Philip II created it in 1561 as an image of paradise: a garden enclosed by water, with the Tagus on one side and an artificial channel on the other. Juan Bautista de Toledo laid it out and, from 1582, Juan de Herrera arranged its fountains. It is one of Spain’s first Renaissance gardens and the oldest in the Royal Site.
There are no grand vistas here like in the Parterre. Instead there are long shady avenues, little squares that open up suddenly and fountains full of gods and sea monsters.
Fountains not to miss
- Hercules and the Hydra, from the time of Philip IV. It once had 24 statues; 14 survive.
- Venus, commissioned in 1569, a gift from García de Toledo to Philip II.
- The Harpies (1615–1618), with a bronze copy of the Spinario.
- Neptune, commissioned in 1621, with a group by Alessandro Algardi.
- Vertumnus, which everybody calls Apollo.
- The Hours, or Clock, with Roman numerals carved round the pool. It may have been a water sundial.
A tip on the route
Enter from the Parterre over the bridges, walk the Island eastwards and come back out by the palace. You’ll end up near the Puente de Barcas, with the best view of the palace mirrored in the river.
What few people tell you
- The statue from the Bacchus Fountain isn't here: Philip IV gave it to Charles I of England and it is now in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Only the pedestal remains in Aranjuez.
- The Tritons Fountain that once stood in this garden was moved in the 19th century to the Campo del Moro in Madrid.
- Find the Fountain of the Hours, also called the Clock or Ring fountain: a low pool inside a stone ring carved with Roman numerals. One theory says it worked as a sundial, with the shadow of the jet marking the hour.
- Look out for the peacocks: they roam freely and in autumn pose on a carpet of leaves.
- It's the shadiest garden in Aranjuez. In July and August, the best refuge at midday.
Questions people ask
Which fountains are in the Island Garden?
Among others: Hercules and the Hydra, Venus (commissioned in 1569), the Harpies (1615–1618), Vertumnus (popularly called Apollo), Neptune (by Alessandro Algardi), the Hours (or Clock), Bacchus, Diana and the Boticaria.
When do the Island Garden fountains run?
For several hours a day, especially at weekends. They are switched off from December to February.
Sources and official links
- Wikipedia (Spanish), Jardín de la Isla
- Patrimonio Nacional, the Aranjuez fountains are switched on (2022)
- visitmadrid, Gardens of Aranjuez
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