Retiro Park

The Parque del Buen Retiro, commonly known as El Retiro, is one of the most famous and beloved green spaces in Madrid. With a history dating back to the 17th century, this 118-hectare park has witnessed significant historical events and has offered a refuge of peace and beauty in the heart of the Spanish capital. The park was created in 1630 by the count-duke of Olivares, a favorite of King Philip IV, who wanted to create a place of leisure and retreat for the royal family. Initially part of the Palacio del Buen Retiro complex, the garden was a natural extension of the royal residence, designed to offer a serene and rejuvenating environment away from the city chaos. The architects and landscapers involved in the project, such as Alonso Carbonel and Giovanni Battista Crescenzi, created an intricately designed layout that combined aesthetics and functionality. Over the centuries, the park has undergone several transformations. During the Spanish War of Independence, the area suffered severe damage due to the French occupation. Later, in the late 19th century, the park was opened to the public, becoming a symbol of accessibility and a common heritage for the citizens of Madrid. One of the most iconic elements of El Retiro is the large artificial lake, the Estanque Grande del Retiro, where visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy a picturesque view. At the center of the lake stands the majestic Monument to Alfonso XII, a monumental work created in 1922 that includes a semicircular colonnade and an equestrian statue of the king. The Palacio de Cristal, another gem of the park, was built in 1887 to house an exhibition of exotic flora from the Philippines. Designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, the iron and glass palace is a sublime example of late 19th-century architecture and now hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Its transparent and lightweight structure blends perfectly with the surrounding natural environment, creating a magical and timeless atmosphere. In addition to these architectural wonders, El Retiro boasts a variety of gardens and green areas. The Parterre Francés, a formal garden with symmetrical flowerbeds and a vast collection of roses, is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll. The Rosaleda, the park’s rose garden, offers a spectacular display of roses during the blooming season. The Ángel Caído, a statue dedicated to Lucifer, is another peculiar point of interest in the park. The statue, said to be the only public sculpture in the world representing the devil, is located on a fountain and depicts an angel fallen from heaven, inspiring curiosity and fascination. Since 2021, the Parque del Retiro is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, “Landscape of Light,” along with the Paseo del Prado and the Barrio de los Jerónimos. This recognition highlights the historical, cultural, and artistic importance of the park, celebrating it as a shared heritage of humanity.