Audio Guide of the Prince's Cottage

The cottage is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter and until 7:00 p.m. in summer, and closed on Mondays. Access is exclusively by guided tour in small groups, so I recommend checking the official opening hours on the National Heritage website before you go.

The standard ticket costs around €5, but there are reduced rates for students and visitors over 65. Citizens of the EU and Ibero-America can enter free on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, with prior booking on the ticket sales website.

The guided interior tour lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes, as it is a small residence. However, I suggest allowing at least 45 minutes in total so you can also enjoy the exterior gardens and the approach walk at a relaxed pace.

Built in the 18th century by Juan de Villanueva for the then Prince of Asturias, the future Charles IV, it is a jewel of the neoclassical style. It was designed as a pleasure pavilion to enjoy privacy, away from the court protocol of the Monastery.

Spring is ideal for seeing the gardens at their most splendid. As for timing, try to book the first slot in the morning to avoid crowds and secure a place, as capacity is very limited.

Access to the gardens is possible, but the interior of the residence has historic architectural barriers, such as stairs and narrow spaces, that make wheelchair access difficult. It is recommended to contact National Heritage to ask about specific assistance.

You are just a short walk from the imposing Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It is also worth visiting the Infante's Cottage and Philip II's Chair for some of the best views in the area.

Buy your ticket online in advance, as guided tours sell out quickly. Also, arrive with enough time to walk from the town or the Monastery along the tree-lined promenade, and remember that photography is usually not allowed inside.