Palacio Real de El Pardo

The palace's origins trace back to Emperor Charles V, who significantly expanded an existing hunting lodge near the capital. This original structure, a multi-winged building with an almost square footprint, was severely damaged by fire in the 18th century. Consequently, under Philip V, a baroque new building was planned, which was to encompass double the floor area and be grouped around several courtyards. Completion only occurred under Charles III. For its 500th anniversary in 1983, the Bourbon Courtyard was covered with a glass roof, allowing it to be used as a ballroom. The palace was always lavishly furnished and houses significant artworks, including a fresco by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the Throne Room and a collection of Goya paintings. Francisco Franco modernized the castle, used it as a residence, and received state guests here, including Evita Perón in 1947.

The Palacio Real de El Pardo is situated in El Pardo, in the district of Madrid, in the region of Madrid, Spain, at an elevation of approximately 619 meters above sea level.

Today, the palace serves as a guesthouse for the Spanish government. Visitors can explore parts of the palace, the palace park, the chapel, and the study and bedroom of the former Caudillo during guided tours.

• Palacio Real (Royal Palace) (Castle), approx. 12.5 km away
• Catedral de Santa María La Real de La Almudena (Sacred building), approx. 12.8 km away
• Palacio del Buen Retiro (Residence), approx. 14.2 km away
• Palacio Cristal (Residence), approx. 14.3 km away