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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 (the first Wednesday of the month).
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 am 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.
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.
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)
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.
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 March (To be confirmed)
Please note: There is no Changing of the Guard on 25 December and 1 January.
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