Raised on the site of the former palace of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace shows the strength and splendour of the Bourbon dynasty, which followed the Hapsburgs on the throne of Spain. With contributions from Ventura Rodriguez and Sabatini, Juan Bautista Sachetti designed this large rectangular building, the main body of which was built between 1736 and 1764. Many of the paintings from the Prado Museum were housed here before being moved to their present location. In addition to the artistic treasure still preserved in its interior, highlights of this great palace include the imperial staircase, the throne room, the hall of columns, the ballroom, the Carlos III room, the rococo Gasparini room and the royal chapel. The splendid Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro complete the superb package. Although the royal family does not live here, the Palace remains the official residence of the current monarch, King Juan Carlos I.

Changing of the Guard
Each Wednesday, from the Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Guard continues to perform the ceremony of the changing of the guard at the main gates of the Palace in all their traditional uniformed glory.