This was originally a recreational area used by Ferdinand and Isabella. The current palace is characterised by its red and white façade. Its construction was begun by Philip II, who used the same architects as for the Escorial. Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera began the work, which was later completed by a team under the orders of Ferdinand VI.
This imposing structure lies between the Tagus and Jarama rivers. It is built in the style of Herrera, and its façade is adorned with the statues of the three kings who took part in its construction (Charles III of Spain added a large parade ground). Particularly worth noting for its beauty and craftsmanship is the staircase by Bonavia with its Roccoco balustrade, and the Porcelain Room whose walls are covered in porcelain. This palace contains an interesting exhibition on life in the royal residences.
- About the Royal Palace of Aranjuez
- Useful information
- Other services available at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez
Palace Garden
Known as the Jardín de la Isla (Island Garden), it was the creation of Philip II, during whose reign the landscape of Aranjuez came to be laid out exactly as we know it today. A walk through the grounds offers a chance to discover the only example of Spanish Renaissance gardens. At the end of a long avenue there are several squares, including that of Hercules, Apollo, the Harpies and Bacchus, all surrounded by gardens with box hedges.
Near this is what is known as the Jardín del Parterre (Flowerbed Garden), where curving paths lead to squares with plantations of shrubs, and the original fountains which were revitalized thanks to the sculpture groups installed during the reign of Ferdinand VII (Hercules and Antaeus) and Charles IV of Spain (Ceres and the two Nereids).
Real Casa del Labrador (Royal Farmer's Cottage)
Throughout the 18th century the kings and queens continued contributing elements to the Royal Site of Aranjuez. In addition to the pavilions in the Jardín del Príncipe (with the Apollo Fountain and the lake as its main features), Juan Villanueva designed the palace of the Casa del Labrador. In its garden is the Museum of Royal Barges, with a spectacular collections of recreational vessels belonging to the Spanish monarchs.
Address
Plaza de Parejas 28300 ARANJUEZ (MADRID).
Telephone: 91 891 13 44 and 91 892 43 32Public transport
Buses: Madrid-Aranjuez line from the Southern Bus Terminus in Mendez Álvaro (AISA AND SAMAR BUS COMPANIES) 
Regional rail: El Pardo station. Regional railway line C-3
Opening times:
- Royal Palace (winter): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 5:15pm.
- Royal Palace (summer): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 6:15pm.
- Gardens (winter): Monday-Sunday: 8am to 6:30pm.
- Campo del Moro (summer): Monday-Sunday: 8am to 8:30pm.
- Real Casa del Labrador (winter): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 5:15pm.
- Real Casa del Labrador (summer): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 6:15pm.
- Royal Barges (winter): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 5:15pm.
- Royal Barges (summer): Monday-Sunday: 10am to 6:15pm.
Basic rate:
- Royal Palace (Official rooms): 5 Euros, guided tour. 4.50 Euros, tour without guide.
- Royal Palace (Private rooms): 6 Euros, guided tour.
- Royal Palace (Museum of Palace Life): 3.40 Euros, tour without guide.
- Casa del Labrador (Provisional rates until restoration is complete): 3 Euros, guided tour.
- Casa del Labrador (Rates once restoration is complete): 5 Euros, guided tour.
- Royal Barges: 3.40 Euros, guided tour.
Reduced rate:
Travel agency groups.
- Royal Palace (Official rooms): 4 Euros, official tourist guide
- Royal Palace (Private rooms): 5 Euros, official tourist guide.
- Royal Palace (Museum of Palace Life): 2.50 Euros, official tourist guide.
- Casa del Labrador (Provisional rates until restoration is complete): 2.25 euros, official tourist guide.
- Casa del Labrador (Rates once restoration is complete): 4 Euros, official tourist guide
- Royal Barges: 2.50 Euros, official tourist guide.
Minimum rate (I.D. card or other document required):
Spanish nationals and foreign citizens between 5 and 16 years. School groups, accompanied by teachers, group leaders and/or tutors.
Trainee-workshops and crafts schools. Retired persons, pensioners and EU benefit holders.
EU citizens over 65. Spanish and foreign students. Spanish and foreign disabled persons.
Members of national and international museum and art appreciation societies. European youth card holders.
- Royal Palace (Official rooms): 2.50 Euros.
- Royal Palace (Private rooms): 3 Euros, guided tour.
- Royal Palace (Museum of Palace Life): 1.70 Euros.
- Casa del Labrador (Provisional rates until restoration is complete): 1.50 Euros, guided tour.
- Casa del Labrador (Rates once restoration is complete): 2.50 Euros, guided tour.
- Royal Barges: 1.70 Euros, tour without guide.
Admission free (I.D. card or other document required):
Under 5s. Prearranged school visits. Call 914548800 to check conditions.
Wednesdays, for EU citizens with proof of nationality.
In museums where there are tours both with and without a guide, free admission is only for tours without a guide.
Throughout the year a variety of concerts are held in the grounds.
