Palacio Real Madrid
Owned by the King of Spain, the Palacio Real or Royal Palace was built in the place of the former Alcazar after it burned down in 1734. The new palace took 40 years to build, a century to decorate with over 20 km of tapestry, and is a fine building housing many priceless Spanish antiques and treasures. The Royal Palace was constructed of entirely of stone and brick, to ensure that it too would not be destroyed by fire. The palace itself has a staggering 2800 rooms, 50 of which are open for the public to explore.

Visitors enter the palace by the Parade Ground, a giant stone courtyard located just outside the entrance to the building. Also outside is the Sculpture Garden, housing numerous gorgeous statues. These heavy works were originally intended for the roof of the palace, but were moved to the ground when the queen had nightmares about the roof collapsing on the palace's inhabitants! There are also some beautiful gardens to roam around in near the back of the palace.

After making your way through main entrance off the Parade Ground, you can begin your tour through the enormous castle, and be amazed at the sheer size and lavishness of its interior. Each room is decorated differently, and no expense has been spared on the elaborate decor and furnishings.

The Throne Room is one of the most outstanding of in the Palace. Its decoration has been preserved and kept the same since the rule of King Charles III in the late 1700's. The ceiling fresco here was painted by Tiepolo, and details the allegory of the Spanish Monarchy. The guilt furniture is from Naples where Charles III previously reigned, and the crystal chandeliers were bought in Venice in 1780. Also be sure to see the Porcelain Room and the Mirrored Room, both of which are equally impressive.

The Royal Armory is also worth a visit, housing one of the most important collections of armor in the world. The contents of this room belonged to both the kings of Spain and other members of Spanish royalty from the 13th century and later.