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The '''Royal Palace of Aranjuez''' ({{lang-es|Palacio Real de Aranjuez}}) is a residence of the [[King of Spain]], located in the town of [[Aranjuez]], in the [[Community of Madrid]], [[Spain]]. The palace is open to the public as one of the [[Spanish royal sites]]. |
The '''Royal Palace of Aranjuez''' ({{lang-es|Palacio Real de Aranjuez}}) is a residence of the [[King of Spain]], located in the town of [[Aranjuez]], in the [[Community of Madrid]], [[Spain]]. The palace is open to the public as one of the [[Spanish royal sites]]. |
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In this palace were signed several historical western [[Treaty of Aranjuez|treaties]]; and many personalities died here, in 1568 died [[Elizabeth of Valois]] the most beloved wife of [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]], in 1758 died [[Barbara of Portugal]], the barren wife of [[Ferdinand VI of Spain|Ferdinand VI]], in 1766 died [[Elisabeth Farnese]], being widow of [[Philip V of Spain|Philip V]]. Died [[Princess Maria Antonia of Naples and Sicily|Maria Antonia of Naples]] first wife (1806), [[Maria Isabel of Portugal]] second wife (1818), and [[Maria Josepha Amalia of Saxony]] third wife of [[Ferdinand VII of Spain|Ferdinand VII the Felon]]. |
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In this palace were signed several historical world [[Treaty of Aranjuez|treaties]], |
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Most of days, the [[Patrimonio Nacional]] not allow photos of its interior. |
Most of days, the [[Patrimonio Nacional]] not allow photos of its interior. |
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Revision as of 02:43, 8 September 2016
| Royal Palace of Aranjuez | |
|---|---|
| Native name Spanish: Palacio Real de Aranjuez | |
| File:Aereal view of the rear of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg Aereal view of the rear of the palace | |
| Location | Aranjuez, Community of Madrid, Spain |
| Architect | Juan Bautista de Toledo, Juan de Herrera |
| Official name | Aranjuez Cultural Landscape |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iv |
| Designated | 2001 (25th session) |
| Reference no. | 1044 |
| State Party |  Spain |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Official name | Palacio Real de Aranjuez |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1931[1] |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0001063 |
  Location of Royal Palace of Aranjuez in Spain | |
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez (Spanish: Palacio Real de Aranjuez) is a residence of the King of Spain, located in the town of Aranjuez, in the Community of Madrid, Spain. The palace is open to the public as one of the Spanish royal sites.
In this palace were signed several historical western treaties; and many personalities died here, in 1568 died Elizabeth of Valois the most beloved wife of Philip II, in 1758 died Barbara of Portugal, the barren wife of Ferdinand VI, in 1766 died Elisabeth Farnese, being widow of Philip V. Died Maria Antonia of Naples first wife (1806), Maria Isabel of Portugal second wife (1818), and Maria Josepha Amalia of Saxony third wife of Ferdinand VII the Felon.
Most of days, the Patrimonio Nacional not allow photos of its interior.
History
It is in the 12th century when the Order of Santiago settled in the area due to its verdant landscape and mild climate that is beneficiary of the waters of the Tagus and Jarama.
As Royal Site, the history begins in the 15th century, when the order's grandmaster Lorenzo I Suárez de Figueroa ordered the construction of a house-palace north of the present Royal Palace, designed to recreation of the members of the order.
In 1523, Aranjuez became a royal property. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Charles I of Spain) was the one who gave the former possessions of the order the dignity of Real Bosque y Casa de Aranjuez (Royal Wood and House of Aranjuez), in order to enjoy in them good days of hunting.
In 1551 he destined a facilities for botanical garden, which serve to catalog the new species brought from the Americas.
But the purposes of the emperor barely met. Wars, his long stays in Europe and health setbacks prevented him seize the property as much as anticipated. It did his son Philip II. After granting Aranjuez the designation of Royal Site in 1561, aware of how fertile place, he devoted a portion of land to farm.
In the adjacent plot, the King began construction of the first palace, direct antecedent of the current. He hired for this services Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera, responsibles for the works of El Escorial.
On the death of Philip II in 1598, the works were still to finish. In addition to the royal apartments, only they had built the chapel at the base of the south tower and part of the facades of noon and sunset. Then, the 17th century economic and political crisis and the lack of interest for the place of the last Habsburgs resulted in the stoppage of work.
Was Philip V, first king of the Bourbon dynasty, who decided to resume the work and tried to make Aranjuez his particular Versailles. Subsequently, this condition would inherit La Granja de San Ildefonso. With Philip V rose a new north tower, completed the west facade and charted the structure that would shape the current palace. Although little served. In 1748, a terrible fire destroyed almost all of his work.
After the fire, Ferdinand VI, son of Philip V, rebuilds the palace. The new project, although he respected the floor of the original building, was due entirely to aesthetic and thought of the 18th century. That is, an ostentatious construction, and refined lines in the exterior, after which a series of sumptuously furnished dependencies were inside. As a tribute to its history, it were included in the main facade the statues of its main promoters: Philip II, Philip V and Philip VI.
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The imposing building that has reached today is mainly due to Charles III in his reforming work for Madrid and his court. The architect was Italian Francesco Sabatini who designed the two wings of the west, laterally limiting the cour d'honneur. At one end of the ensemble was located the chapel, and on the opposite side should built a theater that never came up. Charles III provided the main building of the wings enclosing the courtyard.
The decoration was enriched in 18th and 19th centuries with paintings of various artists. Also appear in the halls hardwood furniture and several collections of tapestries, clocks, lamps and sculptures. These unique pieces still adorn a succession of halls, among which the Salón de Porcelana which was the preferred corner of Carlos III.
Charles III did in Aranjuez one of his favorite abodes. Chosen as spring and summer residence, the Court used to move his residence from Madrid in mid-March and did not return to the capital until October. During this period, the King enjoyed the palace the environment, divided by Jardín del Parterre and Jardín de la Isla gardens, held lavish parties or sailed the channels of Tagus in rich artistically decorated Falúas (golden ships). For leisure of heirs, Charles IV and his wife Maria Luisa of Parma, a small pavilion was built in the gardens, the Casa del Labrador. It is an important example of Neoclassical architecture in Europe.
In 1808, during the stay of the royal family at Aranjuez, Manuel Godoy, favorite of Charles IV, faced the opposition of the heir Ferdinand, he claimed that the Kings were put safe from the impending Napoleonic French invasion (he proposed them to flee to the Americas). When the rumor ran through the streets of the town, an angry crowd led by Ferdinand supporters thronged the doors of the palace, while other groups assaulted the house of Godoy. He was refuged one day in the attic of his home, and was discovered and taken prisoner. But then the Salón del Trono had witnessed the abdication of Charles IV in his son Ferdinand VII.
After the Bourbon restoration in the person of Alfonso XII, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez housed the family of the Dukes of Montpensier. It was in the days before the wedding of the King with the daughter of them (and cousin of Alfonso), Mercedes of Orléans. The groom and bride could hold a phone conversation Madrid-Aranjuez at the wedding eve, and the train, decorated for the occasion, which had a way station to the palace doors, transported, the bride and her entourage to Madrid for the ceremony in 1878.
These would be the last splendours held in the vicinity of Aranjuez. Both Maria Christina of Austria, second wife of the monarch, and his son Alfonso XIII and wife, Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, preferred La Granja de San Ildefonso for the royal vacations. Then in 1931, during the Second Spanish Republic declared the Royal Site Artistic Historical Monument and opened to the public, and in 2001 it was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Description
The palace consists of two floors, the bottom opens to the outside through windows in semicircular arch, while the upper does this through balconies with forging railings. The central body rises to a third floor surmounted by a pediment with the shield of Ferdinand VI. On both sides of the shield two stony inscriptions say, left: Philippus II / Institvit / Philippus V / provexit, while the inscription on the right says: Ferdinandu / VI Pius Felix / Consummavit / An MDCCLII, where indicated the date of 1752 as completion of the works.
On the ledge three statues of kings Philip II, Philip V and Ferdinand VI ordered erected by Ferdinand VI and carved by Pedro Martinengo. Ferdinand VI ordered rise in this central body a forward body as a portico that opens to the outside through five arches on the front and a single arch on each side. A large balcony with stone parapets above the portico designe a large balcony or open terrace to the courtyard. Behind the main body of the palace find an interior courtyard around which the various halls of the palace. The entire set is built in red brick and white stone from Colmenar de Oreja. In both corners can see two small towers finished with domes resting on circular drums. On drums alternate smooth walls, with small windows that illuminate the interior and others with a clock that have certain characteristics.
Gives onto the south exterior facade is a large enclosed square on each side by a two-story building of Renaissance style, were the auxiliary dependences of the palace, warehouse area and servant halls. This square known as Plaza de las Parejas, owes its name to that in this place a equestrian fiesta was executed by the nobility parading in pairs.
The entrance to the Royal Palace is through the portico of the central body that allows access to the interior through a hall which in turn leads to a large central staircase. Made by Giacomo Bonavía at the behest of Ferdiand VI. The fence is of black iron with gold trim and fits within the Rococo trend of the moment. From the ceiling hangs a large chandelier gilt bronze and crystal from La Granja in Empire style.
The lobby is decorated with some sculptures and on the top floor are three marble busts inside of respective alcoves representing Louis XIV of France, his wife Maria Theresa of Spain and their son Louis, Grand Dauphin, busts made in 1683 by French Antoine Coysevox. The presence of three French characters in the palace is explained by the intersection of the Spanish Bourbon family with the French. The French kings were the grandparents of Philip V and the Grand Dauphin his father.
Halls
Salón de Guardias de la Reina
(Hall of Guards of the Queen) It is decorated with three scenes from the life of King Solomon painted by Italian Luca Giordano a map pockets furniture from the time of King Charles IV in olive wood, and clocks from the collection of Charles IV. In almost all halls of the palace is easy to find clocks of all sizes and characteristics, as King Charles IV was fond of clocks and also he build clocks, repaired and collected.
Salón de la Reina Isabel II
(Hall of Queen Isabel II). It is decorated with paintings by Luca Giordano with mythological themes: Jupiter and Leda, Aeolus (god of wind) and Triptolemus. Complete the decoration furniture of Empire style.
Antecámara de Música
(Antechamber of Music), popularly known as Salón del tranvía. This hall is decorated with religious paintings. Hall that was used for the reception of important personalities. Paintings with biblical scenes belonging to the 17th century Italian school and religious paintings by Francesco Solimena, decorate their walls.
Sala de Música de la Reina
(Hall of Music of the Queen) Found inside a piano made in England in olive wood, gift of Empress Eugénie de Montijo for Queen Isabel II. The rest of the furniture is mahogany in Empire style. The lamp hanging from the ceiling is made in 19th century of bronze in neo-Gothic style.
Salón de Billar
Anteoratorio de la Reina
(Ante-oratory of the Queen) Mosaic paintings made in the workshop of hard stones of the Vatican`. It was a gift from Pope Leo XIII to King Alfonso XII on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Christina of Austria.
Oratorio de la Reina
(Oratory of the Queen) has windows to the central courtyard of the palace. Rebuilt in time of King Charles IV by Juan de Villanueva. Decorated with stucco, in its walls are frescoes painted around 1791 by Francisco Bayeu y Subías, Goya's brother-in-law. The subjects represented are: the Adoration of the Magi, Adoration of the Shepherds, the Flight into Egypt, the Visitation and Zechariah and St. Elizabeth with the Virgin Mary. In addition to the pillars that form the mouth of the main altar two evangelists: St. Matthew and St. Luke. In the center of the vault God the Father with a celestial glory of angels. At the top of the dome above the central reredos the dove of the Holy Spirit. The canvas of the Immaculate occupying the central space of the reredos is work by Mariano Salvador Maella.
Salón del Trono
(Throne Room) The recessed dome is decorated with Pompeian style frescoes attributed to Vicente Camarón in 1851 and represent the Monarchy whose symbol, the royal crown, is supported by the figures of Venus and the Industry. To right the Arts and left the Abundance and the Prudence. Around the hall runs a stucco base that simulates marble with green tones (serpentine). In this hall the kings officiated the formal visits. The walls are lined with red velvet fabrics. The furniture is from the period of Isabel II, except the royal chairs that were used by Alfonso XII and his wife and are of Louis XVI style.
Despacho de la Reina
(Office of the Queen) So named for having used Isabel II as an office, as previously apparently it was a bedroom. It has a large number of paintings that decorate its walls, including the Vase by Jan Brueghel. A landscape by Martinez del Mazo, two paintings of small size with view of classical buildings, painted by Francisco Galli Bibiena, and three vases by Arellano are some other of the most interesting paintings of this hall. The vault is frescoed in Pompeian style by Mariano Salvador Maella with scenes from the Passion of Christ. Next to this hall there is a small chapel or private oratory with a painting of the Virgin by Luca Giordano. The lamp hanging from the ceiling is glass of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The furniture in this hall are from the era of Charles IV, built at the Royal Workshop, highlighting in them a fine marquetry work.
Gabinete de Porcelana
(Hall of Porcelain) Commissioned by Charles III, it is work by the Royal Porcelain Factory of the Buen Retiro in Madrid. It is a medium sized hall completely lined its walls and ceilings by plaques of white porcelain and reliefs with Rococo decoration of chinoiserie motifs (garlands of flowers, fruits, monkeys, vases, mandarins, parrots, samurais, birds and dragons). The ceramic plaques are attached to the timber walls by screws. The floor is marble. Eight large mirrors against the walls have a multiplier effect on this decorative madness. Interspersed with the above-described decoration, found human groups in everyday scenes. Of the center of the ceiling arises a lamp taking the form of a palm while a Chinese with a hand fan and a monkey on his shoulders climbs the trunk. The fate of this room was a games room and playground. The ceramic plaques were made between 1760 and 1765 by the artist Giuseppe Gricci.
Dormitorio de la Reina
(Bedroom of the Queen) The dome is decorated with tempera frescoes by Zacarías González Velázquez with allegories of Science, Virtue, Art, Law and Monarchy. The centerpiece is the bed of Isabel II style a gift of the city of Barcelona to Queen Isabel II during her marriage to Francisco de Asís of Bourbon. The consoles are works by French cabinetmaker Daumier's workshop.
Tocador de la Reina
(Boudoir of the Queen) The walls of this room are covered with silk curtains of Valencian factories. The boudoir is of palo santo's wood, with mirror on both sides and a chair with mother of pearl and gold inlaids. The furniture is of Isabel II, while the vault is painted by Vicente Camarón with representations of the four seasons.
Salón de Baile
(Ballroom) Serves as dividing hall between the private rooms of the King and Queen. The current furniture decoration is of Isabel II style of the late-19th century but is unrelated to the original furniture disappeared in a fire in late-19th century.
References
External links
Media related to Royal Palace of Aranjuez at Wikimedia Commons- Real Sitio de Aranjuez
- Jardin del Palacio de Aranjuez - a Gardens Guide review
- Pictures of Royal Palace in Aranjuez
For official site names, see each article or the List of World Heritage Sites in Spain. | ||
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- Palaces in Aranjuez
- Royal residences in Spain
- World Heritage Sites in Spain
- Buildings and structures completed in the 16th century
- Buildings and structures completed in the 18th century
- Renaissance architecture in the Community of Madrid
- Rococo architecture of Spain
- Bien de Interés Cultural landmarks in the Community of Madrid
- Museums in the Community of Madrid
- Art museums and galleries in Spain
- Historic house museums in Spain