I made it to the Royal Palace last week, which ranks among the top in the world. Some say that only the Royal Palaces of Vienna and Versailles top that of Madrid.For a little history (complements Wikipedia)...
The site of the palace dates from a 10th-century fortress, called mayrit, constructed as an outpost by Mohammed I, Emir of Córdoba and inherited after 1036 by the independent Moorish Kingdom of Toledo. After Madrid fell to Alfonso VI of Castile in 1085, the edifice was only rarely used by the kings of Castile. In 1329, King Alfonso XI of Castile convoked the cortes of Madrid for the first time. Philip II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.
The Antiguo Alcázar ("Old Castle") was built on the location in the 16th century. It burned on December 24, 1734; King Philip V ordered a new palace built on the same location. Construction spanned from 1738 to 1755, according to the designs of Giovanni Battista Sacchetti in cooperation with Ventura Rodríguez, Francesco Sabatini, and Scirmento. The new palace was occupied by Carlos III in 1764.
Another look at the Royal Palace.
This the Cathedral of Almudena, which faces the south side of the Royal Palace and is equally impressive from the exterior (I didn't made it inside).
I enjoyed this one. A sparrow atop a statue outside the Royal Palace.
1 comment:
I believe that was a pigeon :D LOL
I am glad that there are many other people who also love Madrid. I have lived there for a while and am planing to move there as soon as possible.
I enjoyed your blog about it.
Regards
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