Gardens at La Granja de San Ildefonso.

They were created in 1720 by Philip V, the first Spanish monarch from the Bourbon dynasty. Having known the great French gardens where he spent his childhood and early youth, the king probably wished to emulate them in this outstanding setting near Segovia. This is an exceptional French-style garden, richly adorned with statues, urns and benches, and particularly famous for its water features, including cascades and fountains with magnificent waterspouts and statuary, and spectacular displays. The most outstanding fountains include the Fama, with an extremely high jet of water, the Baroque fountains at the Baths of Diana, the Latona, the Fan, with its particularly fine spouts, the magnificent Horse Race fountain or the imposing cascade opposite the palace façade. Also worth a visit is the recently-restored maze.