With 3,418 rooms, the enormous baroque style Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest working palace in all of Europe.
It may be the official home of the Spanish Monarchy, but today it is mainly used for state services. King Alfonso XIII was the last monarch who lived in the palace year round, his reign ended in 1931.
History at the site of the palace dates back to medieval times, built on the site of a Moorish fortress of the 9th century. Later in the 16th century stood the Alcázar castle, which burned to the ground. The current castle was constructed between 1738-1755 and King Carlos III moved in during the year of 1764.
To explore the area, you can take a paid tour or walk around the grounds which are free. The Plaza de Oriente is a square adjacent to the palace and home of the Gothic kings. The limestone sculptures of these Viigoth and Reconquista rulers carved in the 18th century were meant to stand on the palace balustrade, but deemed too heavy.
You could get lost making your way through the labyrinth of hedges in the formal French designed Sabatini Gardens. This was once the site of the royal stable, but transformed in 1933 featuring a large rectangular reflection pond. Only the royal family and their guests were allowed in the gardens until as recent as 1978, when King Juan Carlos I decreed the area open to the public.
For a show of tradition, visit during the Changing of the Guard on Wednesdays, Sundays 11 am to 2 pm. Touring the palace is free Monday to Thursday from 4-6PM October to March and 6-8PM April to September for EU and Latin American citizens.