Country house

The Casa de Campo in Madrid, with its over 1,700 hectares of extension, represents the largest public park in the city and one of its most important green lungs. Originally conceived as a royal hunting estate, the park is located west of the city center, extending from the immediate vicinity of the Royal Palace to the outskirts of the city itself. The history of Casa de Campo begins in the 16th century, when King Philip II decided to move the court to Madrid and purchased the property from the Vargas family. Over time, the park expanded, incorporating surrounding lands and becoming a place of leisure and rest for the Spanish nobility. During the reign of Ferdinand VI, Casa de Campo was declared a Royal Forest, and Charles III introduced reforms that transformed part of the park into areas for agriculture and livestock. With the advent of the Second Spanish Republic, the property was transferred to the City of Madrid in 1931 and opened to the public. However, the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) deeply marked the park, which was the scene of fighting and bombings, leaving visible traces of trenches and bunkers to this day. Throughout the 20th century, Casa de Campo underwent numerous reforestation interventions and the development of recreational and cultural facilities, becoming one of the most beloved places by the people of Madrid. The park now houses the Parque de Atracciones, one of the largest amusement parks in Spain, and the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, which boasts over 500 species of animals. The recently renovated artificial lake is another popular attraction, ideal for walks, boat trips, and dinners with views of Madrid’s skyline. The park’s flora is varied, with a predominance of centuries-old oaks and pines, accompanied by non-native species such as cypresses, poplars, and chestnuts. The fauna includes over 140 species of birds, 21 mammals, 14 reptiles, and numerous amphibians and fish. Common birds include sparrows, finches, and owls, while mammals such as rabbits and squirrels can be spotted. From a historical perspective, the park houses buildings and structures of great value, such as the Vargas Palace and the Puente de la Culebra, built in 1782 by Francesco Sabatini. Other historical remains include 19th-century railway bridges, historic fountains, and gardens surrounding the palace. These elements testify to the long and complex history of Casa de Campo, which has seen periods of splendor and neglect. Casa de Campo is easily accessible thanks to its connection to Madrid’s public transport system. The Teleférico, a cable car that connects the park to Parque del Oeste, offers spectacular views of the city and the park itself. Several metro lines, such as lines 5 and 10, stop near the main entrances of the park, making it easily accessible from any part of the city.