Madrid Excursions to El Pardo

(Madrid, Spain)



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El Pardo




This area, still wooded in places, was once a royal forest estate.

Facts about El Pardo



Places of Interest


Palacio Real de El Pardo (Royal Palace of El Pardo)

The original palace on this site was built in the 15th century as a summer retreat and was a relatively unpretentious. Due to a fire in 1604, Felipe III had the palace remodelled. Much of the palace that can be seen today is the influence of Fernando VI, Carlos III and Carlos IV, although the design is predominantly that of Francisco Sabatini. Visitors may view numerous tapestries, which are housed at the palace, notably some are centred around cartoons by Goya.

Probably of more note to Spaniard's than the tapestries is the fact that the palace became the official abode of General Franco for 35 years after the Civil War ended in 1939. Its modern-day use is as a residence for state visitors.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 18:00, Sunday and public holidays - 10:00 to 13:40 (closed when state guests in residence)
Admission: charge also covers La Casita del Príncipe, reduction for students

La Casita del Príncipe / Prince's Cottage

Address: located 500 metres / 1,640 feet from the Palacio Real de El Pardo
Renovated in the 1950s after deteriorating into a bad condition, this dwelling was originally designed by Juan de Villanueva, in 1784, as a hunting lodge for Carlos IV, who was at this time still the crown prince.