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Meet Piper, one of our travel experts for Spain.
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Piper is the founder of honeymoon specialty travel company Remarkable Honeymoons, and an award-winning agent with almost 30 years experience.
She's a Virtuoso agent, and winner of WeddingWire's Couples Choice awards every year from 2014-2022.
She is well versed in international travel after having visited dozens of countries in her career, and also through her studies abroad living in both Mexico and France. From the Orient Express, to tenting in Nepal, to flying the Concord, she's had many wonderful travel experiences.
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Piper made honeymoon planning simple. She quickly provided recommendations and quotes based on our specified interests for our honeymoon in Hawaii. She was able to secure us awesome hotel room upgrades, and provided great excursion and dinner recommendations. We had an amazing time and owe much of that to Piper!"
- William
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Had half a dozen trips set up through Piper before COVID hit. She has been a champ with cruises cancelling, flights changing, cancelled plans, rescheduling, etc. Have rebooked several for next year and she is always happy to help and very detail oriented. It is especially helpful to have someone you know will be "on the other end of the line" when travel plans change, flight connections are missed or changed. Piper is readily available to help you through it all!"
- Becky
Testimonials from Piper's clients:
"Working with Melanie and Piper was a dream! They were super helpful in building the trip of our dreams, helped us coordinate activities and provided excellent recommendations. We cannot recommend them enough!"
- Kay
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House of Kings
Home to the Kings of Spain from Carlos III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid's Royal Palace is now open to the public. Though it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence.
Photo copyright Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau.
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Overview
Long before Madrid became the capital of Spain, Emir Mohamed I chose Magerit (the city's Arabic name) as the site for a fortress to protect Toledo from the advancing Christians. The building was eventually used by the Kings of Castille until finally becoming what would be known as the Antiguo Alcázar (Old Fortress) in the 14th century. Carlos I and his son Felipe II turned the building into a permanent residence for the Spanish royal family. However, in 1734 a fire burnt the Palace of the Austrias to the ground, and Felipe V ordered the construction of the palace that stands today.
Following the untimely death of Filippo Juvara, the architect originally commissioned to design the palace, it was his pupil Juan Bautista Sachetti who eventually drew up the final plans. Seventeen years passed between the laying of the first stone in 1738 and final completion of the work commissioned by Felipe V. However, it was Carlos III (known as the "Mayor of Madrid" due to the large number of reforms and initiatives that he undertook in the city) who became the first monarch to occupy the new building. His successors Carlos IV (responsible for the creation of the Hall of Mirrors) and Fernando VII added many decorative details and furnishings, such as clocks, items of furniture and chandeliers.
The palace, inspired by sketches made by Bernini for the construction of the Louvre in Paris, is built in the form of a square and looks out over a large courtyard with galleries and a parade ground. The decoration of the palace's rooms and their layout has gradually changed over the years as the building has been adapted to suit the needs of its residents.
Particularly noteworthy rooms include: the Main Staircase, designed by Sabatini with over 70 steps; the Throne Hall featuring a ceiling painted by Tiepolo; the Hall of Halberdiers, Carlos III's own room; Gasparini Room, with its grand 18th century decoration on a floral theme; the Royal Chemist's with ceramic pots made by the La Granja factory and the Royal Chapel,which houses a collection of string instruments made by the legendary Antonio Stradivari.
The Royal Armoury and the Painting Gallery
The Royal Armoury is one of the most significant collections of its kind, comprising weapons and armour worn by the Kings of Spain and other members of the Royal Family since the 13th century.
The Painting Gallery is home to a large number of artistic treasures, including Virgin with Child by Luis Morales, Portrait of Isabel la Católica by Juan de Flandes, Salome with the Head of John the Baptist by Caravaggio and works by such artists as Velázquez, Goya, Federico Madrazo and Sorolla.
Official events and the Changing of the Guard
The Palace is now used for award ceremonies, royal audiences and banquets and important events such as Spanish National Day, when the royal family greet important figures from Spain's cultural, artistic and social circles, Army Day (6 January), when a reception for high-ranking military officers and members of the government is held in the Throne Room, and the presentation of credentials by new foreign ambassadors arriving to take up their positions in Spain).
The Changing of the Guard is held every Wednesday (except in July, August and September, and when there are official events or adverse weather conditions) at 11am in Puerta del Príncipe (entry on Calle Bailén).
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