Palace of El Pardo

Originally commissioned by King Henry III as a hunting lodge, the small castle was turned into a palace during the reign of Carlos V by the royal architect Luis de Vega. After that, it served as a residence of Spanish kings until 1975.

Nowadays it is used for accommodating foreign Heads of State and as a tourist attraction. The rich interior includes paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and many other artefacts from the Royal Collection. There is also an extensive aristocratic garden from the time of Felipe V, influenced by French and Italian styles.