Once a hunting lodge in the royal estate of El Pardo, the palacio was rebuilt in the eighteenth century, but is now best known as the former residence of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

Within lies an impressive collection of tapestries and curiosities such as the theatre where Franco previewed films before their censorship and the bed of the Generalisímo beside which he kept the preserved hand of St Teresa of Ávila.

Following a lengthy legal battle Franco's remains were brought here to be reburied in the family mausoleum in Mingorrubio cemetery from Valle de Cuelgamuros in October 2019.

The grounds of the palace contain the elaborately decorated country retreat known as the Casita del Príncipe.

On the main street of this garrison town are a string of restaurants, a favourite lunchtime destination of madrileños on Sundays.

C/Manuel Alonso, El Pardo. Bus Nº 60 from Moncloa.

Open: April-Sept: daily 10am–7pm; Oct–March: daily 10am–6pm; closed occasionally for official visits

Entry: Guided tours €9, 5–16-year-olds, over-65s €4, free for EU citizens on Wed & Sun 3–7pm (April–Sept), 3–6pm (Oct–March)

Closed: Jan 1st & 6th, May 1st, Dec 24th, 25th & 31st.