The Royal Palace is a great example of neoclassical architecture in Madrid. The outside is Italian style, but the interior is very French. The Palace was built over the site of the old Alcazar, but it was destroyed by fire in 1734. When they rebuilt it, the only thing made of wood was the doors, the rest is made of granite and limestone. The private appartments of the King Alfonso XIII and his Queen were preserved just as they left them.
Visitors can see the beautiful staircase and the many sculptures also.
The King and Queen no longer reside here, but it is used for official acts of state and special ceremonies. The Prado museum was built by the architect Juan de Villanueva beginning in 1785. The museum collection includes many paintings. There are special rooms for masters like Goya, Velazquez, El Greco Rubaran, Murillo and Tizia. There's also a valuable collection of sculptures, drawings, furniture, luxury art, coins, and medallions.