ARANJUEZ

ancient (Latin) Ara Jovis town, Madrid provincia and comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), central Spain, on the southern bank of the Tagus River near its confluence with the Jarama. The town, which has existed since Roman times, was the headquarters of the Knights of Santiago (13871409) and became the seat of a royal summer residence and hunting lodge in the 17th century. It was rebuilt in about 1750 by Ferdinand VI. The royal palace (completed in 1778 after being damaged several times by fire) has a large collection of treasures, and the Casita del Labrador, built by Charles IV, who abdicated at Aranjuez in 1808, recalls the Trianons (chteaux) at Versailles, Fr. Aranjuez is on the main railway from Madrid city (29 miles north) and serves a rich agricultural district in which asparagus and strawberries are especially important and horses are bred. Industries include the manufacture of chemicals, metal products, and textiles, and the preservation of fruits. Pop. (1981) 35,936.