The first signs of work on the palace date back to 1561, when Juan
Bautista de Toledo was commissioned to work on the chapel, a project
which was later taken up by Juan de Herrera. Work was then ceased
until Felipe V came to the throne and, in 1715, the original plans
were once again put into action. After the destructive fire during
the reign of Fernando VI, the reconstruction of the palace was carried
out by Bonavfa whose work, along with that of Francisco Sabatini (under
Carlos Ill), created the image of the palace which we can all see
today. Among the most significant rooms are Music Antechamber, (Antecamara
de Musica), also known as the 'Tranvia', the Queen's Chamber, (Camara
de la Reina), the Throne Room, (Salon del Trono), the Queen's Study,
(Despacho de la Reina), and the Queen's Room, (Saleta de la Reina),
and the Porcelain Room, (Gabinete de Porcelana), possibly the most
emblematic room in the palace, highly original and designed as a masterpiece
of the Porcelain workshops of the Buen Retiro. I n the east wing of
the Palace, and facing the Parterre Garden (Jardin del Parterre),
are the private rooms of the King and Queen, These are the Dance Room,
(Salon de Baile), the Gala Dining Room, (Comedor de Gala), the Arabic
Study, (Gabinete Arabe), and the Room of Mirrors, (Salon de Espidos).
Also of interest is the Museum of Palace Life, ("Museo de la
vida en Palacio"), which has curious displays telling the story
of the day-to-day life of the Palace's royal residents.
The Casita del Labrador is a luxurious neo-classical
building which sits in the heart of the Prince's Gardens, (Jardin
del Prlncipe). The decision to build it in 1792 was taken by Carlos
IV, and the task was given to Juan de Villanueva and his assistant
Isidro Gonzalez Velasquez, Finished in 1803, the main floor today
still preserves the interior decoration after all this time, and is
specially noted for its collection of paintings and luxurious objects.
The rooms with most character in the palace include the Kings Room
or Billiard Room, (Salon del Rey or Sala de Billar), the Gallery of
Statues, (Galeria de Estatuas), the Queen's Room, (Saleta de la Reina),
and the Dance Room, (Salon de Baile). This latter is celebrated for
the huge dome which covers it, depicting an allegory of the power
of the Spanish Monarchy and its influence on the world, as painted
by Bayeu and later finished by Maella. Finally, no visit to the palatial
rooms would be complete without seeing the Platinum Study, (Gabinete
de Platino), which is remarkable for its rich decoration carried out
by Napoleon's designers and architects.
Parks and Gardens. A key focal point of Aranjuez must undoubtedly
be its gardens, first created in the 16th century and constantly improved
and updated with plants and shrubs imported from the four corners
of the Spanish Empire. Master gardeners from countries such as France
and Belgium, as well as those sent by the Italian kings, also helped
to mould and shape the gardens, giving them the beauty and splendour
which we can see today. These gardens, which were used as a backdrop
for the Spanish Court under the Bourbon Dynasty, are famed for their
magnificent Prince's Garden, (Jardin del Principe), as well as for
the gardens in the immediate vicinity of the Royal Palace, namely
the Parterre Garden and the Island Garden, (Jardines del Parterre
and the Jardin de la Isla). The obvious evolution in the landscape,
as well as the numerous fountains, paths, sculptures and small buildings
which adorn the area all contribute to the idyllic sense of beauty
which prevails everywhere, making this an essential part of your visit
to Aranjuez. |
