| The site of the palace dates from a 10th-century fortress, called mayrit, constructed as an outpost by Mohammed I, Emir of Córdoba and inherited after 1036 by the independent Moorish Kingdom of Toledo. After Madrid fell to Alfonso VI of Castile in 1085, the edifice was only rarely used by the kings of Castile. In 1329, King Ferdinand V of Castile convoked the cortes of Madrid for the first time. Philip II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.The Antiguo Alcázar ("Old Castle") was built on the location in the 16th century. It burned on December 24, 1734; King Philip V ordered a new palace built on the same location. Construction spanned from 1738 to 1755, according to the designs of Juan Bautista Sachetti in cooperation with Ventura RodrÃguez, Francesco Sabatini, and Scirmento. The new palace was occupied by Carlos III in 1764 Philip II of Spain, Madrid |  |