How to see the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace of Madrid: schedules

In a visit from Madrid, if your dates match the first Wednesday of every month, you have the opportunity to attend a spectacular ceremony Which is held in Royal Palace.

It is called Solemn Relief of the Royal Guard, which is carried out in the image and likeness of those carried out in other countries, and above all, the most famous, that of Buckingham Palace en London.

This Changing of the Royal Guard in Madrid It has been celebrated for several years at 12 in the morning, once a month every first Wednesday of the month.

Of course, this ceremony does not take place in the months of July, August and September, or if inclement weather or official events prevent it.

More than 400 soldiers and more than 100 horses participate in the event, as well as several carts of artillery pieces.

When and how to see the Solemn Relay of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace

This majestic military act was already celebrated in the Madrid's Royal Palace when it was the official residence of the kings Alfonso XII y Alfonso XIII.

And I can tell you that it is much more spectacular than the simple one. changing of the guard which is celebrated every Wednesday and Saturday.

El Solemn Relief of the Royal GuardIt takes place in the large patio on the south façade of the Royal Palace, known as the Armory Square.

That's where you find access to the Royal Armory, a highly recommended visit to the aforementioned palace.

This ceremony lasts just over an hour and the assistance is free.

To attend it you can access the stands that are installed inside the patio, or see it from the fence that separates it from the Cathedral of the Almudena.

What is the Royal Guard Parade like at the Royal Palace in Madrid?

In this traditional military act you will be able to see all the troops parade dressed in the gala uniform of the Royal Guardat spearmen and halberdiers, up to units of cavalry and artillery, Together with music band.

The act is basically divided into Two parts.

After having installed the sentry posts, in the first phase of the ceremony, the units of chivalry They make a series of movements around the yard, in which you can appreciate the great elegance of the horses.

In a second phase, simultaneously the replacements of the artillery pieces and the foot sentries take place.

All this under the sound of Military March, and with an explanation over the public address system of each of the maneuvers.

The ceremony ends with a concert of the Royal Guard Music Band which takes place in the Prince's Gate of the Bailen Street.

In short, a great tourist spectacle, whose defect is that it is only held eight times a year, and “if time allows it".

Changing of the guard, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Royal Palace

As I have said before, if not visits Madrid On the first Wednesday of the month, you also have the alternative of changing of the guard that take place every wednesday and saturday in the Prince's Gate that overlooks the Plaza de Oriente.

The  Changing of the Guard schedules of the Royal Guard at the Madrid's Royal Palace Wednesdays and Saturdays are from 11 a.m. to 14 p.m., taking place every half hour.

However, in summer, from mid-June to mid-September, the changing of the guard takes place between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

14 members of the Royal Guard and four horses, carrying out the exchange of positions.

In addition, every 10 minutes you can see two guards on horseback moving in front of the facade of the Royal Palace.

Please note that this change of guard It is not celebrated on Wednesdays when the solemn relief.

Here you have more information in the official website on Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace of Madrid.