Has anybody visited the palace?

Don Pardo? I heard he's in Jeopardy...

Just kidding. If you mean the Prado, then yes, I've been there. I thought it was fabulous, but not everyone agrees.

If you really are asking about a Pardo Palace that I've not heard of, then please disregard my reply.

There are those who consider the Prado Museum worthwhile. See

http://museoprado.mcu.es/ihome.html

I've driven by the road that leads on to the Palace of El Pardo, about 9-10 miles from Madrid Centre, but have never visited. El Pardo was the residence of Francisco Franco; my next choice to visit after the Royal Palace would be La Zarzuela Palace (current residence of the King & Queen of Spain); somewhat a much modest palace, but with far more significance to today's Spain. Have fun in Spain, Myer! I am so excited for you!!

My apologies, I red that as "Prado".

You red it write.

Your rite, I red it rong.

OK, OK.

El Pardo -
Not one of the more popular tourist attractions.

OK, then.
You're PARDOned.

Myer
Palace of EL pardo is an interesting visit just 4 miles from the center of Madrid.
It was built during the XVIII century by Charles III also known as the "King Major of Madrid".
El pardo has two problems that have made it unpopular. First it is located in Madrid and it is secondary to other Madrid sights such as the Royal palace, El Prado, and the better known others. But if El Pardo was to be located in a city with less attractions it will a major point of interest.
Second it was Franco's residence for must of his years in power. And that fact is not very popular nowadays.
This lack of interest in the palace got to a point that a few years ago it was almust abandoned. After this there was some reaction and some money invested.
The Palace today has a double purpose, tourist visits and residence for foreigh Presidents, Prime ministers, kings.
You can have a look at it at
www.patrimonionacional.es
english version.

Car,

Thanks for the info.

The reason I was interested is because it's so close to Madrid.

With a couple of spare hours, is it worth visiting?

Does it have the look of a palace? Grounds and all?

Also, how do you get there without a car?

You can get there by bus transport from Madrid by taking the Intercity Bus line 601 (from Calle Princesa beside Moncloa Transport Terminal).

Car, I think 4 miles is a little optimistic....the palace is located in acres of forested area and I would swear it was more than 4 miles from Gran Via where I was staying.

Myer
With a couple of hours and by public transportation you will be tight.
Worth a visit?
It really depends on alternative things to do. If you are in Madrid for a few days then yes.
Chatters
You are right the Palace is precisely at 14 Km from the center.
wrong conversion in miles, sorry.

Check out these web pages for info on El Prado Art Museum:
"http://www.personal.psu.edu/staff/j/...ial.html"

Have fun

dracula
You are certanly asleep during daylight

cheers

Why would anybody name two places so close together with names that are so close together?

I, for one, feel like a dolt for assuming you had "typo-ed" the name, Prado. Sorry.

Well, blame the Romans for El Pardo.... The Mountains of El Pardo are known by that name since before the Middle Ages when the name designated the wooded, forested area where wild animals roamed free (you may have heard of leopard....same origin). This was also one of the routes from points north on to Mayrit (later Madrid).

P.S. I knew those boring days in Spanish history would pay one day....