A Crypt and a Royal Palace
The Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, but it's only used for state ceremonies. The royal family actually lives just outside the city. The construction of this massive palace began in 1735 after the original palace burned down the year before. Twenty years later, the palace was ready for use with over three THOUSAND rooms. It's the largest palace in Europe.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go inside this huge palace (tickets have to be booked way in advance, and this was sort of a last minute trip). Just the exterior of the palace was humbling though. It is without a doubt the largest building I've ever laid eyes on. In front of the palace is a beautiful garden full of well groomed trees and bushes. As I walked through the garden, I came upon many sculptures and fountains as well. It was all beautiful.
Right behind the palace is the Almudena Cathedral. It took about one hundred years to complete this cathedral since construction halted during the Spanish civil war. When it was finally completed in 1993, it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Connected to this cathedral is La Crypta de Amudena. While I didn't go into the church, I did go in the crypt.
The crypt was incredible. There are more than four hundred columns inside! There are graves on the ground inside, and while I saw many people walking on them, I tiptoed around them. It just didn't feel right. The stained glass windows and many lights inside the crypt gave it a beautiful but almost eerie aura. It was like walking through the most breathtaking cemetery I'd ever been in.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go inside this huge palace (tickets have to be booked way in advance, and this was sort of a last minute trip). Just the exterior of the palace was humbling though. It is without a doubt the largest building I've ever laid eyes on. In front of the palace is a beautiful garden full of well groomed trees and bushes. As I walked through the garden, I came upon many sculptures and fountains as well. It was all beautiful.
Right behind the palace is the Almudena Cathedral. It took about one hundred years to complete this cathedral since construction halted during the Spanish civil war. When it was finally completed in 1993, it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Connected to this cathedral is La Crypta de Amudena. While I didn't go into the church, I did go in the crypt.
The crypt was incredible. There are more than four hundred columns inside! There are graves on the ground inside, and while I saw many people walking on them, I tiptoed around them. It just didn't feel right. The stained glass windows and many lights inside the crypt gave it a beautiful but almost eerie aura. It was like walking through the most breathtaking cemetery I'd ever been in.
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