Madrid, Spain

Retiro Park, Madrid

This is one of the best tourist attraction in Madrid. The full name of this park expressed as El Parque del Buen Retiro, but usually shortened to El Retiro. Park is driven in a huge area which approximately 350 acers. It was belonged to Spanish Monarchy until 19 centuries, but later, it was turned in to a public park. after given the title of public park this place became host place of lot of international exhibitions.

The incredible beauty of this place has been enhanced by the man-made pond which is very famous for paddle boat ridings. Originally this place was a royal ‘hangout’ which used to play concerts. This park consists with lot of monuments and building which has a unique architecture. Among them Alfonso XII monument which symbols the city of Madrid, is an amazing architectural construction. This statue of Alfonso XII is on the top of the monument which is featuring a semi-circular colonnade and an equestrian statue of the monarch, was located near the pond at the north entrance of the park.

The other famous statue is the fallen Angel which was located among the many of rose bushes in Rosaleda rose garden. This statue was erected in 1922 with the sculpture of fallen angel which represent the fallen of Lucifer from heaven.

Today the buildings call the Buen Retiro Palace, Casón del Buen Retiro and the Salon de Reinos has turned in to museums. In the Casón we can see a collection of painting which represent 19 and 20 centuries including the art works of Joaquín Sorolla.

The crystal palace which was inspired by the Crystal palace in London is an extraordinary building in the garden. In early periods, it was built with a pond in 1887 and used to display flower species.

I went with bunch of friends and I had a quality time with them. according to my opinion this is nice place to have rest or picnic after having a ride in the Madrid city centre. It was unbelievable for me to imagine that this kind of beautiful park with lot of trees and flowers could be in a busy city like Madrid. I recommend you go this place and the special advantage is you do not have to buy tickets to enter to this place. It is free for people.