Royal Palace of Aranjuez — Attraction in Aranjuez

The Royal Palace in Aranjuez is quite the treat. Several reasons that this Palace is among my favorite to visit in Spain. Parking is the best, right before you cross the river there is a small parking lot to your left as you enter the city. It is safe in that area to park and lock your car. Once uou get out of the car you stroll down the sidewalk which leads you right over the river where ducks and swans can be seen. Keep in mind this is no more than 20 meters from your car. As soon as you cross the bridge you will see the entrance to the Palace. Now don't get distracted and cross the street where there are a variety of restaurants, save that for later because there are other amazing distractions that will get you off schedule (spoiler alert - Parque del Principe). Enter the Royal Palace which are the gardens and you will find a multitude of Magnolia trees, if it summer time they will be blooming and they are enormous. Make your way through the garden and the landscaped gardens will continue to impress, if you stay to the right side of the gardens you will see the river and a variety of aviary creatures. If you continue along the garden path parallel to the river, you will come in proximity to a bridge which takes you yet to another amazing garden but don't veer off to that section yet since it will be loaded with at least another 20 minutes to your agenda. From that bridge you are already adjacent to the rear of the Palace, I suggest you follow the length of the Palace until it ends (visual marker - small private garden labyrinth) continue you should come across a doorway to a hallway. Upon entering hang a right and follow through the century old path full of arches that leads directly to the tourist entrance of the Palace (the main entrance of the Palace is rese6fpr festivities and royalty (I did not qualify for the latter). They have a good list of qualifications for free and reduced entrance fees. Check out their website for the full details. Once you pay at the ticket counter you will exit the area which leads to a foyer where you can safely lock your belongings and take a bathroom break ("water closet" for my friend you know who you are). You then walk onto the main plaza of the Palace where it is a picture taking moment. Make your way to the guard at the across the plaza and enter. Show your ticket so it may be scanned and then u will be instructed to go upstairs. You have the choice of going directly to the giftshop or (watch out my male friends) you can view the original dresses of the king and queen. Once you make your way up the Palace stairs you are on autopilot. Upon entering the first room you have security that will kindly suggest for you to move forward and not go backwards. You can view the areas for as long as uou want but keep in mind there are no benches or seats to rest on. Don't do what my father in law did and that was jump the velvety rope by the stagecoach to sit on the century old luggage! They rooms are palacial and that will not cease one moment until you are done touring. Palace staff went out of there way to help my in-laws who had limited mobility by providing them access of their private elevators. It was clear that this was not the norm and I have not seen it publicized for obvious reasons. Both my inlaws and an escort was permitted for them to go to the elevator. Enjoy your visit more to Aranjuez by boarding the tourist train near the front of the Palace. It will take you for a great ride through important areas of town and most importantly the Parque del Principe which reminded me of a much smaller version of Central Park. Oh and if you wonder what those rooms are on the 2nd floor adjacent to the Palace...well they are apartments that go for around...

Nestled along the banks of the Tagus River, Aranjuez exudes charm, history, and natural beauty. As I navigated its streets virtually through Google Maps, I was captivated by the rich tapestry of sights and experiences this Spanish gem offers.

Aranjuez is renowned for its breathtaking Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site I enjoyed virtually touring. The intricate architecture and lush gardens surrounding the palace are a testament to Spain's royal heritage and left me in awe of the country's rich history.

When my friends and I were trolling along the Calle de la Reina, I felt as though I was transported back in time. The quaint streets lined with traditional Spanish houses and vibrant cafes exude a timeless charm that is truly enchanting. Using Street View on Google Maps allowed me to immerse myself in the bustling atmosphere of Plaza de San Antonio, where locals and tourists gather to soak in the vibrant culture of Aranjuez.

One of the highlights of my virtual journey was exploring the Jardín del Príncipe, a sprawling garden oasis that spans over 150 acres. The meticulously landscaped gardens, adorned with elegant fountains and tranquil ponds, offer a serene escape from the bustle of city life. Thanks to Google Maps' satellite view, I could appreciate the grandeur of these gardens from above, marveling at their intricate design.

In addition to its architectural wonders and natural beauty, Aranjuez is also a haven for gastronomes. Google Maps led me to discover many authentic Spanish restaurants where I could indulge in delicious tapas and regional specialties.

My virtual exploration of Aranjuez through Google Maps gave me a profound appreciation for this hidden gem of Spain. From its historic landmarks to its picturesque landscapes and culinary delights, Aranjuez truly deserves to be experienced. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a food enthusiast, Aranjuez has something to offer everyone, making it a must-visit destination on any...

Visitar el Palacio Real de Aranjuez es adentrarse en la fastuosidad y el refinamiento de la monarquía española, y dentro de sus muros, los Apartamentos de la Reina ofrecen una perspectiva particularmente íntima y fascinante de la vida cortesana. Esta zona, meticulosamente conservada, nos permite vislumbrar el día a día y el gusto personal de las soberanas que habitaron estas estancias.

Lo que distingue a la zona de la Reina es la sensación de ostentación y opulencia. Cada estancia –desde el dormitorio hasta los salones privados y gabinetes– está decorada con un esmero excepcional, reflejando las tendencias artísticas de distintas épocas y los caprichos de sus ilustres ocupantes.

Destaca la exquisita selección de mobiliario, a menudo de fabricación real y de alta calidad, tapicerías suntuosas, porcelanas delicadas y una colección impresionante de obras de arte que adornan las paredes. Es fascinante observar cómo el diseño de cada sala se adaptaba no solo a su función, sino también al carácter y las preferencias de la Reina en turno.

EL Salón de Fumar* es una de las estancias más llamativas y singulares del circuito de visita, y se encuentra dentro de los Apartamentos de la Reina. Aunque hoy pueda parecer un concepto algo anticuado, en su momento fue una expresión de lujo, moda y de la influencia de ciertos gustos estéticos.

El Salón de Fumar del Palacio de Aranjuez es una de esas joyas inesperadas que te transportan a otro lugar y época. Más que una simple habitación para fumar, es una muestra exquisita y exuberante del gusto orientalista que dominó parte del siglo XIX, especialmente bajo el reinado de Isabel II.

Lo que la hace verdaderamente única es su decoración de inspiración árabe o neoárabe. No es un estilo que se encuentre comúnmente en los palacios reales españoles, y por ello resalta aún más. Cada centímetro de la sala está meticulosamente decorado: Yeserías intrincadas: Las paredes y techos están cubiertos con elaboradas yeserías que imitan la delicadeza de los estucos nazaríes de la Alhambra. Son verdaderas filigranas que crean un efecto visual sorprendente y envolvente. Los muebles, a menudo bajos, con incrustaciones y sedas ricas, complementan la atmósfera oriental. La forma en que la luz entra o se filtra en la sala contribuye a crear un ambiente más íntimo y misterioso, propio de los harenes y palacios orientales imaginados por la época. Uno de los puntos culminantes suele ser el Gabinete de Porcelana, una verdadera joya. Esta habitación, revestida completamente con placas de porcelana del Buen Retiro con motivos chinos, es un derroche de fantasía y habilidad artesanal que deja sin aliento. Es un espacio que ilustra a la perfección el exotismo y el lujo que se permitían las monarcas.

La visita a estos apartamentos te sumerge en la privacidad y la vida cotidiana (aunque regia) de figuras históricas, permitiéndote imaginar las tertulias, los momentos de descanso y las decisiones que se tomaban entre estas paredes. Es una oportunidad única para apreciar el detalle y la minuciosidad con la que se concebía el entorno de las Reinas de España.

En resumen, los Apartamentos de la Reina en el Palacio de Aranjuez no son solo un conjunto de salas decoradas; son una ventana a un pasado donde el arte, el diseño y el poder se entrelazaban en cada objeto. Una visita imprescindible para comprender la magnitud y el refinamiento de la vida en...