This magnificent palace lies 11 kilometers from Segovia in the little town of San Ildefonso, nestled in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The town is a popular weekend retreat for the people of Madrid because of its gorgeous natural setting.
In the early 18th century, Philip V chose San Ildefonso as the site for his palace modeled on Louis XIV's Château de Versailles. Built between 1721 and 1739, the palace beautifully imitates the Baroque style of the famous French palace.
Visitors can see the Throne Room and other apartments decorated with superb Flemish, French, and Spanish tapestries. The palace has an exquisite church that contains a red marble tomb of Philip V and his wife Isabella Farnese. Surrounding the palace are extensive formal French gardens with beautiful fountains.
