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.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Royal Palace

Prado Museum

Queen Sofia Art Centre

Plaza Mayor

Art Gallery

Real Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

National Archeological Museum

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.