Madrid - Parque del Retiro 
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.
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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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In the time of Philip II the royal residence known as the Real Sitio del Buen Retiro (Pleasant Retreat) adjoined the Monastery of San Jerónimo. Both lay outside the town, which was concentrated round the Alcázar. All that now remains of the Real Sitio is the building occupied by the Museo del Ejército, the Casón and the Retiro Park.
In 1632 the Conde-Duque de Olivares, Philip IV's powerful favorite, presented the keys of the park to his master, and thereafter it became world-famous at the scene of splendid Court festivals, with bullfights, mock naval battles, fireworks, balls and dramatic performances.
In the 18th C. certain areas in the park, which had hitherto been closed to the people of Madrid, were thrown open to the public; and in 1869 the whole park became the property of the city.
In 1632 the Conde-Duque de Olivares, Philip IV's powerful favorite, presented the keys of the park to his master, and thereafter it became world-famous at the scene of splendid Court festivals, with bullfights, mock naval battles, fireworks, balls and dramatic performances.
In the 18th C. certain areas in the park, which had hitherto been closed to the people of Madrid, were thrown open to the public; and in 1869 the whole park became the property of the city.
Things to See
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 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.
Monument to Alvarez Quintero
The naturalistic monument commemorating the Álvarez Quintero brothers (1934) is 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 for the Salón del Prado; and a fountain (by Victorio Macho, 1926) in honor of the scientist Ramón y Cajal.
