Sabatini Garden

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The gardens are named after Francesco Sabatini, the Italian architect who designed the original royal stables that once occupied this specific land.

2. 2

   The site was formerly part of the Campo del Moro palace grounds before being converted into stables.

3. 3

   Construction of the gardens was delayed by the Spanish Civil War and only resumed and completed in the late 1970s.

4. 4

   The statues placed throughout the gardens were originally commissioned for the cornice of the Royal Palace but were deemed too heavy for the roof and moved to the park instead.

5. 5

   The layout uses a distinct Neo-Baroque influence combined with Mediterranean landscape design principles.

Overview

The Sabatini Gardens are a neoclassical formal garden located on the site of the former royal stables commissioned by King Felipe V. Designed in the 1930s by architect Fernando García Mercadal, the gardens feature a symmetrical geometric layout characterized by clipped hedges, fountains, and marble statues. The design incorporates the slope between the Royal Palace and the Cuesta de San Vicente. During the summer months, the gardens host the Veranos de la Villa festival, featuring open-air concerts and theatrical performances. The site serves as a public park managed by the Madrid City Council. Its elevated position provides an unobstructed view of the northern facade of the Royal Palace. The gardens were opened to the public in 1978 by King Juan Carlos I.

Insider tips

• Visit during sunset for ideal natural lighting on the stone walls of the Royal Palace.

• Check the local municipal culture calendar online to see if any summer festival events are scheduled for your visit dates.

• The pathways can be steep; wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the terraced levels.