Madrid - Parque del Retiro

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Parque del Retiro Description

Amid the rush and bustle of the city, enclosed by the Calles Alfonso XII, Alcalá and Menéndez Pelayo with their heavy traffic, the Parque del Retiro is an oasis of peace.

From the main entrance in the Plaza de Independencia the visitor soon comes to the pool in the center of the park, which has an area of 120 hectares (300 acres). From here paths lead to the beautiful Rosaleda (rose garden), the geometrically patterned French style Jardín de Don Cecilio, the Crystal Palace with its fountain or to one of the open air cafes where the people of Madrid like to take their aperitif - in the sun or in the shade according to the season.

In the time of Philip II the royal residence known as the Real Sitio del Buen Retiro

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Hobbies & Activities category: Garden or botanic display; Provincial or municipal park

Parque del Retiro Highlights

Crystal Palace

The Palacio de Cristal was built in 1887 for the Philippines Exhibition. It has recently been restored.

Monument to Alfonso XII

The ornate monument in honor of Alfonso XII is to be found beside the Parque del Retiro pool (1901).

Monument to Alvarez Quintero

The naturalistic monument commemorating the Álvarez Quintero brothers (1934) is found in the Parque del Retiro.

Monument to General Martinez Campos

The equestrian statue of General Martínez Campos (1907) is to be found in the Parque del Retiro.

Monument to Ruperto Chapi

The Art Nouveau statue of the composer Ruperto Chapi (1921) is to be found in the Parque del Retiro.

Observatory

The observatory was built in 1790 to plans by Juan de Villanueva at the highest point in the Parque del Retiro.

Palacio de Velazquez

The Palacio de Velázquez, a glass-roofed building in Neo-Renaissance style, was erected in 1887 for the Colonial Exhibition held in that year. It has recently been completely restored and brought into line with modern exhibition techniques.

Parque del Retiro Fountains

The park contains a series of fountains: "Los Galápagos" ("The Turtles", 1830); "El Ángel Caído" ("The Fallen Angel"; 1878); "La Alcachofa" ("The Artichoke", 1776), created by Ventura Rodriàguez

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Address

Parque del Retiro
Plaza de Independencia / Calle Alfonso XII
E-28001 Madrid
Spain

Disabled

Full facilities for persons with disabilities.

Transit

Metro: Retiro; Bus: 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 51, 52, 74, N1, N2, N3.

Do-It-Yourself Tours

Attractions Near Parque del Retiro, Madrid