Royal Palace of Aranjuez: Difference between revisions

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
UNESCO World Heritage Site
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
Spanish Cultural Heritage
Official name	Palacio Real de Aranjuez
Type	Non-movable
Criteria	Monument
Designated	1931
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. Also died here Maria Antonia of Naples first wife (1806), Maria Isabel of Portugal second wife (1818), and Maria Josepha Amalia of Saxony third wife (1828) 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.

The wings enclosing the courtyard were added in 18th century.

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

File:Main entrance, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

Main entrance

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.

Las parejas reales (an equestrian fiesta held outside the palace) by Luis Paret y Alcázar in 1770. Currently in Museo del Prado.

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.

File:Access staircase, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

Access staircase, presided over by an equestrian portrait of Alfonso XIII child.

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 Ferdinand 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

File:Comedor real, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

Luca Giordano paintings in 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.

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

File:Oratorio de la Reina, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

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

File:Salón del trono, Royal Palace of Aranjuez2.jpg

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 Martínez 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

File:Salón de Porcelana, Royal Palace of Aranjuez2.jpg

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

File:Alcoba, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

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.

Comedor de gala

(Gala dining) it was conversation hall in times of Ferdinand VI, Charles III used it as a dining room. This gala dining, as the palace has several, has a vaulted ceiling painted around 1750 by Jacopo Amigoni during the reign of Ferdinand VI with a very complicated moralizing symbology. Thus see the figure of Time as old as some women around him and try to cut his wings so he do not flee. Truth as matron who discover angels while Wisdom pays homage. The Monarchy with its attributes and virtues (Justice, Religion, Bountiful, Bounty, Peace as an angel with an olive branch, Faith and Charity as a woman protecting children). It can also find a series of grisaille representing parts of the world where the Monarchy had possessions.

Occasionally it was also used as a ballroom. The floor is very good quality stucco and Rococo style, work by Carlos Antonio Bernasconi, representing military attributes, sheet music and musical instruments.

Dormitorio del Rey

(Bedroom of the King) The wooden bed is mahogany with bronze applications in Empire style. The vault was frescoed by Jacopo Amigoni and Bartolomé Rusca highlighting in them allegories of Peace, Justice and Abundance made by Bartolomé Rusca. On the bed the canvas of christ Cristo en la Cruz by Anton Raphael Mengs of 1761. Also a canvas of 1825 the Madonna and Child by José de Madrazo Agudo. This room adjoins a small hall has installed a toilet.

Salón de espejos

(Hall of mirrors). So called Salón de espejos for being its walls decorated completely with mirrors from the factory of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The hall was used as a dressing of King Charles IV. The ceiling is frescoed in Pompeian style by Juan de Mata Duque around 1803.

Salón árabe

File:Sala de mocárabes, Royal Palace of Aranjuez.jpg

Salón árabe

(Moorish hall) Hall made for Queen Isabel II between 1847 and 1851, decorated with a Moorish fantasy (neo-Nasrid) based in mozarabs, similar to what find in the Sala de Dos Hermanas of the Alhambra in Granada. Work by Rafael Contreras Muñoz, is along with the Gabinete de Porcelana the two most admired sights of the palace. Its furniture consists of a porcelain central table and a bronze and crystal lamp. It was used as a smoking room mainly for men. The decoration of the walls is made of brightly colored plasterwork. Consort King Francis of Assisi de Bourbon born in this palace, husband of Isabel II, he whom Valle-Inclán nicknamed "Paquito natillas que es de pasta flora ,y mea en cuclillas como una señora" (Custard Franciscy is flower pasta, and piss in squat like a lady) and it was true he suffered of hypospadias, a malformation of the urethra which had no outlet in the glans, but in the trunk of the penis, and this prevented him from urinating standing. Beside there was a popular rumor that he was homosexual, being routinely mocked for the people and many artists.

Despacho del Rey

(Office of the King) Vault with frescoes of Pompeian style by Juan de Mata Duque with allegories of the Liberal Arts. Wooden of olive desk decorated with bronze and marble. The furniture is of Empire style is made by Jacob Desmalter cabinetmaker of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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