A
royal residence has been at this spot in Madrid since the end of the 9th
century when the Alcázar (fortified castle) occupied a defensive
position. Since then several other royal palaces have occupied this site,
until in 1734 a fire destroyed the elaborate palace designed for Philip
IV. Philip V built the current palace on the same site as a way of emphasizing
the continuity of the Spanish monarchy. Two prominent Italian architects
designed the structure, first Filippo Juvarra (who died in 1736) and later
G. B. Sacchetti, who adapted Juvarra's initial designs. Additional changes
were made through the centuries to accommodate the needs of new monarchs.
The complex housed the royal family, courtiers, servants, administrative
offices, and service quarters. On the east side the palace has six stories;
on the lower west and north, it has two additional basements. |
East
facade
While the
royal family occupied the lower floor in the summer, they moved to the main
floor for the winter. Lords and ladies-in-waiting lived on the second floor.
Rooms in the mezzanines over the lower, principal, and second floors held
servants' quarters. Giant pilasters rest on a cushioned base and rise from
the main floor through the second mezzanine and second floor. A balustrade
tops the large cornice. |
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| A
large parade ground (Plaza de Palacio or Plaza de Armas) is in front of
the south facade. This parade ground is enclosed by low pavilions, added
in the 19th century. |
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| Center:
the parade ground looking north to the south facade; right: looking south
to the Cathedral |
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