The Palacio Real de El Pardo in Madrid is one of the many boltholes of Spain’s kings and rulers. It was Franco’s favourite residence and was equally appreciated 500 odd years ago by Felipe II in 1550. Situated in the grounds of the palace is a cottage built for Carlos IV in 1786, but be prepared to understand that what we ordinary mortals would classify as a ‘cottage’ does not necessarily mean the same to the royals of this world. A bus leaves for the palace from the Plaza de la Moncloa in Madrid every fifteen minutes.

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