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Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025

Madrid's Royal Palace Opens Hidden Rooms After Four Decades

Madrid's Royal Palace Opens Hidden Rooms After Four Decades

Two formerly inaccessible spaces are now part of the tourist circuit at Spain's iconic monument.
The Royal Palace of Madrid, a prime attraction in the Spanish capital, has integrated two previously closed rooms into its visitor circuit, marking a significant enhancement to its exhibition offerings.

The newly accessible spaces, known as the Antesacristía and the Sacristía de la Real Capilla, had been shuttered for over 40 years, providing a rare opportunity for the public to engage with previously hidden aspects of Spain's royal heritage.

Patrimonio Nacional, the agency overseeing Spain's monumental heritage, has been active in reopening a variety of historically significant spaces across the country.

Recent efforts have included the reintroduction of areas in renowned sites such as the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

These initiatives aim to enhance the visitor experience and highlight the historical and artistic riches of these landmarks.

The Antesacristía, which serves as an anteroom to the Sacristía, was historically used for preparing religious services.

Visitors to this room will find a variety of significant artifacts, including an 18th-century fountain, an Isabeline mirror, and neo-Gothic seating.

Additionally, the room showcases various historical items, such as a dalmatic, a set of altar candlesticks with a cross, and a baptismal set from the early 19th century, alongside religious paintings from multiple artistic schools.

The Sacristía itself was dedicated to the storage of liturgical objects and the preparation of clergy prior to ceremonies.

Among the prominent sculptures displayed in this area are works from the 18th century, including 'La Inmaculada Concepción' by Manuel Álvarez El Grieco and 'La caída de Cristo,' an intricate ivory sculpture by Celedonia Nicolás de Arce.

The sacristy also features notable paintings by artists such as Orazio Gentileschi, Antonio de Pereda, and Charles Le Brun.

By reintroducing these two spaces, Patrimonio Nacional aims to deepen the public's understanding of Spain's royal history, enhancing the cultural value and attractivity of the Royal Palace.

The reopening reflects an ongoing commitment to making educational resources related to Spain’s cultural heritage more accessible to the public.

The Royal Palace of Madrid's new offerings can be visited in both guided and free formats, seamlessly integrated into the overall visitor experience, which aims to present a more comprehensive narrative of life at court and the significance of the Royal Chapel within the broader palatial complex.
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