Casita del Príncipe, Royal palace and museum in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain.
Casita del Príncipe is a neoclassical palace in San Lorenzo de El Escorial with three main sections connected by recessed linking elements. The exterior walls combine brick and granite, and the grounds feature formal gardens that frame the entire complex.
Architect Juan de Villanueva constructed the building between 1772 and 1776 as a retreat space requested by the prince. Later expansions from 1784 to 1785 were added to meet the needs of the future king Charles IV.
The name refers to its original purpose as a retreat for the prince, and visitors can see today how the rooms were designed for receptions and social gatherings. The decoration and arrangement of the spaces reveal much about court etiquette and how the royal family spent their leisure time.
Visitors should know that access inside is limited and rooms are mainly viewed through guided tours. It is best to arrive in the morning to avoid crowds and have more time to explore the gardens and exterior areas.
Despite its royal status, the building was constructed without bedrooms or kitchens, serving only as a daytime retreat. This makes it an unusual example of a royal residence, as it entirely lacked the normal amenities of a dwelling.
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