About the museums
The guided tour unites two essential spaces to understand the history and art of Spain: the Prado National Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid. The former was born in the 19th century to exhibit the artistic collections of the Crown, becoming an international reference of European painting. The Royal Palace, built in the 18th century by the Bourbon dynasty, represents monarchic power and court life, offering a complementary journey between art, politics and tradition.
What to see during the visit
During the visit to the Prado Museum, you will discover some of its most famous works, such as Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez and the striking paintings of Francisco de Goya. After exploring the museum, the tour continues with a walk through the historic Barrio de las Letras to the Royal Palace of Madrid. During this walking route, you will have the possibility of making an optional stop at a traditional bar to enjoy a tapa and experience the local atmosphere before continuing to the palace, where you can admire its impressive interior, its official halls, and part of the history of the Spanish monarchy.
“Painting is the truth.” – Diego Velazquez
Curiosities
- Many of the Prado’s masterpieces were commissioned directly by Spanish kings to decorate palaces and royal residences.
- The Royal Palace of Madrid is one of the few European palaces that retains much of its original 18th century decoration.
- The proximity between the two spaces allows us to understand how art functioned as a tool of political prestige and representation of real power.
