Parque del Retiro, A verdant oasis of leisure in Madrid's heart

Independence Square, 7

One of the favorite city parks among locals

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Introduction

Retiro Park, located in the heart of Madrid, is a vast park covering 118 hectares of land with nearly 15,000 trees and two artificial lakes. It is considered the "lungs" of the city. The park was built in 1630 as a retreat for the king outside of the city. It gradually developed into an area that includes the Teatro Real, the Royal Ballet School, and the Palacio de Cristal. After several renovations and changes in rulers, King Carlos III opened part of the park to the public for recreational purposes. The park includes many attractions such as the Paseo de las Estatuas (Statue Walk), the Puerta de España (Spain Gate), the Rose Garden, the Monument to King Alfonso XII, and the Palacio de Cristal. The Statue Walk features statues of former kings, while the Spain Gate, built during the same period, is part of Gran Via. The Rose Garden is a unique garden that features a variety of rose species imported from various parts of Europe, although most were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, leaving only 4,000 bushes. The Monument to King Alfonso XII, erected in 1922, is located next to the largest artificial lake in the park and is the largest memorial in the park. The Palacio de Cristal, built in 1887, is one of the most beautiful sights in the park, along with the lake in front of it. It is now primarily used for modern art exhibitions. The lakes are home to various species of birds and reptiles. Retiro Park not only attracts many tourists, but it is also a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind.