Labourer's House Aranjuez
The name is deceiving: far from being a farmhouse, the Labourer's House is a neoclassical palace of breathtaking luxury, the private whim of Charles IV hidden away in the Prince's Garden. Few interiors in Spain match its level of decorative splendour.
History
Towards the end of the 18th century, Charles IV commissioned this "retreat" in a corner of the Prince's Garden. What began as a small pavilion was gradually transformed, by architects including Isidro González Velázquez, into a U-shaped palace decorated regardless of expense: Lyon silks, gilded bronzes, marbles, clocks and paintings. It was the place where the royal family relaxed away from the formal etiquette of the main palace.
What to see inside
- The Platinum Cabinet, one of the most astonishing rooms, decorated with platinum, gold and bronze.
- The Gallery of Statues, with classical sculptures.
- Rooms filled with silks, clocks and furniture of the highest quality.
- The queen's dressing room, a small jewel of refinement.
Tickets, price and hours
| Entry | ~6 € (separate from the palace) |
|---|---|
| Location | Inside the Prince's Garden (gardens free) |
| Visit | Usually guided with limited capacity |
| Management | Patrimonio Nacional |
| Important | It suffered damage during Storm Filomena and underwent restoration; confirm opening times and hours before your visit. |
Combine it with the Prince's Garden
It sits inside the largest garden in Aranjuez; make the most of it with a guided tour and don't miss a thing.
See Prince's Garden tour →