The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays).
The palace is open between 10am and 6pm and the ticket office closes at 5pm.
Royal Palace of Aranjuez highlights
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Sala de los Espejos
Also known as the Hall of Mirrors or the Mirror’s Room, the Sala de los Espejos, shaped like a square stone, was Charles II’s chamber. Mythological paintings and walls covered in mirrors make this one of the most visually stunning rooms across the palace. Its renovation under Philip V saw the incorporation of French-style decorations, the inclusion of intricate pear wood carvings, and the ceiling fresco in the Pompeian style.
Gabinete de Porcelana
Another highlight is the Gabinete de Porcelana, a medium-sized hall featuring walls and ceilings lined with white porcelain and Rococo decorations. Originally, the cabinet room was next to the Monarch’s study, but it was later turned into a music room for Queen Elizabeth II. The decorations feature vibrant 18th-century Chinese art that consists of dragons, oriental figures, and monkeys, all intricately painted onto the various surfaces across the room.
Salón de Gasparini
The Salón de Gasparini is also a must-visit. This is where the King held private audiences. The room was named after its maker, Mattia Gaspirini, who kept working on it until his death, only to be succeeded by his widow and son. Every decorative element in the room has been preserved, from the chairs made of fine wood and bronze to the rich tapestries from the Royal Factory, and works by Diego Velázquez.
Salón del Trono
The Salón del Trono or the Throne Room, as it’s otherwise called, is within a recessed dome that features Pompeian-style frescoes. This space features a stucco base that runs through the hall and resembles marble, and the walls are lined with red velvet.
The furniture in this room dates from Isabella II, the Queen of Spain, between 1833 and 1868, while the royal thrones are designed in a French Louis XVI style.
Salón árabe
Lastly, the Salón árabe, also known as the Moorish Room was built for Queen Isabella II in four years, between 1847 and 1851. A porcelain center table takes pride of place, with a bronze and crystal lamp being another key element that catches the eye.
