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.
The palace is open between Tuesday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Access is until 5pm, and the palace is closed on Mondays.
The palace's opening hours vary depending on which month of the year you plan on visiting. Between November and February, it is open from 10am to 6pm, while from June 16 to August, it is open from 10am to 9pm.
You can also get free entrance to the palace and its gardens on Wednesday and Sunday from 3pm to 6pm.
However, there are certain conditions that you must meet to benefit from the free entrance. Children under 5 can enter for free, individuals with disabilities can show their credentials to get free access, and teachers holding their teaching credentials on a private visit can also enter for free.
Address: Pl. de España, S/N, 40100 Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia, Spain
You can reach the Royal Palace of La Granja by car, bus, or train.
By car: You can get to the Palace via the Marid-Segovia motorway or the A-6 / AP-6 / AP-61. You can also take the M-601.
By train: You can take the AVE or the high-speed rail or ride on a regional train from Segovia-Guiomar station. You can then take a bus to get to the palace.
By bus: You can get on the Madrid-Segovia like on an Avanza bus. Alternatively, you can also take a Linecar bus on the Segovia-San Ildefonso line.
You’ll find several cafes, bars, and restaurants near the palace that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are a few options you can consider:
The Museo del Prado, also known as the Prado Museum boasts an incredible collection of Renaissance and Baroque art and opened its doors back in 1819. Besides a wide collection of Spanish art, it also features a host of French and Flemish art. And if you’re someone who’s been eyeing Francisco Goya’s art, this place is unmissable.
Distance: 78.6km
By car: Approximately one hour and nine minutes
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest residence in all of Europe, with a whopping 3,418 rooms. With its history dating back to the 18th century, this residence features impressive facades and beautifully landscaped gardens that are a staple of Baroque architecture. Add to this the 2 million visitors it attracts each year, and you can certainly understand its significance.
Distance: 76.8km
By car: Approximately one hour and six minutes
Home to some of Spain’s greatest artists from the 20th century, the Reina Sofia Museum has a collection of 1,653 paintings and a whopping 707 sculptures. One of the key pieces it’s famous for is the Guernica by Pablo Picasso, a symbol of Spain’s transition to a democratic nation.
Distance: 79.5km
By car: Approximately one hour and ten minutes
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.
