Palacio de la Zarzuela
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The Palacio de la Zarzuela is a residence of the King of Spain. During the 17th century, King Felipe IV ordered a small country palace or hunting lodge to be built in a place called La Zarzuela, close to Madrid. It comprised a rectangular, slate-roofed building with two lateral arcades. Carlos IV carried out alterations to the building to adapt it to 18th century taste, and adorned it with tapestries and porcelain, as well as furniture and his much-loved clocks, of which he created a magnificent collection. Although the official residence is the Palacio Real in Madrid, this small palace is where the King and Queen as well as the Crown Prince Felipe de Borbon actually reside. The palace is situated in the outskirts of Madrid, northwest of the center. Their Majesties have lived in the palace since their marriage in 1962. After the death of Francisco Franco, they refused to occupy his El Pardo Palace, leaving it for foreign state guests, designating Moncloa for prime ministers, while they remain at Zarzuela. The atmosphere is one of simplicity, comfort and family life. "Zarzuela" is thought to be derived from "zarzas" meaning brambles, due to its function as a hunting lodge meaning that it is situated amongst the brambles of the King's Hunting Grounds.
The palace theatre was the birthplace of the Spanish operette style, zarzuela.
See also
- Juan Carlos I of Spain
- Sofia of Spain
- Letizia Ortiz, Princess of Asturias
External links
| Spanish royal sites |
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| Palaces: Palacio Real de Madrid | Zarzuela | El Escorial | El Pardo | Aranjuez | La Granja | Riofrío | Alcázares de Sevilla | La Almudena | |
| Royal monasteries: Descalzas Reales | La Encarnación | Sta. Clara de Tordesillas | Las Huelgas | Valle de los Caídos | |
| Sanctuaries under royal patronage: Panteón de Hombres Ilustres | San Pascual | Sta. Isabel | Colegio de Doncellas Nobles | |
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