The gardens were designed to mimic the English romantic style, intentionally contrasting with the rigid geometry of the nearby Sabatini Gardens.
The Fountain of the Tritons originally stood in the Aranjuez gardens before being moved to this site in the 19th century.
The park remains one of the few green spaces in Madrid where the forest-like canopy provides significant temperature reduction compared to the city center.
The grounds contain the Carriage Museum, which houses a collection of royal coaches and carriages.
The name commemorates the 12th-century siege of Madrid, when Muslim forces camped in this exact valley.
Because it lacks the high foot traffic of nearby parks, it serves as a significant nesting ground for various urban bird species.
Campo del Moro is a 20-hectare English-style landscape garden located at the foot of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Unlike the city's other formal parks, it prioritizes a naturalistic aesthetic with winding paths and wide lawn areas. The garden was historically named for the encampment of the Almoravid leader Ali ibn Yusuf during the failed siege of Madrid in 1109. King Philip II first established the grounds, but the current layout dates primarily to the 19th century under the direction of architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer. Its topography slopes downward from the palace toward the Manzanares River valley, providing a distinct vantage point of the palace's western facade. The park features two notable fountains: the Fountain of the Tritons and the Shell Fountain. It houses a variety of mature trees including cedar, magnolia, and chestnut species. Wildlife such as peacocks, ducks, and various wild birds are permanent residents of the grounds. The area is managed by Patrimonio Nacional and serves as a green buffer between the urban center and the river.
The lower pathways looking upward toward the west facade of the Royal Palace.
Enter through the Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto entrance to walk uphill toward the palace for the best views.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the descent from the palace level involves significant slopes.
Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the peacocks that roam freely near the lower fountains.
Do not attempt to access the palace directly from the gardens; exit and walk toward the main palace entrance to avoid unnecessary detours.
Closed on Mondays. May occasionally close for state protocol events or adverse weather conditions.
Maintain quiet tones, stay on designated paths to protect the landscape, and do not feed the resident peacocks.
