Casita del Infante facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Casita del Infante |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Location | San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Juan de Villanueva |
| Official name: Casita del Infante | |
| Type: | Non-movable |
| Criteria: | Monument |
| Designated: | 1992 |
| Reference #: | RI-51-0007309 |
The Casita del Infante (which means 'Cottage of the Prince' in Spanish) is a historic building in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain. It was built as a special private home for Infante Gabriel of Spain. He was a son of King Charles III of Spain.
This small palace was built in the late 1700s. Back then, it was popular for kings and nobles to have a small "hideaway." These places were used for relaxing and entertaining friends in a less formal way. A famous example of this kind of building is the Petit Trianon at Versailles in France.
History of the Royal Casita
The Casita del Infante was built between 1771 and 1773. It is located close to the famous El Escorial monastery-palace. The building was designed in the Neoclassical style. This style is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It often features grand, balanced designs.
The architect was Juan de Villanueva. He was a very famous architect in Spain. One of his best-known buildings is the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Villanueva also designed the Casita del Príncipe. This was the private home of Gabriel's older brother, Charles, Prince of Asturias.
The two casitas, Casita del Infante and Casita del Príncipe, were built as a pair. The Casita del Infante is also known as Casita de Arriba. This means 'the upper casita,' because of its position compared to the Casita del Príncipe.
Today, Patrimonio Nacional manages the property. This is a government agency that looks after Spain's royal sites. The Casita del Infante is open for people to visit. The gardens around the building were designed in the Italian style. They are still beautiful today, even if they are a bit simpler than they once were. Inside, most of the original decorations are gone. However, one ceiling painting by Vicente Gómez can still be seen. It shows the Four Seasons.
Life at the Casita
The Casita del Infante was an important place for Infante Gabriel and his family. His last two children with his wife, Infanta Mariana Vitória of Portugal, were born there. These were Infanta Maria Carlota and Infante Carlos. Sadly, both children passed away shortly after birth at the Casita.
Infante Gabriel and his wife also passed away at the Casita in 1788. They, along with their son Infante Carlos, were buried at the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. You can see beautiful views of the monastery from the Casita.
See also
In Spanish: Casita del Infante (San Lorenzo de El Escorial) para niños
- Imperial Route of the Community of Madrid
