Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
84. Retiro Park, Madrid
Built in the 17th Century as a royal retreat beyond the city limits, this park's name “Parque
del Buen Retiro” means “Park of the Good Retreat.” 250 years after its founding, it was
opened to the general public, giving everyone access to its 320 acres.
The park is no longer in the Madrid outskirts, but rather just east of the city center, near the
Prado Museum making it the most popular park in the capital. Here, you will find crowds of
locals, especially on the weekends.
The park contains some interesting monuments, such as the romantic crystal palace, built at
the verge of a pond, the
Alfonso XII monument
,
with its majestic columns, and the “
Fallen
Angel” statue
,
perhaps the only statue in Europe depicting Satan.
Other spots include the rose garden and its famous lake, where visitors can rent a row
boat. Visit during peak hours and enjoy the street musicians, fortunetellers, and performers
throughout the park. The main entrance is at the
Alaca Gate, near Plaza de la Independencia
.
Image Credit: The Monument to Alfonso XII and the lake. Image by
Tizianok
.
When It's Free
