Don’t miss out on the next changing of the guard

A copy of Buckingham Palace? There is no clear opinion on the matter since this is a tradition that dates back to the times of King Alfonso XII, in the late Nineteenth Century. However, it does have its peculiarities, such as the difference between the changing of the guard and the so-called “Solemn Handover”. The former is carried out every Wednesday between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. at Puerta del Príncipe of the Palacio Real. The latter only on the first Wednesday of every month at 12.00 p.m., except in January, August and September.

This outdoor show lasts for 50 minutes approximately and starts in Puerta de Santiago, which communicates with Plaza de la Armería from Calle Bailén. It finishes with a concert at Puerta del Príncipe by Royal Guard’s Music Unit, a fantastic occasion to enjoy the magnificence of yesteryear’s army with the palace sentinels, two on foot and two riding a horse, wearing the same costumes that they used to back in the Nineteenth Century with King Alfonso XII (blue, white and red).

The next Solemn Handover is scheduled for December 7^th at 12.00 p.m. If you are planning on going, remember to take some gloves and scarf just in case and get ready to listen to the characteristic sounds of the fifes and the drums.

This is an excellent excuse to visit the inside of the Palacio Real, the last residence of the Bourbon royal family before their move to La Zarzuela. Built on the plot of land which used to be occupied by the Alcázar (fortress), a place where Velázquez spent many hours as the court’s painter, the also-called Palacio de Oriente was home to kings such as Carlos III among many others. The Throne Room and Gasparini’s Chamber represent the taste of the king who used to be known as “The Mayor of Madrid” like no other place, a taste for exaggerated and majestic luxury.

The Palace opens only in the morning, from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and entrance tickets cost 10 euros. Find out more information here.

Categories: Madrid Cultura