Aranjuez, Royal municipality in Community of Madrid, Spain
Description
Aranjuez is a town at the meeting point of the Tagus and Jarama rivers in the Community of Madrid, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) south of the capital. The royal complex with its extensive garden areas forms the town center, while residential neighborhoods spread around this historic core.
History
The Catholic Monarchs established a royal residence here in the late 15th century, later expanded under the Habsburgs. In the 18th century, King Philip V commissioned a new palace following French design, which shapes the current complex.
Culture
The palace grounds feature gardens with mythological sculptures and fountains, while the surrounding streets show the symmetrical layout designed during King Ferdinand VI's reign. Visitors often notice the mulberry trees lining the avenues, originally planted for silkworm cultivation.
Practical
The town sits about an hour south of Madrid with regular train connections from Atocha station. Visitors can explore the historic center on foot, as most points of interest lie close together.
Did you know?
The royal gardens hold one of the largest collections of old trees in Europe, including specimens from the 18th century brought from overseas. Part of the original Renaissance irrigation system still functions today.
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Royal Palace of Aranjuez
571 m
Gardens of Aranjuez
675 m
Casa del Labrador
1.6 km
Reserva del Regajal-Mar de Ontígola
2.3 km
Jardín del Príncipe
2 km
Jardín del Príncipe, Aranjuez
1.4 km
Jardín de la Isla, Aranjuez
999 m
Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
655 m
Osuna Palace, Aranjuez
349 m
Plaza de toros de Aranjuez
602 m
Capilla Mayor del Hospital de la Caridad de Illescas
23.4 km
Church of San Antonio
245 m
Jardín del Parterre, Aranjuez
451 m
Convent of San Pascual
486 m
Salinas Espartinas
9.7 km
Casa de Cervantes, Esquivias
16.3 km
Church of Santa María
23.3 km
Church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias or Alpajés, Aranjuez
480 m
Castle of Puñoenrostro
12 km
Casa de Caballeros y Oficios
389 m
Baviera Palace, Aranjuez
689 m
Jardín del Rey, Aranjuez
524 m
Casa de Infantes, Aranjuez
190 m
Jardín de Isabel II, Aranjuez
248 m
Royal House of Aceca
22.9 km
Church of San Benito Abad
14.9 km
Medinaceli Palace
175 m
Jardín de la Reina, Aranjuez
573 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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