Parque del Retiro

With 125 acres and more than 15,000 trees, Retiro Park is a green oasis in the center of Madrid. Special attention should be paid to some of its gardens: Perennial Garden, the gardens of Cecilio Rodriguez (classical Andalusian gardens), the gardens of Herrero Palacios the Architect, the Rosaleda (collection of roses) and the French Parterre with Bald Cypress, Madrid's oldest tree, it is said that to be about 400 years old. It is not only one of the lungs of Madrid, but offers also culture, leisure and sport for locals and visitors. Among his most important architectural and historical elements are: the Great Pond where you can go rowing, Palacio de Velázquez and The Crystal Palace, both currently used as showrooms. The Crystal Palace, a romantic pavilion created to accommodate a sample of exotic plants in the Philippines Exhibition 1887, is one of the leading examples of iron architecture in Spain. In addition, the Retiro houses important sculptures such as: the monument to Alfonso XII, a project by the architect José Grases Riera or the retreat ofFernando VII, located on the corner of O'Donnell and Menendez Pelayo streets. The latter includes the Casa del Pescador, the Artificial Mountain and Smuggler's House (now the village hall of Florida Park), giving it a romantic air. Other highlights are the statue of the Fallen Angel; only sculpture in the world representing the Devil and the fountain of the Galapagos, which commemorates the birth of Isabel II.

Retiro

• Plaza de la Independencia, 7
• (34) 91 530 00 41
• Hours: Spring and summer (April to September): 6:00 - 24:00 .Autumn and winter (October to March): 6:00 to 22:00 h. Free admission.