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The Royal Palace becomes the stage for the Changing of the Guard where they put on one of the most viewed spectacles in the city accompanied by the Music Unit. It is a great opportunity to see the ceremony offered by the Royal Guard in what used to be the official residence to the kings and that today holds official acts.
The Solemn Changing of the Guard takes place first Wednesday of the month at noon (except January, August, September and on days when official acts are held or when weather conditions prevent it).
The military band begins to play. The sounds of a high-pitched flute and drumroll accompany the procession. Lining up in a row with the weapon "on the shoulders" the changing guards await the release of the previous calculation. Spearmen and halberdiers, rifle accounts, men and women, artillery calculations and ammunition carts pass by spectators. The play lasts almost an hour. In total, 400 people and 100 horses participate in the spectacle. They reproduce a long ritual of the times of the King Alfonso XII and King Alfonso XIII.
Another tradition at the palace is the weekly Changing of the Guard ceremony. A much smaller – but just as meaningful – tradition. It involves 4 sentries (2 walking and two mounted on horses), accompanied by the piper and the drummer, walking from the Palace’s Puerta del Principe performing the traditional routine of the Changing of the Guard. You can catch the ceremony every Wednesday and Saturday of the year at 11:00 (in July and August from 10:00 until noon).
Apart from that, every 10 minutes (no coinciding with the changing of the sentinels on foot) the mounted sentinels march in front of the palace.
Consulta el mapa de estaciones.
Solemn Changing of the Guard: free admission through Puerta de Santiago that gives access to Plaza de la Armería from Bailén Street.
Changing of the Guard: free admission at Puerta del Principe (Bailén Street)
Solemn Changing of the Guard: first Wednesday of the month at noon (except January, August and September and the days an official event is held or the weather conditions prevent it). Next changing: 4 December (date to be confirmed)
Changing of the guard: Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm (except on days an official event is held or the weather conditions prevent it)
17 June through 15 September 10am - noon
The largest royal palace in Western Europe is a must-visit for all.
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