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A dream project for the first Bourbon king, Philip V, the Royal Palace of La Granja of San Ildefonso has been widely known for its blend of Italian, Spanish, and French architectural influences. It features some of the most stunning gardens and fountains in all of Europe. Despite being through a devastating fire in 1918, this palace retains its stunning frescos, a marvel to witness in person.
The queues outside the Royal Palace of San Ildefonso can be rather long. With Fast Track tickets, you can skip the ticket lines and spend your time taking in the intricate details of the palace and its gardens.
Fast Track Access: Royal Palace of San Ildefonso
The gardens at La Granja were by far the most important contribution Philip V made to the history of Spanish gardens. Designed in a uniquely French style, which soon took over the rest of Europe, these gardens were designed and improved by various architects, the most notable of whom included René Carlier and Jean Thierry.
Another key attraction at the Royal Palace of La Granja is its numerous water features. A total of 26, these were designed with the intent to capitalize on the abundance of water flowing from the mountains, an aspect that proved to be a key attraction for Philip V. These features are so well designed that you’ll get to see all the original hydraulics at work as you take a stroll through these formal gardens.
Also known as the Marbles or European Room, this space is covered in some of the world’s finest marbles. The only place where the marble doesn’t take center stage is the walls dotted with mirrors made at the Royal Glass Factory. These stunning mirrors feature some of the most elaborate gilded frames in the Rococo style.
If you’re a solo traveler who loves soaking in some history, you’ll love the Royal Palace of La Granja. You can spend a fair bit of time exploring the structure, its many rooms, and the massive gardens surrounding it.
You can take photographs inside the palace, provided you don’t use the flash. You’re also not allowed to carry selfie sticks.
You can certainly visit the palace if you’re traveling from Madrid. The distance to the palace from the city’s center is roughly 98 kilometers, which will take you about an hour and a half to cover.
No, there isn’t any provision for food inside the complex. As a result, it’ll be best if you carry plenty of water and snacks. However, you will find plenty of bars and restaurants no more than a 10-minute walk from the palace.
You should ideally visit the palace over the weekdays to avoid the crowds that flock to the palace over the weekends.
Yes, the gardens are open throughout the year. However, their appearance change depending on the season. If you want to take in the water features in all their glory, you should ideally visit between April and mid-October.
Yes, there is a gift shop from which you can buy souvenirs or even guidebooks for a more detailed history of the palace, its origins, and architectural influences.
Yes, the palace has been designed to accommodate those with reduced mobility, and you’ll also find manual wheelchairs if needed.
