Aranjuez, city in central Spain, in the province of Madrid. Noted for its royal palace and park, Aranjuez lies in a fertile plain, 45 km (28 mi) south of the capital city of Madrid, on the left bank of the Tajo (Tagus) River. Aranjuez was once a favored springtime residence for the Spanish royal family and is now a popular resort for Madrid residents. The city was developed on a gridiron pattern, with straight and spacious streets. Its location on the main Madrid-Alicante and Madrid-Andalucía railroad lines has contributed to the area's industrial development.
The city's principal monument is the royal palace, which was begun in the late 14th century by the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. Queen Isabella of Castile (called “the Catholic”) favored the castle, and during the reign of Spanish King Philip II it was enlarged and made a royal residence. Badly damaged by fire in 1660, 1665, and 1748, the castle was rebuilt and refurbished, with new wings being added during the reign of King Charles III. After the reign of King Charles IV, who ordered additions built to the palace, the building and grounds fell into neglect. The castle's extensive gardens occupy both banks of the Tajo River and the island of Isla. Population (1998 estimate) 38,680.
