10 Fabulous Spanish Palaces You Must Visit

They were the residence of kings or nobles. Its walls have witnessed important events or daily scenes that would surprise today. Large banquets have been held in its halls, illustrious visitors have rested in its rooms, and its gardens, in some cases, have been falling in love with those who step on them for centuries. We are talking about Spanish palaces that you should know.

1. Royal Palace, Madrid

In 1734 a fire devastated the Alcazar of Madrid. Felipe V then ordered the construction of this magnificent palace. Magnificent for its beauty and its dimensions. Its more than 3,400 rooms house invaluable works of art and some of these rooms are in themselves authentic treasures, such as the Throne Room, the Gasparini Room or the Porcelain Room.

2. Palace of La Granja, Segovia

Felipe V would also promote the construction of this summer royal residence, more modest in size, but with wonderful gardens. Gardens in whose creation participated the same architect who designed those of Versailles, Le Nôtre. In them you can stroll through the vegetation and discover 21 spectacular monumental fountains.

3. Palace of Aranjuez, Madrid

Another of the Spanish palaces that served as a summer residence for the monarchs. In this case, it was Felipe II who would promote its construction. A small but beautiful palace, also surrounded by gardens. They are so beautiful that they were decisive in the declaration of Aranjuez as a Cultural Landscape of Humanity by Unesco.

4. Reales Alcázares, Seville

It is the oldest royal palace in use in the world, and it has its origins in the 9th century. A construction that was expanded over time and that today shows a unique amalgam of styles. And it is not only worth highlighting spaces such as the Hall of Ambassadors or the Patio de las Doncellas. The gardens are also delightful.

5. The Alhambra, Granada

It is impossible to speak of Spanish palaces and not mention the Alhambra. The old court of the Nasrid Kingdom hides such beautiful places as the Hall of the Abencerrages, that of the Two Sisters or the Court of the Lions. A beauty that dazzled Charles V himself, who decided to build a Renaissance palace within the enclosure that, of course, must be visited.

6. Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza

Also of Arab origin is this beautiful palace, with the appearance of a fortress seen from the outside. Later it was a Christian palace, seat of the court of the Inquisition and barracks, before ending up in ruins. Today restored and seat of the Cortes de Aragón, it is an essential visit in Zaragoza. By the way, in its tower tower one of the most famous operas is set: Il Trovatore , by Verdi.

7. Magdalena Palace, Santander

Quite more modern is this palace. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by popular subscription as the accommodation of the royal family during their visits to the city. An English-style palace that looks out at the top of a small peninsula and whose surroundings are one of the favorite spaces for people from Santander and visitors to stroll.

8. Royal Palace of Olite, Navarra

Visiting this spectacular construction is almost like immersing yourself in a tale. Its towers, battlements and galleries will take you back to the time of the Navarrese kings, who had their court here. It was one of the most spectacular and luxurious palaces of its time, back in the 15th century, when jousts and tournaments were held there and it even had a zoo.

9. Palace of Sobrellano, Comillas, Cantabria

It is, without a doubt, one of the most striking Spanish palaces. Its neo-Gothic façade with Arabic touches stands out on a terrace on the ground. It was built at the end of the 19th century by commission of the first Marquis of Comillas. Inside you can admire furniture designed by Antoni Gaudí, in charge of the design of another mansion in Comillas, El Capricho.

10. Spanish palaces: La Almudaina, Palma de Mallorca

It began as an Arab fortress on which Jaime II would order the construction of a Christian palace. Another of the Spanish palaces that are royal residence, although today it is only used for official acts. Its Audience Room or the Royal Chapel, a Gothic jewel, stand out.