The Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain. Twenty years of stone conservation research

Abstract

The Petrology applied to Heritage Conservation research group1 has been involved in the conservation and restoration of the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain (Figure 1), for almost two decades. Its construction started in 1738 and ended in 1764, during the reigns of Felipe V (Philippe the 5th) and Carlos III (Charles the 3rd). The architect commissioned for the work was J.B. Sachetti. The entire building is made of stone; the basement and walls are of granite, and white limestone is used for ashlar bases, columns, pilasters, cornices, sills, balustrades, etc. The materials employed, its architectural style and ground plan are typical to most 18th century buildings in Madrid. The palace, since 1982, belongs to National Trust, institution in charge of its management and preservation.