Royal Armoury of Madrid is a historic museum in Madrid, Spain. Located in the historic city center, it is one of the oldest and most important armouries in Europe. The museum was founded in 1711, when the king of Spain, Philip V, ordered the creation of an armoury to house the royal weapons and armours. Since then, it has served as a repository of arms and armour for the royal family and has become an important part of Spanish culture and history.
History of the Royal Armoury of Madrid
The Royal Armoury of Madrid was created in 1711 when King Philip V of Spain ordered the creation of a repository to house the royal weapons and armours. The armoury was initially located in the Royal Palace, but was later moved to its current location in the old city center in 1758. Since then, the museum has served as a repository of arms and armour for the royal family and has become an important part of Spanish culture and history.
Over the years, the Royal Armoury has been home to a variety of weapons and armours from different eras, including pieces from the 16th century to the present day. The collection includes a variety of swords, firearms, cannons, crossbows, and even pieces of armour used in the Spanish Civil War. In addition, the museum also houses a variety of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Highlights of the Royal Armoury of Madrid
The Royal Armoury of Madrid is home to a number of fascinating artifacts, some of which are quite rare. Here are some of the highlights of the museum:
- The King’s Armoury: This collection contains the armours of the kings of Spain, from the 16th century to the present day. It also includes a variety of firearms, swords, and crossbows.
- The Hall of Arms: This hall houses a variety of weapons and armours from different eras, including pieces from the Spanish Civil War.
- The Art Gallery: This gallery contains a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
- The Armory Hall: This hall contains a variety of cannons, muskets, and other artillery pieces from different eras.
Visiting the Royal Armoury of Madrid
The Royal Armoury of Madrid is open to the public and can be visited on most days of the week. It is located in the old city center and is easily accessible by public transportation. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Visitors can also take guided tours of the museum, which are available in English, Spanish, and French.
Conclusion
The Royal Armoury of Madrid is a fascinating museum that is full of history and culture. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Spanish history and culture. With its vast collection of weapons and armours, artworks, and other artifacts, the Royal Armoury of Madrid is sure to be an interesting and educational experience.