aventuro
Photo: Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Carlos Ramón Bonilla…, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: pictures Jettcom, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Concepcion AMAT ORTA…, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Concepcion AMAT ORTA…, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Concepcion AMAT ORTA…, CC BY 3.0
El Retiro Park, Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Photos
Photo: Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Carlos Ramón Bonilla…, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: pictures Jettcom, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Concepcion AMAT ORTA…, CC BY 3.0
Interesting facts
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The park contains the only public statue in the world dedicated to Lucifer, located at the Fountain of the Fallen Angel.
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The ahuehuete tree in the Parterre Garden is considered the oldest tree in Madrid, dating back to 1633.
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The Palacio de Cristal was originally constructed as a greenhouse to showcase exotic plants from the Philippines during an 1887 exhibition.
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The park is officially part of the 'Landscape of Light,' a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the Paseo del Prado.
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During the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, the park was heavily damaged and used as a strategic site by French troops.
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The park's layout features a mix of French-style formal gardens and more naturalistic, English-style landscape designs.
Overview
El Retiro Park is a 125-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site that originated as a royal retreat for Philip IV in the 17th century. The park features the Estanque Grande, a large artificial lake used for rowing, and the Palacio de Cristal, a glass and iron conservatory built in 1887. The landscape includes the Parterre Garden, home to the oldest tree in Madrid, an ahuehuete planted around 1633. The park houses the Casón del Buen Retiro, a former ballroom that now functions as a study center for the Prado Museum. Scattered throughout the grounds are numerous monuments, including the Monument to Alfonso XII and the controversial Fountain of the Fallen Angel. It serves as one of Madrid's primary green lungs, featuring extensive rose gardens and gravel walkways. The park attained its current status as a public recreational space in the late 19th century.
Photo spot
The interior reflection of the Palacio de Cristal when the sunlight hits the glass structure.
Insider tips
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Enter through the Puerta de Alcalá for the most impressive initial view of the central landscape.
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Rent a rowboat on the Estanque Grande to see the Monument to Alfonso XII from the water.
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Explore the outskirts of the park to find quieter, less-trafficked pathways away from the main lake area.
What to avoid
Avoid the central pathways near the lake during Sunday afternoons as they become extremely crowded with local residents.
Good to know
The park remains open daily, though specific interior areas like the Palacio de Cristal may close temporarily for art installations or maintenance.
Etiquette
Maintain silence near the Casón del Buen Retiro; adhere to posted signage regarding bicycle and scooter zones.
Video
Plan your visit
- Shade & rest areas
- Extensive tree-lined avenues and designated lawn zones throughout the park.
- Key vegetation
- Historic ahuehuete tree and specialized rose gardens.
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at El Retiro Park?
Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Early spring or late autumn to avoid the intense heat of the Madrid summer..
What's the best photo spot?
The interior reflection of the Palacio de Cristal when the sunlight hits the glass structure.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Museo Nacional del Prado, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcalá.
