It’s the first thing you see when you leave the palace by its east façade: a flat, ordered, geometric garden in the French style the Bourbons brought to Spain. It was made under Philip V, in the first half of the 18th century, to a design by Esteban Marchand with planting by Esteban Boutelou, though its present look is the result of later changes.
Unlike the secluded Island Garden, the Parterre was made to be seen from the palace windows: patterns of box and flowers, straight paths and, at the far end, the great group of Hercules and Antaeus, the most photographed fountain in Aranjuez. Nearby stands the Ceres fountain, moved here from the Prince’s Garden.
How it fits into your day
It’s the natural link between the palace and the Island, two minutes from the Plaza de San Antonio. If you only have an hour in Aranjuez, this is the garden to see.
What few people tell you
- From the Parterre you can see the whole King's Garden, which can't be walked through. The Queen's Garden can, and it links the Parterre with the Island.
- The Hercules and Antaeus fountain at sunset, with the palace behind, is one of the best photos in Aranjuez.
- April and May are the best months for the flowers.
Questions people ask
When was the Parterre Garden made?
Sources and official links
Last reviewed:
