Active and official royal residences constitute some of the most exquisite points of interest in Europe. Here are five in particular that stand out as exceptional monarchical homes and architectural marvels.

Stockholm Palace, Sweden

Home of: King Carl XVI Gustaf

The Baroque home of the Swedish Royal family was built under the supervision of architects Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and Carl Hårleman. The palace was built in the late 17^th century on the site of a fortress and took over six decades to complete. With a remarkable 610 rooms, four grand façades and a sublime inner courtyard, the Stockholm Palace is one of the world’s largest. The palace soars above the Swedish capital’s old town, or Gamla Stan. One particular tourist attraction is the changing of the guards, which takes place every day at noon in the outer courtyard.

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Royal Palace, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Home to: Queen Beatrix

The most impressive Dutch royal residence graces the west side of Amsterdam’s magnificent Dam Square. Construction on the part-time home of Queen Beatrix began in 1648, at the height of the Dutch Golden Age. It was built in 17 years, according to plans by architects Jacob van Campen and Daniël Stalpaert. Inspired by Roman palaces, the Paleis op de Dam is 120 feet long, with yellow sandstone on the outside and copious marble on the inside. The Palace is now used mainly for official functions and state visits but is also open to the public.

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Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway

Home to: King Harald V

Built in the mid-19^th century after a design by Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow, Norway’s premier royal residence recently underwent a spectacular restoration. As with other monarchical palaces, there is a ceremonial changing of the guards every day at 1:30 p.m. There is also a massive parade in Oslo that centers largely on the palace on Constitution Day every May 17; Norway’s National Day.

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Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain

Home to: King Juan Carlos I

The Royal Palace of Madrid or Palacio de Oriente dates back to the 18^th century and sits on the remains of a 10^th fortress and 16^th castle. The palace is the product of eminent architects Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The decor is a reflection of the tastes and preferences of Charles III, the first monarch to occupy the palace. Works by Velázquez, Caravaggio, de Flandes and Goya grace the halls, in addition to rare period furniture, armor and weaponry from as far back as the 13^th century. Tours are offered daily unless the palace is being used for state visits, royal receptions, galas and the like.

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Buckingham Palace, London, England

Home to: Queen Elizabeth II

Home to one of the most influential royal families in the world, Buckingham Palace was initially built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. The stately home was later enlarged considerably by architects Edward Blore and John Nash. The London palace now occupies 77,000 m², with more than 600 rooms. Nineteen state rooms, the ballroom and gardens are open to visitors every summer. Buckingham Palace’s famous changing of the guard ceremony takes places daily in the summer at 11:30 a.m. and every other day otherwise.

Image by Wikimedia Commons

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