Of one of Madrid's main tourist

attractions. It was once a fortress,

then the old Alcázar or citadel,
and finally the Royal Palace. It is
the official residence of His
Majesty the King of Spain,
although he does not actually live
here. Apart from its role as a museum, it is only used for ceremonial
purposes on state occasions such as diplomatic functions and official
events.
The origins of the palace date from the 9th century, when the Muslim
kingdom of Toledo, wishing to defend itself against surprise attacks by
the Christians, built a fortress which was later used by the kings and
queens of Castile. In the 16th century a citadel was built on the same
foundations.
On Christmas Eve, 1734, it was
reduced to ashes by a fire. Soon after
Philip V ordered a new palace to be
built on the same spot. Work on the
building was carried out between
1738 and 1755. It was designed as a
vaulted structure made of stone and
brick, and no wood or flammable
materials were used in its
construction. Charles III of Spain was
the first monarch who took up
residence there, in 1764.

CAMILA, OLIVIA, IONE AND LAURA