El Pardo

A royal palace and hunting estate on the outskirts of Madrid, historically used as a residence by Spanish monarchs and later Francisco Franco. Surrounded by protected woodland, it offers a quieter historical alternative to the busier city palaces.

Things to do

• Tour the Palacio Real de El Pardo — Visit the royal palace where Spanish monarchs once resided and where Franco lived and governed for nearly four decades, seeing period furnishings and Goya-designed tapestries.
• See the Cristo Yacente at Capuchinos — Step into the Convento de Capuchinos to view Gregorio Fernández's renowned polychrome recumbent Christ sculpture, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque religious art.
• Admire Goya's frescoes in the parish church — The Iglesia de San Antonio de El Pardo holds ceiling frescoes attributed to Francisco de Goya, a lesser-known work by the master.
• Walk or cycle through Monte de El Pardo — Explore Europe's largest holm oak forest near a capital city, a protected hunting estate turned nature reserve with deer and wild boar.
• Visit the Casita del Príncipe — See this small neoclassical pavilion designed by architect Juan de Villanueva, built as a retreat for the future Charles IV.
• Photograph the palace gardens and courtyard — Wander the palace's formal gardens and inner courtyard, quieter and less crowded than central Madrid's royal sites.

Food to try

• Cocido madrileño — A hearty chickpea stew with meats and vegetables served in courses, a classic comfort dish found in local eateries around El Pardo village.
• Callos a la madrileña — Slow-cooked tripe stew with chorizo and paprika, a traditional Madrid dish often featured on menus in the area's rustic restaurants.
• Venado or jabalí estofado — Stewed venison or wild boar reflects El Pardo's history as a royal hunting estate, still served in nearby traditional restaurants.
• Churros con chocolate — A classic Spanish breakfast or snack of fried dough dipped in thick hot chocolate, easily found in cafés near the palace.
• Roscas y bollería local — Simple ring-shaped pastries and baked goods sold in village bakeries, popular for a quick bite after touring the palace.

Local customs & good to know

• Check opening hours in advance — The palace occasionally closes for state functions since it still serves as an official government guesthouse.
• Photography restrictions indoors — As with many Spanish royal sites, photography inside the palace's furnished rooms is typically prohibited.
• Expect a quieter, local pace — El Pardo feels more like a small town than a tourist hub, so services and crowds are much lighter than central Madrid.
• Combine with a woodland walk — Many visitors pair the palace visit with a walk in Monte de El Pardo, so wear comfortable shoes for uneven forest paths.