Identifying the world's largest palace is a complex task, devoid of a universally accepted standard, as various criteria are employed to ascertain its magnitude. The distinctions further compound when considering different parameters such as the largest residential palace, measured by floor area, and the largest in terms of overall area. The delineation becomes more nuanced when factoring in palaces that have transitioned from royal or sovereign residences to alternate functions, like the Louvre Palace in Paris, which has evolved into a museum.
Moreover, some palaces may have originated as formidable castles, initially designed for military purposes, only to transform opulent residences over time. The fluid nature of these definitions underscores the intricate challenge of pinpointing the largest palace on a global scale.
China's Forbidden City rightfully claims the title of the world's largest palace when measured by the area enclosed within its fortified walls. Situated at the heart of Beijing, this monumental structure spans a vast 72 hectares (178 acres), delineated by a rectangular shape measuring 961 x 753 metres (3,150 x 2,460 feet). The initial construction phase unfolded between 1407 and 1420, orchestrated by the Ming emperor Zhu Di and his trio of architects—Hsu Tai, Yuan An, and Feng Chiao—requiring the labour of over one million workers to reach completion.
Over the centuries, the Forbidden City underwent extensive reconstruction and modifications, resulting in its current grandeur, boasting a staggering 980 buildings and an impressive 8,886 rooms. Here is a complete list:
| Rank | Name | Country | Place | Floor area |
| 1 | Louvre Palace | France | Paris | 243,000 square metres (2,615,630 sq ft) |
| 2 | Hofburg Palace | Austria | Vienna | 240,000 square metres (2,583,339 sq ft) |
| 3 | Istana Nurul Iman | Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | 200,000 square metres (2,152,782 sq ft) |
| 4 | Apostolic Palace | Vatican City | Vatican City | 162,000 square metres (1,743,753 sq ft) |
| 5 | Forbidden City | China | Beijing | 150,000 square metres (1,614,587 sq ft) |
| 6 | Malbork Castle | Poland | Malbork | 143,000 square metres (1,539,239 sq ft) |
| 7 | Royal Palace of Caserta | Italy | Caserta | 138,000 square metres (1,485,420 sq ft) |
| 8 | Royal Palace of Madrid | Spain | Madrid | 135,000 square metres (1,453,128 sq ft) |
| 9 | Qasr Al Watan | United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | 134,275 square metres (1,445,324 sq ft) |
| 10 | Quirinal Palace | Italy | Rome | 110,500 square metres (1,189,412 sq ft) |
| 11 | Abdeen Palace | Egypt | Cairo | 108,000 square metres (1,162,502 sq ft) |
| 12 | Umaid Bhawan Palace | Jodhpur | 105,218 square metres(1,132,557 sq ft) | |
| 13 | Falaknuma Palace | India | Hyderabad | 93,971 square metres (1,011,495 sq ft) |
| 14 | Istana Negara | Kuala Lumpur | 90,082 square metres (969,635 sq ft) | |
| 15 | Binnenhof | Netherlands | The Netherlands | 90,000 square metres (968,752 sq ft) |
| 16 | Palace of Venaria | Italy | Venaria Reale | 80,000 m2 (861,112 ft2) |
| 17 | Buckingham Palace | United Kingdom | London | 77,000 square metres (828,821 sq ft) |
| 18 | Çırağan Palace | Turkey | Istanbul | 76,000 square metres (818,057 sq ft) |
| 19 | Prague Castle | Czech Republic | Prague | 70,000 square metres (753,474 sq ft) |
| 20 | Topkapi Palace | Turkey | Istanbul | 70,000 square metres (753,474 sq ft) |
Prague Castle asserts itself as the world's largest castle within its category. However, despite its singular nomenclature, Prague Castle transcends the concept of a singular building. Much like the Forbidden City, it is a composite of various palaces, temples, and halls constructed over several centuries, all unified by a shared defensive wall. This expansive complex sprawls across 18 acres (7.3 hectares), earning Prague Castle the designation of the largest cohesive castle complex globally.
It's imperative to note that the compilation excludes faux palaces, considering their lack of historical use or intent as royal, sovereign, or episcopal residences. The methodology behind this list is a product of thorough research from multiple online sources, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable representation.
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