Palacio Real (Royal Palace of Madrid), Madrid (must see)

The current Royal Palace, commissioned by Felipe V, was constructed after the Moorish Alcázar fortress, which was built in the 9th century and made of wood, was destroyed by fire in 1734. Taking inspiration from the opulent surroundings of Versailles, where he had been raised, the Bourbon monarch saw an opportunity to replace it with a much grander structure in the French-Italian style, using stone and granite. However, he did not live to see its completion, and it was not until the reign of Carlos III in 1764 that the palace became habitable. Nowadays, it is primarily used for ceremonial purposes, as the current royal family prefers the more modest Zarzuela Palace, located 15 kilometers northwest of the city. The exterior of the palace may lack ostentation, but the interior more than compensates for it with its lavish marble floors, celestial frescoes, and opulent gold furnishings. It is a flamboyant display of wealth and power, which contrasted with Spain's declining status at the time.

Notable highlights to look out for include the magnificent Throne Room ("Salón del Trono"), where Tiepolo painted the ceiling with an allegory of the Majesty of Spain, the stunning oriental-style Gasparini Room ("Salón de Gasparini"), adorned with silver silk embroidered walls and a mesmerizing marble mosaic floor, and the marvelous Porcelain Room ("Sala de Porcelana"), decorated with a thousand interlocking pieces of gold, green, and white porcelain. The palace also includes additional buildings and annexes, such as the Royal Armory ("Armería Real"), which houses a fascinating collection of guns, swords, and armor. There is also an 18th-century pharmacy resembling a laboratory and a Painting Gallery ("Galería de Pinturas") that showcases works by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Goya, and hosts temporary exhibitions.

Why You Should Visit:
Touring this palace is like stepping into one of the world's finest art galleries, showcasing a wealth of masterpieces including paintings, frescoes, porcelain, furniture, silverware, and other historically significant artistic treasures. One noteworthy highlight is the presence of the only complete set of Stradivarius string quintet instruments.
Spots along the tour include the Royal Library and the Royal Armory. The latter, in particular, is renowned as one of the world's premier collections, featuring artifacts dating back to the 13th century. In the Crown Room, you'll have the opportunity to behold Charles III's crown, throne, and scepter.

Tips:
The palace is so large that tours are seldom the same. The route is changed every few months, with different areas and rooms highlighted. So, even if you have visited before, another visit may reveal new sights and experiences.
Keep in mind that the palace is extensive, with sprawling grounds and numerous attractions to explore. Plan to allocate at least three hours or more for a comprehensive tour. Guided tours are available, or you can opt for an audio self-guided tour. To avoid long queues and crowds, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance online.