Here, before us stands the Capilla del Palacio de la Zarzuela a place filled with history. The Capilla del Palacio de la Zarzuela is more than just a chapel. It is a symbol of Spanish royalty and tradition.
The Palace of Zarzuela’s story began in 1627. King Philip IV wanted a country palace or hunting lodge. He commissioned architect Juan Gómez de Mora for the job. Gómez de Mora designed a sober rectangular building. It reflected Madrid’s Baroque style. He drew inspiration from Andrea Palladio’s villas. Alonso Carbonell completed it with slate roofing. He added arched galleries and an Italian garden. This garden featured stepped fountains on three terraces. There was also a vegetable garden and a tree nursery. Bartolomé Zumbido created the decorative sculptures. Simón López created the paintings.
In the late 18th century, Charles IV redecorated the palace. He added tapestries porcelain and lamps. Also, he brought in furniture and 18th-century clocks. After the Spanish Civil War, architect Diego Méndez rebuilt it in 1958. He preserved the original structure and porticoed walls. He also recreated the 17th-century gardens designed by Gaspar Bandal.
The name Zarzuela may come from the abundance of brambles in the area. Others say the name comes from musical recitals that were celebrated here. These recitals evolved into what is now known as zarzuela a Spanish genre of musical drama. The palace theatre was the birthplace of this art form.
King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía lived here. They resided in the palace from their marriage in 1962. Juan Carlos moved abroad in 2020. Queen Sofía stayed in Spain. King Felipe VI has his office in the palace. However he and his family live in a pavilion nearby. This pavilion is east of the Palacio de la Zarzuela.
Inside the Palacio de la Zarzuela has three floors. The first floor includes attics kitchen services and offices. The second floor houses the king’s office library and dining room. The third floor contains bedrooms guest rooms and study rooms. The palace also has a small hermitage. There is also a sports area and a helipad.
The King’s office once featured a portrait of Charles III. It was later replaced by a portrait of the child Infante Felipe de Parma. Since Felipe VI became king the portrait of Charles III is back. The Audience Room hosts important events. These include the swearing-in of ministers. The room is decorated with paintings tapestries and wood-lined walls.
Surrounding the Palacio de la Zarzuela is a rich array of wildlife. Deer wild boar and fallow deer roam the Monte del Pardo. The Capilla del Palacio de la Zarzuela stands as a testament to Spanish history. It has witnessed centuries of royal life and cultural evolution.