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Description

Information

Head to the Royal Palace to witness a true spectacle: the biweekly Changing of the Guard (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and the extra-special monthly event, the Solemn Changing of the Guard (usually on the first Wednesday of the month). Note that both events are weather-dependent and may not take place if other official activities are scheduled.

Changing of the Guard

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am till 2pm (check below for certain changes to the times) outside the Puerta del Príncipe gate, four members of the Royal Guard are relieved of their positions: two foot soldiers and two soldiers on horseback dressed in their gala uniforms—red, white and blue—which are similar to those used by the Spanish Army during the reign of Alfonso XIII. The soldiers march to the beat of a fife (a very high-pitched piccolo used in military bands) and a drum which play military marches, following official orders and commands. Every 10 minutes, the soldiers on horseback march past the front of the palace.

Solemn Changing of the Guard

Please note: the next Solemn Changing of the Guard is set to take place on 8 April 2026.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the Music Unit kicks off the Solemn Changing of the Guard. The strains of tunes like El Almirante, Doña Francisquita, and España Cañí ring out. The fifes and drums accompany the marches, as the guards stand to attention, incoming and outgoing soldiers waiting with their weapons on their shoulders. The lancers and cuirassiers parade with rifle companies, and soldiers -men and women- in charge of the artillery and the ammunition carriages for almost an hour. In total, 400 people and 100 horses stage the Changing of the Guard as it was performed in the times of King Alfonso XII and King Alfonso XIII, wearing the same uniforms.

More information:

Map

WHAT'S IN THE AREA?

Accommodations(21)

Restaurant(54)

Tourist Information(62)

Local Night(14)

Shop(36)

Sports center(2)

See detail in Google Map

Last updated:

24/03/2026

Download related information

Information leaflet on the Solemn Changing of the Guard (Spanish/English)

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/file/202285/download?token=gWGohS62

Information leaflet on the Solemn Changing of the Guard (Spanish/English)

8.57 MB

Practical information

Event

When

Solemn Changing of the Guard: first Wednesday of the month (except Jan, Aug, Sep) / Changing of the Guard: Wednesdays and Saturdays. Next Solemn Changing: 8 April 2026

Where

Royal Palace

Address

Calle

de Bailén , s/n

28013

Tourist area

Austrias

Telephone

Fax

Web

https://www.defensa.gob.es/guardiareal/Menu/Actividades/paradas/Relevo_solemne/

Metro

Ópera (L2, L5, R), Plaza de España (L2, L3, L10)

Bus

3, 25, 31, 39, 46, 50, 62, 65, 75, 138, 148, 158, C1, C2, M3, NC1, NC2, N16, N18, N19, N20

Cercanías (local train)

Madrid-Príncipe Pío, Madrid-Sol

BiciMAD bike-share scheme

Docking stations:

- Plaza de la Encarnación, 3

- Palacio de Oriente (calle Santa Clara, 8)

- Plaza de Ramales (Calle de Noblejas, 1)

- Calle Segovia, 26

Prices

Solemn Changing of the Guard: free admission through Puerta de Santiago that gives access to Plaza de la Armería from Calle de Bailén.

Changing of the Guard: free admission at Puerta del Principe (Calle de Bailén).

Times

Changing of the Guard: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm (except on days of official events or inclement weather). From 1 July to 31 August, due to the heat, it is held from 10am to 12 noon. Please note: there is no Changing of the Guard on 25 December and 1 January.

Solemn Changing of the Guard: first Wednesday of the month, usually at 12 noon (except in January, August and September and on days of official events or inclement weather). Approximate duration: 50 mins.

Next event: planned for 8 April 2026

Type

Special events, Other