El Retiro Park (Madrid)
El Retiro Park is an imposing public park and historic garden with an area of almost 120 hectares. It is considered a tourist and heritage jewel of Madrid due to its splendid landscaping and beautiful architectural figures, ranging from the 17th century to the 21st century.
The construction of this legendary park dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Philip II, when this enormous park was laid out as part of the monarch's private area. Later, in 1767, Charles III authorized free entry for his subjects to enjoy the park recreationally. In 1868, it came under the control of the Madrid City Council.
At the end of the 19th century, the park was subjected to a significant renovation to repair the damage caused by the war against the Napoleonic forces between 1808 and 1814. Thus, its original appearance was modified, but the original layout of the 17th century was preserved.
Its name stems from the fact that, administratively, the park belongs to the Retiro district, which is delimited by O'Donnell, Alcalá, Esteban Villegas and Alfonso XIII streets and Menéndez Pelayo Avenue.
Like many other monumental parks, Retiro Park has an abundant collection of artistic monuments. Among them are the Crystal Palace, the Monument to Alfonso IV and the Hermitage of Saint Pelagius and Saint Isidore.
The construction of this legendary park dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Philip II, when this enormous park was laid out as part of the monarch's private area. Later, in 1767, Charles III authorized free entry for his subjects to enjoy the park recreationally. In 1868, it came under the control of the Madrid City Council.
At the end of the 19th century, the park was subjected to a significant renovation to repair the damage caused by the war against the Napoleonic forces between 1808 and 1814. Thus, its original appearance was modified, but the original layout of the 17th century was preserved.
Its name stems from the fact that, administratively, the park belongs to the Retiro district, which is delimited by O'Donnell, Alcalá, Esteban Villegas and Alfonso XIII streets and Menéndez Pelayo Avenue.
Like many other monumental parks, Retiro Park has an abundant collection of artistic monuments. Among them are the Crystal Palace, the Monument to Alfonso IV and the Hermitage of Saint Pelagius and Saint Isidore.
Location
Civil Buildings in Madrid
Religious Buildings in Madrid
Museums in Madrid
