Palazzo redirects here. For other uses, see Palace (disambiguation) and Palazzo (disambiguation). The Palace of Shaki Khans in Azerbaijan, was a summer residence of khans and was built in 1797 by Mohammad Hasan Khan. Along with its pool and plane trees, it is the only remaining structure from the larger palatial complex The Schwerin Palace in Germany, historical ducal residence of Mecklenburg since 1348 Ambavilas Palace, famous as Mysore Palace, the official residence of Maharajas of Mysore since 1400 The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in Spain, is a renacentist complex that has functioned as a royal palace, monastery, basilica, pantheon, library, museum, university and hospital. A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence, or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word is derived from the Latin name Palātium, for Palatine Hill in Rome which housed the Imperial residences. In many parts of Europe, the term is also applied to ambitious private mansions of the aristocracy. Many historic palaces are now put to other uses such as parliaments, museums, hotels, or office buildings. The word is also sometimes used to describe a lavishly ornate building used for public entertainment or exhibitions