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Aranjuez

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Landmark
—°13
Aranjuez (Spain)

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Aranjuez is celebrated for its unique 'Cultural Landscape,' which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001. Strategically located at the confluence of the Tagus and Jarama rivers, it served as the spring residence for Spanish monarchs for centuries. The Royal Palace (Palacio Real) is a masterpiece of architecture, featuring the remarkable Porcelain Room and lavish royal quarters. The extensive surrounding gardens, such as the Prince's Garden and the Island Garden, are filled with historic fountains, rare trees, and the Royal Barge Museum. Aranjuez is also famous for its local strawberries and asparagus, which are celebrated during the season with the historic 'Strawberry Train' (Tren de la Fresa) running from Madrid. Located 45 km south of the capital, it is easily accessible by commuter train. Spring is the most beautiful time to visit when the royal gardens are in full bloom.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The royal summer residence in Aranjuez is open to visitors; both the palaces and the vast gardens can be explored.
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Typical hours
Opening hours vary by season; typically the palace and gardens are open daily, with shorter hours in winter.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed indoors without flash; in the gardens, unrestricted photography is permitted.
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Time needed
Allow at least half a day for a thorough visit of the palaces and gardens.
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Combine with
Aranjuez can be combined with a day trip from Madrid; the nearby city of Toledo is also worth visiting.
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Getting there
From Madrid, Aranjuez is easily accessible by train (Cercanías C-3) or bus; the journey takes about 45 minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit the gardens early in the morning to avoid crowds - the Jardín del Príncipe is especially peaceful then.

Geography

Population
54,055 (2012)
Coordinates
40.03224, -3.60166

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001
  • Grand Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
  • Famous for strawberries and asparagus
  • Spain's largest royal gardens
  • Historic Strawberry Train from Madrid
  • Inspired Rodrigo's famous concerto
  • Royal Barge Museum located in the gardens
  • Preferred residence of Bourbon kings

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Aranjuez (13)

Piscina infantil🎡 recreation

A dedicated children's pool located in the historic city of Aranjuez.

Cimiento industrial creosota🏺 historical

Cimiento industrial creosota in Aranjuez is the remains of a 19th-century creosote wood-treatment facility on the banks of the Tagus.

Royal Theater Carlos III of Aranjuez🎭 culture

Royal Theater Carlos III of Aranjuez is a historic theater built by order of Charles III, with a horseshoe-shaped auditorium.

Jardín de Isabel II🌳 park

Historic garden with a pond and a statue of Queen Isabel II, part of the Aranjuez palace complex.

Alfnso XII🏺 historical

Alfonso XII is an equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII in the gardens of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.

Convento de San Pascual📍 landmark

18th-century Franciscan convent with a Baroque church, in the outskirts of Aranjuez.

Casa del Gobernador📍 landmark

Casa del Gobernador is a historic building in the royal palace complex of Aranjuez.

Palacio de Medinaceli🏺 historical

18th-century palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, with a grand staircase and gardens.

Parque Pozo de las Nieves🌳 park

Parque Pozo de las Nieves is a park featuring a historic snow well in Aranjuez.

Iglesia de San Antonio📍 landmark

Iglesia de San Antonio is a Baroque church and attraction in Aranjuez, known for its distinctive circular dome.

Tambor🌿 nature

El Tambor is a drum-shaped hillock in the Aranjuez countryside, named for its shape.

Casa de Marinos y Museo de Falúas🏛 museum

Casa de Marinos y Museo de Falúas displays the historic royal barges used on the Tagus at Aranjuez.

Jardín de la Reina🌳 park

The Queen's Garden is an ornamental historic park near the royal residence in Aranjuez.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of Aranjuez?
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a former summer residence of the Spanish kings with magnificent gardens.
Are the gardens of Aranjuez free?
Access to most gardens, such as the Jardín del Príncipe, is free, while the palace charges an entry fee.
What is the 'Strawberry Train' (Tren de la Fresa)?
A historic tourist train that runs from Madrid to Aranjuez, commemorating the region's first railway line.
What culinary specialties are there in Aranjuez?
Aranjuez is famous for its asparagus and strawberries, often sold fresh in local markets.
Is Aranjuez a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, the cultural landscape of Aranjuez was recognized in 2001 for the harmonious link between nature and architecture.
Aranjuez: where is it located?
Aranjuez is located in Galicia, Spain.
Aranjuez: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscina infantil, Cimiento industrial creosota, Royal Theater Carlos III of Aranjuez.
Aranjuez: why is it worth visiting?
Aranjuez is celebrated for its unique 'Cultural Landscape,' which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001.
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