- Population: approximately 30,000
- Location: approximately 48 km / 30 miles south of Madrid
- Journey time: approximately 45 minutes
- Nearest bus route: AISA bus company from Estación Sur, Méndez Alvaro
- Nearest railway station: Atocha. Cercanías Line or Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train)
- Tourist information: Plaza San Antonio 9, Tel: +34 91 891 04 27, Open: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 14:30
Places of Interest - Madrid, Spain
Palacio Real (Royal Palace) - Madrid, Spain
There had been a rural residence, located beside the natural weir formed by the meeting of the rivers Tagus and Jarama, for 200 years when Felipe II transformed the Grand Master's Palace into a more impressive structure in the 16th century. The summer palace was to have only 20 rooms at this time. The Habsburg palace was later destroyed, in the main by fire in the 17th century and reconstruction ordered by Felipe V in 1715. This work was to be continued by Felipe V's descendants until 1839 and results in the brick and white stone attempt to create a Spanish Versailles, with over 300 rooms. The monarchs to leave the most significant mark on the palace were Carlos III and Isabel II.
During the 19th century a railway line ran to the foot of the palace's staircase. Today this is where guided tours of 22 rooms begin. Highlights include the Sala de Porcelana (Porcelain Room), which took two years to decorate, the Throne Room, the Sala Fumadora (Smoking Room) with its intricately carved wooden ceiling, the Chinese Painting Salon. The Museum of Court Dress displays facsimiles and original costumes worn by the Spanish Kings and Queens between the 16th and 20th centuries.
Entry to the Palacio Real is across a 25-arch stone bridge constructed 1761.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 19:00 (winter until 18:00)
Admission: charge, free on Wednesday to EU citizens
Jardíns (Gardens) - Madrid, Spain
Measuring over 300 hectares / 741 acres, the gardens, which are dominated by English elms, were developed in the 16th century, spurred on by Carlos III. One section of the garden found near the palace forms a serene island in the bend of the Río Tajo (River Tagus) and is known as 'El Jardín de la Isla' (Island Garden). Another sector of the garden, along the Chinchón road, is the vast 'Jardín del Príncipe' (Prince's Garden), which is renowned for its network of shaded footpaths.
Casa de Marinos (Sailor's House) - located in Jardín del Príncipe
A modern building housing the monarchy's leisure watercraft such as canoes and gondolas as well as other maritime souvenirs.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 20:30 (winter until 18:30)
Admission: charge
Casa del Labrador (Peasant's House) - located less than 2 km / 1.5 miles from the Palacio Real at far end of the Jardín del Príncipe
This neoclassical palace was raised in 1805 for Carlos IV in an effort to replicate the Petit Trianom. It was used as a refuge for hunting weekends and parties. A guided tour is available to visitors and this starts in the 'Billiard Room'. Highlights of the palace include the 'Statue Gallery', the Ballroom - just large enough for 200 people - and the 'Platinum Room'. This grand sounding room actually leads to the monarch's private toilet.
Admission: charge
Other Attractions- Plaza Mayor (Main Square) - rectangular in shape. Looking towards the Plaza on two sides are arcaded buildings, whilst the porticoed Iglesia de San Antonio (St. Anthony's Church) is located at the south end
- Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) - Operational April to October, this is a pleasant day's outing travelling on a renovated steam train. Staffs in period costume serve free strawberries.
Admission: charge includes return from Atocha, a bus transfer to centre of Aranjuez and entry to monuments. Reduction for children
