Royal Botanical Garden

The Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid is a historical and scientific institution of great importance, located in the heart of the city, near the Prado Museum. Founded in 1755 by order of Ferdinand VI, it was transferred to its current location in 1774 by the will of Charles III. The architect Francesco Sabatini, known for his work on numerous royal buildings, was commissioned to design the garden in its new location. The garden covers an area of about eight hectares and houses more than 5,000 species of plants from around the world. It is organized into three main terraces, each with a different arrangement and variety of plants, representing an excellent example of an 18th-century botanical garden. The first terrace, the lowest, hosts collections of medicinal and ornamental plants. The second terrace is dedicated to trees, shrubs, and roses, while the third terrace, the highest, features greenhouses and exotic plants. One of the most fascinating elements of the garden is the Pabellón Villanueva, a pavilion designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva in 1781. This neoclassical building has been used as a space for exhibitions and educational activities and represents a significant example of architecture from the period. Other important structures include the greenhouses, such as the Estufa de Graells, which houses tropical and subtropical plants, offering visitors a unique experience of biodiversity. From a historical perspective, the garden has experienced numerous changes and challenges. During the Spanish War of Independence, the garden was used as a military camp by French troops, suffering significant damage. Throughout the 19th century, the garden continued to evolve, with the introduction of new plants and the construction of new structures. However, it was in the 20th century that the garden underwent a fundamental transformation, with major restoration and modernization works. An interesting anecdote concerns the botanist Mariano Lagasca, who was the director of the garden in the early 19th century. Lagasca was a pioneer in plant classification and significantly contributed to the growth of the garden’s collection. However, due to his liberal ideas, he was exiled during the Bourbon restoration, only returning after the death of Ferdinand VII.