Madrid

Palaces and castles in Madrid

Madrid's architectural landscape is defined by its regal history, showcased through diverse structures ranging from the massive 18th-century Royal Palace to the delicate 19th-century glass-and-iron Crystal Palace. This collection includes neoclassical seats of government like the Congress of Deputies, fortified estates such as Castillo de Viñuelas, and private residences turned art galleries like the Liria Palace and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These landmarks highlight the evolution of Spanish design, featuring neo-gothic details, ornate interiors, and expansive grounds that once served as royal hunting lodges.

Fabio Alessandro Locati / CC BY-SA 3.0

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now used only for state…

Carlos Delgado / CC BY-SA 4.0

Cibeles Palace

Historic neo-gothic palace serving as city hall and cultural center, recognized as a national monument with eclectic architectural style.

Zaqarbal / CC BY-SA 3.0

Liria Palace

This Neo-classical palace was built in the 18th and renovated in the 20th century.

Jim Anzalone from / CC BY-SA 2.0

Crystal Palace

19th-century glass and iron exhibition building originally constructed as a greenhouse for tropical plants during a colonial exhibition. It currently hosts contemporary art installations and is a national monument.

Carlos Delgado / CC BY-SA 3.0

Palace of El Pardo

Originally commissioned by King Henry III as a hunting lodge, the small castle was turned into a palace during the reign of Carlos V by the…

Vickybol / CC BY-SA 3.0

Congress of Deputies

Historic neoclassical palace serving as the seat of the Spanish Congress, known for its allegorical sculptures and architectural significance.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

Velázquez Palace

Located in El Retiro Park, this exhibition hall that was once used as a museum promoting ceramics and glass-making, is now dedicated to…

Dmadeo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Thyssen-Bornemisza is a celebrated museum which houses one of the largest collections of art in the world - more than 1,600 paintings.

-Merce- / CC BY-SA 2.0

Castillo de Viñuelas

A fortified palace located within the Soto de Viñuelas nature reserve. This square-plan stone castle features four cylindrical crenelated towers and dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, serving as a prominent example of Madrid's historic rural estates.

Alfred Guesdon / Public domain

Palacio del Marqués de Salamanca - Fundación BBVA

A mid-19th-century neoclassical palace designed by architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer for the Marquis of Salamanca. Located on Paseo de Recoletos, the building currently serves as the headquarters for the BBVA Foundation and hosts various cultural exhibitions.