Hotel Europa

Parque del Retiro, un pulmón en medio de Madrid

By | 27 September, 2017 | 0 comments

Parque del Retiro, por Ernesto Blanco

Located in the heart of Madrid, Retiro Park occupies almost 300 acres, housing around 20,000 trees, including 167 different species. This led to its designation as a “Historic Garden” and a Bien de interés cultural (Heritage of Cultural Interest). Although, above all, it has become the real lung of Spain’s capital. However, Retiro Park is not just nature, there are also many things to see and activities to take part in.

What to see and do in Retiro Park

If you are visiting Madrid with kids, the park is a perfect place to take them. You can see puppet and marionette shows and live music. In addition, they’ll have a great time if you decide to rent a boat and paddle around the park’s magnificent pond. The pond is one of the park’s most spectacular monuments, although there are many more such as the:

1) Gates: in fact, even the entrances to the Madrid park are beautiful. Of the gates that provide access to the park, those of particular note include: the Puerta de Felipe IV, a creation of Melchor de Bueras; the Puerta de Independencia, the finishing touches of which include sculptures by Valeriano Salvatierra, and the Puerta de España, designed by José Urioste y Velada.

2) Buildings: some of the more remarkable buildings include the Palacio de Cristal, built to be a greenhouse for tropical plants; the Palacio de Velázquez, an example of 19th century steel architecture and — like the Palacio de Cristal — designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, and the Real Observatorio Astronómico, created by Juan de Villanueva and an example of the spirit of the Enlightenment.

3) Landscapes: because it is a natural space, the Retiro Park is bursting with spectacular gardens such as the parterre garden and the rose garden; fountains such as the Fuente de Alcachofa, created by the master Ventura Rodríguez, and the Fuente de los Galápagos, designed by Mariátegui. And promenades including the Paseo de Fernán Núñez and the famous Paseo de las Estatuas.

Without a doubt, Retiro Park is a must see for everyone who is not a native of Madrid.

Image (CC): Ernesto Blanco

Categories: Ocio en Madrid

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