Royal Splendor, Madrid, Spain. Spain's Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is so opulent that it's not even used anymore, except for certain state occasions. While perhaps not so famous as France's Versailles or Germany's Neuschwanstein, the Palacio takes my prize as the most thoroughly splendid royal interior.

The current building dates back to the mid-1700s, and was built to replace the original palace built in 1561 and consumed by fire on Christmas Eve, 1734.

Fully furnished with the most extravagant fabrics and materials, tours can take you through about 50 of the 2800 rooms, each uniquely furnished and decorated.

Of particular interest are the many ornate antique clocks and chandeliers. Also memorable is a room housing the world's largest collection of instruments built by Stradivarius.

Palacio Real
€ 8.00; € 9.00 w/guide
(free entry to EU passport holders on Wed)
9:30 to 17:00 Mon - Sat
9:00 to 14:00 Sun & Holidays