Palace on the hill La Magdalena
If you want to see what the former royal palace looked like, you cannot miss the Palace on the hill La Magdalena, which is located on the top of the hill, where the city was originally located. This is a palace that offers a rich and diverse history, architecture, and art.
The Palace on the hill La Magdalena was built in the 18th century by King Charles III, on the site where the old castle, known as Castell Vell, was located. It is a building of Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic architecture, which combines elements of stone, brick, and stucco. Its facade is divided into three parts, with the middle one being higher and protruding forward. On the ground floor, there are windows with wrought iron grates, on the first floor windows with balconies and pilasters, and on the second floor windows with arches. At the top of the facade, there is a triangular pediment with the royal coat of arms and the inscription “Palacio de la Magdalena”. The whole is topped with a balustrade with vases and statues.
The interior of the Palace on the hill La Magdalena is richly equipped and furnished, preserving many original elements and furniture. It is worth paying attention to the beautiful stairs made of marble and wood, which lead to the upper floors. On the ground floor, there are rooms and offices where the kings and their guests were received. On the first floor, there are rooms and lounges where ceremonies and banquets took place. On the second floor, there are rooms and bedrooms where the kings and their families slept.
In the Palace, you can also admire many artistic and cultural elements that give it charm and character. It is worth paying attention to the following objects:
- El Salón del Trono: this is a room where the kings received tributes and audiences. It is a rectangular room, with a wooden ceiling and floor. On the walls, there are royal portraits and paintings depicting scenes from the history of Spain. In the center of the room, there is a throne with a canopy and the royal coat of arms, and around it chairs and sofas for guests. At one end of the room, there is a fireplace with the royal coat of arms, and at the other a clock and mirror.
- El Salón de Baile: this is a room where the kings organized balls and concerts. It is a round-shaped room, with a marble ceiling and floor. On the walls, there are mirrors and paintings, as well as souvenirs and trophies. In the center of the room, there is a chandelier with crystals and flowers, and around it chairs and sofas for guests. At one end of the room, there is a piano and gramophone, and at the other a door with the royal coat of arms.
- El Salón de Juegos: this is a room where the kings played and relaxed. It is a rectangular room, with a wooden ceiling and floor. On the walls, there are windows and paintings, as well as boards and posters. In the center of the room, there are tables and display cases, where various games and toys are presented. At one end of the room, there is a chessboard and chess, and at the other a television and projector.
The Palace on the hill La Magdalena is not only a palace, but also a center of history and culture. In the palace, you can see how the kings of Spain lived and ruled. In the palace, you can also see how art and architecture developed in Spain.
