Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid isn’t just big—it’s gigantic. Covering over 135,000 square meters and boasting more than 3,400 rooms, it’s the largest royal palace in Western Europe (yes, even bigger than Buckingham). Built in the mid-18th century by King Philip V on the site of a former Moorish fortress, it’s a glittering example of Baroque and Classical architecture. While the Spanish royal family doesn’t actually live here today (imagine trying to heat that place in winter), the palace is still used for official ceremonies and grand state events. Inside, you’ll find opulent rooms draped in velvet and gold, a royal armory that could inspire any medieval knight, and even a collection of priceless Stradivarius violins. Fun fact: the grand staircase alone is carved from a single block of Spanish marble—making it as much an artwork as a walkway.