Zarzuela Palace

Zarzuela Palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The palace is located in the Monte de El Pardo forest, northwest of central Madrid.

The palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Philip IV in the 1630s. The name "Zarzuela" comes from the many bramble bushes (zarzas) that grew in the area. It was also here that the Spanish music genre zarzuela was developed.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the palace was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt in the 1960s by architect Diego Méndez, and in 1962 the then Prince Juan Carlos and Princess Sofia moved in. When Juan Carlos became king in 1975, La Zarzuela became the royal residence.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia continue to live here with their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. The palace is closed to the public and serves as the royal family's private home, with offices for the king's staff.