The collection of weapons that Philip II forbade from being sold, in a new light: the Royal Armory in Madrid reopens its doors with more than 2,500 pieces

A historical collection of more than 2,500 pieces

The Royal Armory of Madrid is considered, along with the Imperial Armory in Vienna, the most important in Europe. It owes its survival to Philip II, who in his will expressly forbade it from being sold upon his death, not even to pay off debts (a common practice at the time). In this way, the monarch ensured the preservation of the collection as a symbol of the power of the House of Austria and as a tribute to his father, Emperor Charles V.

Most of the collection belonged to Charles V himself, who in turn inherited pieces from his father, Philip I of Castile (yes, “The Handsome”), and from his grandparents, Ferdinand the Catholic and Emperor Maximilian I of Austria. The current home of the Royal Armory, built after it was destroyed in a fire in 1884, houses more than 2,500 pieces and is the work of Alfonso XII and Queen Regent María Cristina.

A reopening featuring new additions from Lepanto to Japan

In addition to the new lighting installation, the reopening also brings a renovation of the display cases. New display cases dedicated to the capital and the Bourbons have been installed. Previously unseen pieces have also been added to the Lepanto and Japan sections.

Guide to the Royal Armory’s Highlights: What You Can’t Miss

• Ceremonial sword of the Catholic Monarchs, one of the most iconic pieces in the collection. It is a two-handed sword used in solemn ceremonies and features engravings such as the famous motto “Tanto Monta. “
• Charles V’s ceremonial armor set, which includes the helmet with a visor, where the steel mimics the emperor’s own curly hair and beard.
• Ear Dagger: It gets its name from the two discs that crown its hilt. It is a unique piece of Nasrid origin and is believed to have belonged to Boabdil, the last king of Granada.
• “Roman-style” armor by Guidobaldo della Rovere, inspired by the Roman legions and the only one of its kind in the world to be preserved in its entirety. It has a curious detail: its maker inscribed that it took him only two months to make it, boasting of his speed compared to the time such a piece usually required (around a year).
• Ali Pasha’s helmet, a war trophy from the Battle of Lepanto captured by Don Juan of Austria. Although it has lost the rubies and diamonds that once adorned it, the holes where the jewels were set can still be seen.