Side View Of Royal Palace, Spanish Capital Madrid Editorial Image

The Royal Palace of Madrid or Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now used only for state ceremonies. The palace is on Calle de Bailén or Bailén Street in the western part of downtown Madrid, east of the Manzanares River, and is accessible from the Ópera metro station. The main facade of the Palace, the one facing the Plaza de la Armeria, consists of a two-story rusticated stone base, from which rise Ionic columns on Tuscan pilasters framing the windows of the three main floors. The upper story is hidden behind a cornice which encircles the building and is capped with a large balustrade. This was adorned with a series of statues of saints and kings, but these were relocated elsewhere under the reign of Charles III to give the building a more classical appearance.