Retiro, Madrid

The Parque Del Buen Retiro is perhaps the bets known park of Madrid. It occupies a sprawling area of 120 ha in the heart of the city. The Retiro traces its origins to the gardens of the Buen Retiro, which was inaugurated to the public by a decree issued by the First Spanish Republic in 1868. The Retiro, Madrid includes the Rosaleda or the rose garden and a boating lake around which there is always a variety of shows and street theater during the weekends. The Parque Del Buen Retiro translates into Park of the Pleasant Retreat. It was named by the king of Madrid. This 350 acre park in the heart of the city, near the Prado Museum, is surrounded on all sides by the city.

The Retiro, Madrid was the site of a royal palace. It was built in 1632 under Philip IV. Most of it was destroyed in the Napoleonic wars. The space that was left was thrown open to the public in 1868. The remaining buildings were used as museum houses. Within the Retiro, one finds the Estanque Del Retiro, a large artificial lake. Beside it, lie the mausoleum of Alfonso XII that features a semicircular arcade and a figurine of Alfonso on horseback on a tall pedestal.

Puppet shows are enjoyed greatly by children. They take place beside the pedestal of Alfonso. There are also street performers and fortune tellers here. You can also take boat rides or hire rowing boats in the Parque Del Buen Retiro, Madrid. You can come here for a relaxed summer noon. The Retiro houses the Palacio de Cristal, a glass pavilion that was inspired by The Crystal Palace in London. The Palacio de Cristal was built in 1887 by Ricardo Velazquez Bosco. The El Angel Caido here is the only statue in the world that honors Lucifer, the Fallen One. The Retiro, Madrid also hosts an annual book fair.