Real Sitio de San Ildefonso Facts for Kids

"San Ildefonso" redirects here. For other uses, see San Ildefonso (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids

San Ildefonso

Real Sitio de San Ildefonso

Iglesia de los Dolores

Flag	Coat of arms

San Ildefonso

Location in Castile and León

San Ildefonso

Location in Spain

Country

Spain

Autonomous community

Castile and León

Province

Segovia

Comarca

Ciudad y Tierra de Segovia

Area

• Total

144.81 km² (55.91 sq mi)

Elevation

1,193 m (3,914 ft)

Population

(2018)

• Total

5,267

• Density

36.372/km² (94.203/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Granjeños

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

40100

San Ildefonso, also known as La Granja or La Granja de San Ildefonso, is a town and municipality in central Spain. It is located in the Province of Segovia, which is part of the Castile and León region.

The town is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. It is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Segovia and 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Madrid.

History of San Ildefonso
- The Royal Palace of La Granja
- Important Events and Treaties
=Images for kids
See also

History of San Ildefonso

The Royal Palace of La Granja

The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often just called "La Granja," is a famous royal palace and its beautiful gardens. It was built next to the town between 1721 and 1724. King Philip V ordered its construction.

The palace was designed in the Spanish Baroque and French Baroque styles. It was inspired by the grand Palace of Versailles in France. Versailles was built by Philip V's grandfather, Louis XIV of France. Because of its similar design, La Granja is sometimes called the "Versailles of Spain."

The palace is surrounded by huge gardens. These gardens are designed in the Jardin à la française style, which is known for its neat, geometric patterns. Beyond these formal gardens, there are also English landscape style gardens and woodlands.

For about 200 years, La Granja was the main summer palace for the Spanish royal family. They used it until 1931, when the Second Spanish Republic was formed.

Today, La Granja and its town are popular places for tourists to visit. The royal site is managed by the Patrimonio Nacional of Spain. This organization takes care of many of the Crown's lands and palaces. Visitors can see paintings, portraits, and a museum filled with Flemish tapestries.

Important Events and Treaties

La Granja palace has been the site of important historical events. Three major international treaties between Spain and either France or Portugal are named after San Ildefonso. These agreements were negotiated and signed at La Granja palace between 1777 and 1800.

One notable event happened on August 12, 1836. At La Granja palace, some Liberal leaders convinced Queen Christina to sign a special order. This order brought back the Constitution of 1812, which was an important document for Spain.