The garden was modeled after the Bagatelle Rose Garden in Paris.
Cecilio Rodríguez, the head gardener of the Retiro at the time, was also responsible for the nearby Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens.
The garden contains a specific collection of species roses that bloom primarily in the late spring.
The layout uses a concentric design, which is typical of early 20th-century landscape gardening in Madrid.
The garden hosts an annual competition for new rose varieties.
La Rosaleda is a historic rose garden located within the Buen Retiro Park, designed in 1915 by Cecilio Rodríguez. The garden features over 4,000 rose bushes representing a wide variety of species. It is enclosed by a formal, neoclassical-style layout centered around a large fountain. The garden is flanked by pergolas and arbors that support climbing roses. It is currently maintained as a quiet botanical sanctuary within the larger city park. The roses are curated to provide a sequence of blooms throughout the warmer months.
The center of the garden facing the central fountain with the rose beds in the foreground.
Visit during the peak blooming season in May and June for the most vibrant visual display.
Combine this visit with a walk through the nearby Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez.
Wear comfortable shoes as the garden features gravel paths that can be uneven.
Do not expect the roses to be in full bloom during late summer or autumn, as the peak is localized to the spring season.
The garden is accessible during standard park hours, but public entry may be restricted during extreme weather or maintenance periods.
Stay on the designated gravel paths; do not touch or pick the flowers.
