Since arriving in Madrid, we have seen some wonderful Royal Palaces. On our first day, we visited the Palacio Real. The rooms were sumptuous with the things the royals have. Included a very interesting Farmacia and an extensive display of armour. The armour of horses and dogs was amazing.
The next day, we went to the spring palace - Real Palacio de Aranjuiz, 48 km south of Madrid. This is called the Versaille of Spain. It was extensive and impressive but lacked some of the gilt of Versaille.
Our third palace was El Escorial at San Lorenzo. We arrived after a 70 minute train trip, a 10 minute bus trip and a 10 minute walk as the carillon sounded the 10 o clock opening. it is the largest of all the palaces and incorporates the royal basilica and pantheon.
Built by Phillip 11 in 1563, it houses an extensive art collection, wonderful royal rooms with beautiful decorations and original furnishings and a huge basilica originally only used by the royal family. The pantheon remains the burial place of Spanish kings and queens.
We also saw a wonderful library with books from the 15th century and one from the 6th century. Also amazing globes, one showing half of Australia.
The Spanish Royals certainly knew how to live a right royal life.
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1 comment:
Sounds fabulous. I reckon I could live in a palace. As long as someone else did all the cleaning!
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