Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, also called La Granja, is a town whose most important monument is the palace and park complex, which is one of the official residences of the kings of Spain.
Until the beginning of the 18th century, San Ildefonso was a village belonging to the Order of St. Jerome. The monks had their farm here, which was bought by King Philip V, the first Bourbon on the Spanish throne, and allocated it for the construction of his summer residence. A palace was created surrounded by gardens, inspired by Versailles, the seat of the kings of France.
The heart of the entire complex is the Royal Palace in La Granja de San Ildefonso. it is a late baroque building with wonderfully decorated interiors, illustrating the splendor and splendor of the Spanish court at the beginning of the 18th century. It is surrounded by the Gardens of the Royal Palace in la Granja, modeled on Versailles. There are numerous ponds, fountains and open-air sculptures, as well as a plant maze and plenty of places for leisurely walks in a wonderful natural setting. In front of the entrance to the gardens, there is a representative Plaza España with a greenery and buildings from the 18th century.
An interesting attraction in the Real Sitio de San Ildefonso is the Royal Crystal Factory in La Granja. Founded in 1770 by Charles III, it was one of the most important art glass factories in this part of Europe. Today, you can see not only antique glassware, but also take part in crystal production shows.
