Palacio de la Zarzuela

The Palacio de la Zarzuela, on the northwestern edge of Madrid, has been the private residence of the Spanish royal family since 1962. The building stands in isolation on a slope of the El Pardo mountains and is surrounded by extensive gardens that form a green oasis in the barren mountain landscape. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 17th century, the palace takes its name from the bramble thickets that once grew there. That name in turn inspired the Spanish genre of musical theater known as zarzuela, which was first performed at this site.

Architecturally, the four-winged building is distinguished by an unplastered red brick facade, articulated with gray stone blocks. After suffering severe damage in the Civil War, the complex was restored in the 1960s and expanded with a mezzanine level. In the 1990s, two new side wings with mansard roofs were added, which now house the royal family's private quarters, among other things. The ground floor contains the king's study, the library, and the dining room.

Although the palace is not open to the public, it serves as the center of the monarch's official business. Here the king receives domestic and foreign guests and chairs cabinet meetings. Larger state receptions, by contrast, take place at the Palacio Real in the city center. The grounds also include a chapel, sports facilities, and a helicopter landing pad. For the current king, Felipe, a separate two-story house in the style of a country villa was built, which he uses as his residence, while his daily duties are carried out in the main building.