Royal Alcazar Of Madrid
The Royal Alcázar of Madrid (Spanish: Real Alcázar de Madrid) was a Muslim fortress built in the second half of the ninth century, at the site of today's Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The structure was extended and enlarged over the centuries, particularly after the sixteenth century. It was at this time that the fortress was converted into a royal palace, and Madrid became the capital of the Spanish Empire. Despite being a palace, the great building kept its original title of Alcázar (English: "fortress").
The first extension to the building was completed in 1537 and was commissioned by King Charles I. However, its exterior was constructed by the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1636, commissioned by King Philip IV.
As famous for its artistic treasures as it is for its unusual architecture, it was the residence of the Spanish Royal Family and home of the Court, until its destruction by fire during the reign of King Philip V, on Christmas Eve 1734. Many artistic treasures were lost, including over 500 paintings. Other works, such as Las Meninas by Velázquez, were saved.
Read more about Royal Alcazar Of Madrid: Characteristics, The Royal Alcázar Art Gallery, Further Developments, See Also
Famous quotes containing the word royal:
“Because humans are not alone in exhibiting such behavior—bees stockpile royal jelly, birds feather their nests, mice shred paper—it’s possible that a pregnant woman who scrubs her house from floor to ceiling [just before her baby is born] is responding to a biological imperative . . . . Of course there are those who believe that . . . the burst of energy that propels a pregnant woman to clean her house is a perfectly natural response to their mother’s impending visit.”
—Mary Arrigo (20th century)