Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena

"Madrid’s most famous cathedral with a Neo-Gothic interior, located next to the Royal Palace." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Located right next to the Royal Palace, this grand cathedral renovated in 1993 is the perfect place to visit if you want some peace and quiet. Sit down and take in the ornate columns that support the immense structure, and look up to admire the beautifully painted arched ceilings. Visiting La Almudena is free, but there’s a small fee if you want to visit the church museum and the rooftop for some city views (which you should totally do)." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"Santa María la Real de La Almudena After paying your patriotic fee of 10 Euro to enter the Royal Palace, you will notice the Almudena Cathedral beyond the courtyards gates. While I was too late in the day to be graced with the inner divinities of this structure I did in fact, get into its reticent crypt. This Church intially desired by King Philip II in 1561, didn't not receive approval for building until 1868. Yes, obviously King Philip never saw his desires come to fruition but I am almost positive he would have been happy with the outcome. In 1883 construction for the church had finally began but one year later Madrid becomes a diocese thanks to Pope Leo XIII and a-not-so-simple church was transformed into a cathedral. Construction, still staggering in its progress, came to a halt in the 30's during Spain 's civil war. Then in 1944 they had to stop construction altogether as the cathedral's neo-gothic style clashed with its neighbor, the royal palace's soon to be neo-classical design. Only 383 years in the making at this point anyhow. Consecrated by John-Paul II in 1993 the cathedral was finally considered complete after its redesign. Its crypt however still displays unearthed Moorish and medieval city walls. By Wick Sakit"

"Almudena Cathedral sits adjacent to the Royal Palace, once the home of several reigning monarchs through Alfonso XIII, in the heart of the city center. Both imposing landmarks are free to enter, as are the surrounding gardens, and both are important places to visit for their design and lavish interiors. In addition, the neo-Romanesque crypt and adjacent cemetery of La Almudena hold many notable Spaniards—it's like history come to life. These are must-visit stops for any visitor to Madrid, if only to experience both structures from the outside." - Ramsey Qubein

"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Almudena Cathedral sits adjacent to the Royal Palace , once the home of several reigning monarchs through Alfonso XIII, in the heart of the city center. Both architecturally stunning sites are free to enter, as are the surrounding gardens. What’s it like being there? Grandiose and intimidating, the palace is the perfect backdrop for photos. What are the advantages of getting a guide? Guided tours provide ample detail; you'll see the Royal Armory, with weapons and armor used by kings and queens of centuries past, the magnificent Painting Gallery, and the Royal Kitchen, where many a regal banquet took shape. How about the cathedral? Is it still operational? What's it like? You’ll be among tourists from around the world, but La Almudena still holds regular services and many locals attend. Don't miss the Changing of the Guards ceremony that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning; the times change seasonally. Why would you send people to these sites? Both imposing landmarks (the palace and the cathedral) are important places to visit for their design and lavish interiors. In addition, the neo-Romanesque crypt and adjacent cemetery of La Almudena hold many notable Spaniards. So then what do you think it’s best for? These are must-visit stops for any visitor to Madrid, if only to experience both structures from the outside." - Ramsey Qubein