Casa de Campo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park is approximately five times the size of New York's Central Park.

2. 2

   During the Spanish Civil War, the front line passed through the park, leaving behind preserved bunkers and trenches.

3. 3

   It originally served as a private forest reserve for King Philip II after he moved the capital to Madrid in 1561.

4. 4

   The park contains the Cerro de Garabitas, which at 720 meters is one of the highest points in the area.

5. 5

   In 2010, the park was declared a 'Bien de Interés Cultural' (Property of Cultural Interest) by the Madrid regional government.

Overview

Casa de Campo is Madrid's largest public park, spanning over 1,700 hectares on the city's western edge. Formerly a royal hunting ground for the Spanish monarchy, it was opened to the public in 1931. The park features an artificial lake used for rowing and recreational boating. A network of walking and cycling paths connects the forested areas, streams, and meadows. It houses the Parque de Atracciones amusement park and the Madrid Zoo Aquarium within its boundaries. The Teleférico de Madrid cable car offers aerial views of the park landscape from a neighboring sector. Vegetation is primarily Mediterranean, featuring Holm oak, stone pine, and shrubland. The topography varies significantly, including areas of steep terrain and open flatlands. It functions as the city's primary green lung and a major recreational hub for local residents.

Insider tips

• Bring a bicycle to cover more ground, as the park is vast and walking to all areas is time-intensive.

• Carry sufficient water, as shade can be sparse in the open meadow sections during peak summer months.

• Stick to marked trails to avoid getting disoriented in the denser, unmarked wooded sectors.