Aranjuez

Aranjuez, located in the Community of Madrid, is an outstanding example of the combination of art, nature and engineering at the service of the Spanish monarchy. Declared a World Heritage Cultural Landscape by UNESCO in 2001, its design reflects the aspiration to create a harmonious environment where architecture and gardens intertwine.

The history of Aranjuez as a royal residence begins in the 16th century, when Philip II established it as a place of rest and recreation for the court. However, its development reached its maximum splendor in the 18th and 19th centuries, under the reign of the Bourbons, who embellished the enclave with palaces, gardens and canals.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, combines Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its interiors are richly decorated, with the Porcelain Room and the Throne Room standing out. The palace is surrounded by the magnificent Royal Gardens, including the Prince's Garden, the Island Garden and the Parterre Garden, which fuse French and Italian influences, with fountains, statues and lush vegetation.

Aranjuez is also famous for its network of canals and irrigation ditches that irrigate its gardens and orchards, reflecting the hydraulic ingenuity of the time. These elements enhance the connection between nature and urban design, a key aspect of its unique character.

Places to Visit

Car journey time of 53 min.

Train journey time of 43 min.