Royal Palaces & Castles in Spain

The Royal palaces in Spain can be found from Madrid to the island Mallorca. The Spanish Royal residences include the largest Renaissance building, one of the oldest castles in Europe, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Dive into the rich Royal history of Spain by visiting these historic palaces with grand art collections, gardens inspired by the French court, and architecture styles ranging from Baroque to Neoclassical.

See also: Spanish castles and palaces with a Royal history (that are no longer owned/used by the current Royal family)

Royal Palaces in Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the offical residence of the Spanish Royal family, however it is now only used for State functions. The Baroque and Classical royal palace in Madrid, is the largest Royal palace in Europe. The grand 3.418 rooms house many important artworks, furniture, and porcelain. It also houses the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet.

The Royal Palace of El Pardo is a Neoclassical palace in Madrid. The palace was originally used as a hunting lodge and alternative residence for the Kings of Spain until King Alfonso XII of Spain died in the palace in 1885. After the Spanish Civil War it was the residence of dictator Francisco Franco, who lived here until his death.

Today, the palace is used as a guest residence for visiting heads of state. But when it’s not in use, the palace is open for visitors. The Palace stands on the hill of El Pardo, the area is the largest Mediterranean forest in the Community of Madrid.

Palace of Zarzuela

Close to the Royal Palace of El Pardo stands the Palace of Zarzuela. The 17th-century Baroque palace is used as a residence and office for King Philipe VI. The current King and Queen live in a palace on the grounds of the Zarzuela Palace.

The palace is not open to visitors

Royal Palaces near Madrid

El Escorial is the largest Renaissance building in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was built in 1563 by King Philip II and it’s located 45km northwest of Madrid, which makes it a perfect for a day trip from Madrid. The building is not just a Royal residence, it’s also a.o. a monastery, a library, a museum, and a school.

The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso is a Baroque palace is the small town San Ildesfonso (about 80km north of Madrid). The palace/summer residence was built in 1717 by Philip V, the first Bourbon King in Spain. And surrounding the palace are one of the finest examples of French formal gardens. The sculptures and fountains in the gardens are a nod to the French court of Louis XIV, the grandfather of Philip V.

See also: Visit the (Former) Royal Palaces in France

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a country residence for the Spanish Kings. The palace (which is located approx. 50km south of Madrid) are part of the Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site became a Royal residence in the 16th-century, but a large part of the palace was built in the 18th-century by King Charles III. Therefore the palace now shows Renaissance, Rococo, and French Empire architecture styles. Surrounding the palace are 111 hectares of gardens.

Royal Palace of Riofrío

The Royal Palace of Riofrío is an 18th-century royal palace in San Ildefonso. The palace was built for Queen Elisabeth Farnese (widow of King Philip V) to keep her away from court. The palace is built in Italian Baroque style as a nod to the Italian-born Queen Elisabeth. Later it was used as a Royal hunting lodge and it is now a museum dedicated to the history of hunting.

Royal Palaces in Spain

The Alcázar of Seville is a Royal palace in Seville. The palace was built over a period of 500 years and it’s a prime example of Mudéjar style. The palace combines Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture styles. Surrounding the palace are gardens with fountains, ponds, pavilions, arches, and galleries which were developed from Renaissance time to the mid 19th-century.

The Alcázar of Segovia is a fortified castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Segovia. The castle sits on top of a rock between the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. In the 13th-century the castle got its Gothic appareance. The castle has been used as a Royal residence, a prison, and a military academy.

Albéniz Palace is a Neoclassical inspired Royal palace in Barcelona. It is the offical residence of the Spanish monarch in Barcelona. The palace was built in 1928 for the International Exhibition and inclused a mural painted by Salvador Dalí. The palace is not open to the public, but the Joan Maragall gardens are open on Saturday & Sunday.

Address: Av. de l’Estadi, 67, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Royal Palaces on Mallorca

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a summer residence of the King of Spain on the island Mallorca. The 14th-century alcázar (an Islamic palace in the Iberian Peninsula) shows artistic styles that have succeeded each other in the history of Mallorca. Together with the Palma Cathedral it is a historic landmark on Mallorca.

See also: 11 Historic Castles on Majorca

Palace of Marivent

The Palace of Marivent is a Spanish Royal palace built in the 1920s in Cala Mayor on Mallorca. In the 1970s the palace became a summer residence for the Spanish Royal family, Queen Sofia lives here most of the year. The palace is not open to visitors but the garden are open when the Royal family is not in residence.