Royal Palace of El Pardo
El Pardo, Madrid
- Built
- 1405, rebuilt 1558
- Architect
- Luis de Vega (1558-versjon)
- Style
- Renaissance
- Royal house
- The Spanish Royal House
The Royal Palace of El Pardo is located in the El Pardo district north of Madrid. The palace has a long history as a royal hunting lodge and residence.
The original palace was built in 1405 for King Henry III of Castile. King Charles I commissioned a major reconstruction in 1558, and the palace received its current Renaissance architecture. The palace contains an important collection of tapestries, including works based on designs by Goya.
From 1940 to 1975, El Pardo was the residence of General Francisco Franco, and it was here that he died on November 20, 1975. After the democratization of Spain, the palace became the official guest house for heads of state visiting Spain.
Today the palace is used to house visiting heads of state and royal guests. It is located in the heart of Monte de El Pardo, a large nature reserve that also includes Zarzuela Palace. Parts of the palace are open for tours.