San Ildefonso - Palace

The whole complex of fountains makes an impressive display. They are turned on only at Easter and on May 30th, July 25th and August 25th.

The beautiful gardens below the main front of the palace, reached by way of the magnificent Grand Cascade, were designed by the French landscape architects Etienne Boutelou and René Carlier. Framed in old trees, the gardens are filled with an extraordinary profusion and variety of fountains and sculpture, mostly the work of René Fremin and Jean Fermy. Round almost every corner visitors will encounter another lively allegorical group.

Displayed in several rooms throughout the palace are tapestries of the Royal Collection as assembled primarily by Philip V.

Notable works include "The Honors" and the "Apocalypse" series, by Pierre van Aelst.