The Zarzuela Palace ( ) is the residence and working offices of the reigning monarch of Spain (King Felipe VI), although the official residence of the Spanish royal family is the Royal Palace of Madrid. The Zarzuela Palace is on the outskirts of Madrid, near the Royal Palace of El Pardo, which accommodates visiting heads of state. The palace is owned by the Spanish government and administered by a state agency named Patrimonio Nacional (National Heritage).
The Zarzuela Palace was the home of King Juan Carlos I from May 1962 until his departure to live abroad in August 2020, following allegations of financial impropriety. His wife, Queen Sofía, who did not accompany Juan Carlos abroad, continues to reside with her son and his family at Zarzuela. Although King Felipe VI has his office in the palace, he and his family live in the Pabellón del Príncipe on the grounds just east of the Zarzuela Palace.
History
During the 17th century, King Philip IV of Spain ordered a country palace or hunting lodge to be built in La Zarzuela near Madrid.
Opera
The palace theatre was the place of origin of the Spanish genre of musical drama, zarzuela.
References
External links
- Official webpage of the Spanish Monarchy