Welcome to
Castile and León
La Granja Royal Experience – Palace, Gardens & Masterpieces
- Duration2 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- CategoryAgent Low Quality Product, Cultural Tours
Overview
Discover the hidden gem of the Royal Palace Of La Granja Of San Ildefonso, located in the foothills of the picturesque Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Commissioned by King Philip V, a grandson of the French King Louis XIV, the palace was influenced by the grandeur and splendor of the extraordinary Palace of Versailles. Over the years, the palace which used to serve as a summer haven for Spanish monarchs has now become a charming destination that welcomes visitors to appreciate its rich history and fabulous collections of art, including the Tapestry Museum containing priceless tapestries from the 16thcentury, the meticulously landscaped Baroque-French Gardens featuring numerous unique fountains and curious mythological sculptures, as well as the Royal Palace Museum witnessing significant historical events of royal gatherings, diplomatic negotiations, and the signing of treaties.
Gallery
What's included
Private guided tour
What's Not included
Entrance fee: Royal Palace of La Granja - 9 u20ac per person
Refreshments
Itinerary
At the start of the tour, explore the Tapestry Museum, located in the former rooms for infants.nThe area consists of room after room of tapestries of such detailed work among which the u2018Los Honoresu2019 stands out. The Flemish series created for the coronation of King Charles V is made up of nine allegorical panels: u201cFortuneu201d, u201cPrudenceu201d, u201cWisdomu201d, u201cJusticeu201d, u201cViceu201d, u201cFameu201d, u201cHonoru201d, u201cFaithu201d, and u201cNobilityu201d. Also of great importance are the series u201cThe Apocalypseu201d, u201cThe Labors of Herculesu201d, and u201cThe Fables of Ovidu201d.nThe historical Royal Tapestry Collection dates back to the 16th century. Interestingly, these works of art are placed on slightly inclined walls and exposed to dim light for reservation reasons. The museum also houses stunning 17th-century glass paintings by Luca Giordano.
Next, visit The Royal Palace Museum, consisting of the Royal Bedrooms, Portrait Gallery, Room Of Mirrors, and vaulted halls decorated with exquisite ceiling frescoes.nKing Philip V and Queen Isabela Farnesio stayed in the Royal Bedrooms in the 18th century. King Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, decided to have his residence decorated in the style that reminded him of his childhood at the Versailles Palace of his grandfather, French King Louis XIV.nThe museum also houses a portrait gallery where valuable paintings of Spanish monarchs are on display, which promises to reveal interesting stories about Spanish royals.nOf particular interest is the Room Of Mirrors. The large mirrors there, framed elaborately with gold in the Rococo style, are the first of these dimensions made in the famous Royal Glass Factory nearby. To add to its splendor, the ceiling fresco of the room beautifully depicts the mythological story of u201cThe Rapture of Europeu201d.
Finally, discover the Baroque French Gardens u2013 u201clittle Versailles of Spainu201d, an ideal spot for leisurely strolls.nThese gardens created by a group of famous French artists are the best example in Spain of a formal French-style garden, mainly inspired by that of the Versailles Palace.nThe most significant feature of the gardens is the spectacular collection of 26 fountains that span the 360-acre estate, thanks to the abundance of water from the mountains. The jets of the u201cLa Famau201d fountain can even raise water above a height of 40 meters! The original hydraulic system is in a good state of preservation, so much so that synchronized water displays can be seen at times.nThese wonderful fountains and an array of playful marble statues of mythological gods form the richest sculptural ensemble of their time, each of which seems to tell a unique story, offering to transport visitors to an enchanting faraway land.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.