The Royal Mint is not only an extraordinary building and anexample of industrial architecture that has miraculously made it to our times. It also houses a small jewel – its secluded garden.

Conceived for the pleasure of king Philip II, the garden is located in the western wing of the Segovian mint complex and it continues to be a secret garden of quiet spaces thatpoint to the five senses, in the most typically Renaissance tradition.

Philip II ordered the construction of this garden in order to make the most out of his visits to the Mint. It was and still is a place that invites walks, reflection and integration with Nature. It also invites activities such as fishing, about which the king was a real enthusiast.

Throughout its 500 years of existence, the King’s Garden has suffered several modifications. The Renaissance´s original marks still remain, as do those marks of passing of time, especially during the times of Isabel II.

The King’s Garden was conceived following the model vegetable garden. This is a gardening concept that goes back to the idea of an ancient Persian garden, for which water is an element of vital importance. There is no garden without any water; there are no plants without any water, neither flowers nor insects, nor birds. Without water, there is nothing.

The beauty of this garden is that every tree remains leafy all throughout the summer period. Walking through the garden, you will be able to enjoy the scent of lilo trees and syringatrees in spring or that of quince trees at the beginning of autumn. For sure, on the one hand you will enjoythe sunshine in winter and, on the other hand,

the nice, fresh shade during the summer. All trees in the garden aredeciduous species.

Let yourself relax through these paths and alleys. Observe the balance in the garden’s geometry integrated with the multicolouredsubtlety of every flower and plant. In the lower area of the garden, a tapestry of wild strawberries surrounds the fishing pavilion, also dotted with purple hyacinth. It is right there where –under a maple-white, bright strong celindas grow.

If you now walk towards the central pergola, you will come across the room for Bulgarian roses, where honeysuckle grows too. On the opposite side, the room for box, with species of hundreds of years of age that have become big tress.Lilies and French roses too.By the river, a tree of love on a flowerbed of primulas, chrysanthemums and columbines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going up the pergola, we will find on our left the lime flowerbed, where daffodils also grow. On our right, we will discover the pond terrace with maple, chestnut, hazel and palm trees. Bordering the top terrace, a carpet of lilies.And in the fruit terrace, quince trees.

There used to be a pool that watered the entire garden in the upper area.

Visits to the King’s Garden

The garden can be visited within the Museum’s opening times:

Opening hours and Fees