Changing the Guard at the Royal Palace

Head to the Royal Palace to witness a true spectacle: the biweekly Changing 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).

Changing of the Guard

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am till 2pm (check below for certain changes to the times) outside 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

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:

• Changing the Guard at the Royal Palace
• Visit the Royal Palace