Royal Palace and Gardens in Aranjuez

Royal Sites and Gardens

Explore the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site centered around the 16th-century Royal Palace. This list features the palace’s extensive garden system, including the Renaissance-style Jardín de la Isla and the expansive Jardín del Príncipe. Key highlights include an intricate network of mythological fountains—such as those dedicated to Hercules, Apollo, and Narcissus—and monumental urban spaces like the Plaza de San Antonio that connect the royal residence to the historic town.

Royal Sites and Gardens — Map

Zarateman / CC0

A

Aranjuez Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family. It is located in the town of Aranjuez, Spain.

Zarateman / CC0

B

Jardín de la Isla

A Renaissance-style garden located on an artificial island between the Tagus River and a canal. It features a series of mythological fountains and stone benches dating back to the reign of Philip II.

Rodelar / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Jardín de Isabel II

A 19th-century garden commissioned by Queen Isabella II, located near the Plaza de San Antonio. It is characterized by its central bronze statue of the queen and formal floral layouts.

D

Jardín "Chinescos"

Located within the Jardín del Príncipe, this area features an artificial pond and a Chinese-style pavilion, reflecting the 18th-century fascination with Orientalism in landscape design.

E

Jardín Anglo-Chino

An 18th-century landscape garden within the Jardín del Príncipe, designed with winding paths and irregular layouts that blend English and Chinese garden aesthetics.

F

Plaza de San Antonio

An 18th-century monumental square that serves as a transition between the town and the palace. It is bordered by the Church of San Antonio and the Casa de Infantes.

G

Fuente de la Mariblanca

An 18th-century fountain in the Plaza de San Antonio featuring a white marble statue of Venus, popularly known by locals as 'La Mariblanca'.

H

Fuente de Hércules y la Hidra

A Renaissance fountain in the Jardín de la Isla depicting Hercules slaying the multi-headed Hydra, based on designs by architect Juan de Herrera.

I

Fuente de Apolo

A stone fountain located in the Jardín de la Isla, featuring a statue of the Greek god Apollo, part of the garden's 16th-century mythological decorative scheme.

J

Fuente de Diana

A 16th-century fountain at the northern end of the Jardín de la Isla, depicting the goddess Diana accompanied by dogs and hunters.

K

Fuente del Niño de la Espina

A 16th-century fountain in the Jardín de la Isla featuring a central figure based on the 'Spinario,' a Greco-Roman bronze of a boy pulling a thorn from his foot.

L

Fuente de Venus

A mythological fountain in the Jardín de la Isla centered on a statue of the goddess Venus, surrounded by tiered stone basins.

M

Fuente de Baco

A Renaissance fountain in the Jardín de la Isla depicting Baco, the god of wine, seated upon a wine barrel.

N

Fuente de Narciso

A monumental 18th-century fountain in the Jardín del Príncipe, designed by Joaquín Dumandre, depicting Narcissus looking at his reflection in the water.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

O

Plaza Elíptica

A formal elliptical plaza located near the palace entrance, serving as a landscaped gateway between the royal residence and the surrounding gardens.

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