Xlll and queen Victoria Eugenie fled Spain. Many rooms of the palace are open to the public and the opulence and collected treasures are quite overwhelming. Some highlights are the Reception room and state apartments. The banquet hall seats 140 people for state dinners and is the largest room in the palace. The Royal Pharmacy and the Armory with its fine collection of weaponry are also of interest. The changing of the guard takes place on the first Wednesday of the month and the public may attend this ceremony.

It's a good thing you can't get into all the rooms in Madrid's Palacio Real because there is a phenonimal amount to see in just the opened rooms. The Royal Palace is much like the rest of Madrid in that you much that is good presented before you, but there is so much more.....The marvellous Madrid hotels will be another excellent reason to extend your stay.