page_title: Royal Alcázar of Madrid
section_title: Philip II
hierarchical_section_title: Royal Alcázar of Madrid / History / Philip II
caption_attribution_description: Vista de Madrid: dibujo preparatorio (1562). Anton Van der Wyngaerde (fragmento con el Real Alcázar Real y la Casa de Campo)
context_page_description: The Royal Alcázar of Madrid was a fortress located at the site of today's Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The structure was originally built in the second half of the ninth century, then extended and enlarged over the centuries, particularly after 1560. It was at this time that the fortress was converted into a royal palace, and Madrid became the capital of the Spanish Empire. Despite being a palace, the great building kept its original title of Alcázar.
  The first extension to the building was commissioned by King Charles I and completed in 1537. Its exterior was constructed by the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1636 on a commission from King Philip IV.
  As famous for its artistic treasures as it is for its unusual architecture, it was the residence of the Spanish Royal Family and home of the Court, until its destruction by fire during the reign of King Philip V, on Christmas Eve 1734. Many artistic treasures were lost, including over 500 paintings. Other works, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, were saved.
context_section_description: Philip II, as Prince, had shown great interest in the works brought about by his father, the emperor Charles V, and as King, carried on with them. He accomplished the transformation of the building into a palace, especially from 1561, when he decided to establish the Court permanently in Madrid.
  The monarch ordered the refurbishment of his chambers as well as other rooms, and put special effort into their decoration, using tailors, glaziers, carpenters, painters, sculptors and other artisans and artists. Many of these tradesmen came from the Netherlands, Italy and France. The works, which lasted from 1561 until 1598, were initially managed by Gaspar de la Vega.
  However, the Golden Tower (la Torre Dorada), whose construction was the most important work of the Alcázar under King Philip II, was due to the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo. This vast tower dominated the south-western edge of the Alcázar and was crowned with a slate spire. The tower's design was reminiscent of the corner towers of the El Escorial Monastery which was under construction at the same time, in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
  During the reign of Philip II, the Royal Alcázar of Madrid saw its complete conversion to a royal palace. The interior section between the two original towers of the southern facade took on a ceremonial function, while the northern wing was used as the service area.
  The western area was reserved for the King's chambers, faced by the Queen's chambers to the east. The areas were separated by two large courtyards, in keeping with the structure designed by Alonso de Covarrubias, during the reign of Charles I. This layout of the areas for different uses was maintained until the fire of 1734.
  The construction of the Royal Armoury, demolished in 1894, was also the work of Philip II. It stood in the location which is now home to the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral and formed part of the Royal Stables complex, belonging to the Alcázar.
caption: Part of the 1562 drawing by Antoon Van Den Wijngaerde, in which the building can be seen as it was a year after Philip II chose Madrid as the site of his court.
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