I’m on a mission to visit all the Royal Palaces in Spain and Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso had been on my bucket list for a long time. This beautiful 18th century palace is located 10km from Segovia and one hour drive from Madrid which makes it a perfect day trip from the capital of Spain.
We left Madrid at 9 o’clock to be there by 10 when the doors of the palace open to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temps for as long as possible. Once a royal residence, this place is an example of European palace architecture. Its gardens and fountains are styled after Versailles and make reference to legends and mythology. The rooms also remind you of other European Palaces of the time, Carrara marble, Chinese vases and Japanese lacquer stand out in this one.
The name: La Granja is Spanish for “the farm”. It’s named after an old farm run by monks that used to stand there. San Ildefonso is the charming village where it is situated. King Philip V chose this as the perfect location for a retirement spot. He was right in doing so, located in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains, it has a comfortable climate for a summer retreat.
A bit of Spanish history…
Philip V was the grandson of Louis XIV. He was born in Versailles and spent his childhood there. This fact is obviously responsible for the Versailles influence seen in this palace. When Philip V abdicated, his son became King Louis I. Because of his son’s death 7 months later, Philip V became King for a second time. That’s when La Granja became a Royal Palace.
The Palace’s main attractions are the breath-taking gardens and the fountains, it’s a privilege to see those on. The big fountain show -all of them are turned on- only happens three times a year. Exceptionally, they’ll turn some of them on for a short period of time on weekends depending on the water reserve. Since it’s been a rainy year, we could see four beautiful fountains pouring water and sky-high water jets. We got a bit wet but we didn’t care because it was such a hot day!
There’s also a small garden before the entrance on the Palace which is also worth walking around. Here you can see some of the few sequoias that you can find outside of California. These gigantic -lightning rods are installed in them- and magnificent trees were planted in the 19th century and provide a home to some little fellas like this one. You know me, I never miss a chance to make a furry friend.
xo Cristina
PRACTICAL INFO
Entrance to the gardens and fountains is free but admission tickets to see the Palace are 9€, check its website for discounts and timetables. The Palace is closed on Mondays.
OTHER MUST-SEE PALACES IN SPAIN
Palacio Real de Madrid
Palacio Real de Aranjuez (Madrid)
Palacio de la Magdalena (Santander)
Palacio Miramar (San Sebastian)
DAY TRIPS FROM MADRID
Alcalá de Henares
Chinchón
Ávila
GET THE LOOK
I love your blog. Every time you have me captivated with wonderful places to visit xx Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies
Absolutely beautiful! I know you have tons of pictures. I have to add "visit a palace" to my bucket list.
Wow, what an extraordinary beautiful place to visit! I'd love to visit there someday!
Such a neat experience! If I was still living in Europe I would put this on my next trip for sure. 🙂
What a gorgeous place! I would love to visit there one day.
Fantastic place to visit! A little bit of Versailles in Spain 😉 Happy week xx
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Beautiful! I love your travel posts–I'm making list for visiting some of these spots.
How gorgeous! I’m definitely adding this beautiful place to my bucket list!
Beautiful photos!! 🙂
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what a beautiful place to visit it looks like a blast
Sounds like such a gorgeous spot to explore. I love beautiful architecture.
What a gorgeous dress, and such an incredible place to visit and explore! The architecture (and the history you included!) are impressive!! 🙂
What an amazing trip! That view is simply breathtaking. Anyway, I love your dress dear, such a chic color.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Great pairing of the basket and scarf. It makes the summer dress to look so friendly
Wow! This is breathtaking! I can only imagine how beautiful it is to see in person. You are very fortunate to travel to Spain.
Congrats on your engagement! There are plenty of posts about Spanish dreamy destinations on the blog but if you have any questions/need recommendations about my country, let me know. I'l be happy to help 🙂
Looks like a beautiful place … and a lovely sunny day.
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That palace is beautiful! Looks like you had a fun visit!
Molly and Stacie
This place looks so stunning! We're going to Spain for our honeymoon next year so I will definitely keep this in mind.
I can see why this place has been on your bucket list! What spectacular gardens and fountains!
How gorgeous!! I'd love to visit one day!
WOW! Stunning photos! I love your travel posts! They always want to make me pack up and take a trip!
Thanks so much, Amy! Places full of history and fairy tale towns are my favorite destinations
Wow! I can't believe there are places like this in the world. How beautiful. Love what you're wearing too!
What a wonderful place. I just love that fountain. So wonderful that you share your adventures with such amazing pictures. 🙂 Thanks