The Prince's Garden

This is the great garden of Aranjuez and one of the largest historic gardens in Europe. It began in the 16th century as orchards watered by the Tagus, and in 1772 the future Charles IV, then Prince of Asturias, was put in charge of completing it: hence the name. Pablo Boutelou as gardener and Juan de Villanueva as architect gave it its present form between 1775 and 1808.

It isn’t a garden for a single photo: it’s a walk. Each stretch changes character, from the neat fruit trees of the Spring Garden to English-style landscape corners, with paths that disappear among huge trees.

What to see, in order from the palace

1. The Embarcadero. A platform over the Tagus where the kings boarded their barges. Next to it is the Royal Barge Museum.
2. The Chinescos pond. Three islands with an Ionic temple, an oriental-style octagonal pavilion and an obelisk. Villanueva designed them in 1790.
3. The Montaña Rusa. An artificial hill topped by a neo-Gothic temple, with views over much of the garden.
4. The Narcissus, Swan and Apollo fountains. The Apollo is a copy of the original at La Granja.
5. The Casa del Labrador. Charles IV’s pleasure pavilion, at the far end.

When to go

Fruit trees blossom in spring and the garden turns gold in autumn. In summer, go early: it opens at 8:30 and the shade of the avenues is a gift at that hour. On very windy days it may close for safety.