El Pardo Royal Palace

Running from Pitis to El Pardo is a unique experience The route is scenic, but it can also be rough, exposed, and occasionally risky… very different from typical Madrid running paths. So, The Royal Palace of El Pardo is the monumental highlight of the area. It began as a royal hunting lodge in the 15th century and was transformed by successive monarchs into a full royal residence. Originally built (1405) by King Enrique III El Pardo is a small historic settlement and protected natural area located in the northern part of the city of Madrid, about 15 km from the city center. So, my run was spectacular! The stretch between Pitis and El Pardo takes you through the outer edge of Monte de El Pardo, one of Madrid’s most protected natural spaces. Caution! Loose dirt tracks with uneven surfaces Steep small hills and sudden descents Rocky areas where footing is unstable Snakes are indeed possible, especially in warm months Mostly ladder snakes, horseshoe whip snakes and the Montpellier. A brutal and but exhilarating adventure. Ideal for the true runner and explorer. Oh!… almost forgot. In a forest clearing I came across the ruble of a church. Turns out… In Monte de El Pardo, there are several abandoned religious structures built between the 16th and 19th centuries to serve hunters, monks, charcoal workers, and royal retainers. A great find… CAUTION while walking amongst the ruble. I heard several gunshots which apparently is the Royal Guard… live fire training. The sounds carry far through the forest, especially in open clearings. The palace and the church are stunning. Places to eat are a little limited however opposite the palace there one or two bars/cafes. Getting back to the city is easier enough. There is a bus that leaves near the church. Takes 10 mins. A great day out!

Located just outside Madrid, Spain, Palacio de El Pardo is a hidden gem steeped in history. With its stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into Spain's regal past. It is visited with a guided tour so I will recommend to check entrance times. We were lucky as good there 5 min before one tour was about to start and there were still places available.

Very much enjoyed the visit, especially a few of the unique tapestries. There is no English tour but the tickets were not too expensive, so we didn’t mind joining the tour en español. The garden is a work in progress, but quiet and pleasant with a very nice info board about arboriculture.

Lesser known and visited palace in Madrid, it has a fabulous collection of tapestries by Goya, Valasquez, and others. Best collection of tapestries I have ever seen in one place. The rooms are also exquisitely decorated, with special chandeliers in some rooms that incorporate other decor features in the room. No photos permitted inside, but allowed in the gardens. Highly recommended.

I am deep disappointment regarding our recent visit to Palacio El Pardo. While the palace itself is beautiful and historically significant, the experience was overshadowed by the extremely unwelcoming and discourteous attitude of the security staff. Instead of creating an environment where visitors could enjoy and appreciate the heritage site, the staff’s behavior came across as harsh, unhelpful, and disrespectful. This left us with a very unpleasant impression and diminished what should have been an enriching cultural experience.

El Prado Place is a beautiful and historical location — truly a sight to see. Unfortunately, the behavior of the staff was very disappointing. I had a bad experience during my visit due to their unprofessional attitude.

Take the public bus service from central Madrid, it leaves you at the gates! Your was in Spanish so we just nodded along but a lovely way to spend a few hours. A walk further on to Franco’s final resting place, we didn’t bother. Lovely little village.

Worst place ever visit in Europe staff unfriendly, arrogant & unprofessional and specially a women who was taking care of the guest at reception. No information on website no information while paying that we need to carry a blu card guide with us otherwise we can’t visit inside. Official website doesn’t have any information regarding this and they are selling tickets without and advance information that means they are stealing money from people and later staff approach’s that pay 9€ per person extra for 40 people as we already paid for ticket, no way that’s called cheating. I’ll never promote this place at all it’s far from city not a worth to travel that far to see useless things better to visit some nice galleries in city and beware while u are travelling with group they are scammers.