2-798-817 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Palace, Madrid, 1845. 'The Royal Palace at Madrid is enormous...it is the fit residence of the Sovereign of a people of prouder conception than performance. It occupies the site of the original Alcazar of the Moors, which Enrique IV. made his residence. This was burnt down on Christmas Eve, and rebuilt by Philip V. The entire Palace, and its appurtenances, cover a vast space; the principal entrance is through a noble arch in the Armeria, on the south side, next to the court yard or parade; opposite is the Palace itself, and to the right the gardens and promenade; and a circular enclosure, in the midst of which is a fine equestrian statue...the superstructure is of white stone, which glitters in the sun like marble. It is crowned with a heavy balustrade, surmounted with vases, a large dome, &c'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.