Calle de Bailén, Madrid, Spain

Madrid's Royal Palace (Palacio Real), also called Palacio de Oriente, (Eastern Palace) is the official residence of the King of Spain. It has a commanding location above the Manzanares River and Campo del Moro Park. In fact the Palacio Real hasn't been occupied by royalty since 1931. The present King Juan Carlos and the royal family reside in the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city. With 2800 rooms, the Palacio Real is the largest palace in Western Europe and is the site of state occasions. Parts of the palace are open to the public including the Reception Room, the State Apartments, the Armoury, and the Royal Pharmacy. The rooms are replete with splendid art and antiques and mementos of the royal family.