You’ve probably strolled through its gardens many times, but do you really know the history of El Parque del Retiro? Right in the heart of Madrid lies this green haven, more than 400 years old. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, El Parque del Retiro will win you over with its monuments and rich history.
At Hammam Al Ándalus, we share with you the origin and evolution of the largest park in the city of Madrid.
Origins of El Parque del Retiro
El Parque del Retiro and the Jardines del Buen Retiro were created by Felipe IV in the 17th century. At the time, it was a royal recreational estate for the kings of the Casa de Austria. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, new features were added to the park. It was during the reign of Fernando VII that iconic locations began to appear, such as the Casa de Fieras, the Real Embarcadero, and the Casita del Pescador.
However, during the Guerra de la Independencia, the park suffered serious damage and demolitions, which led to the current layout of El Retiro.
In 1868, El Parque del Retiro became municipal property so that the people of Madrid could enjoy it. In 1935, it was declared a Jardín Histórico Artístico. During the 19th and 20th centuries, El Parque del Retiro became a venue for major exhibitions, particularly in the Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velázquez.
Since its beginnings, water has been a fundamental element in the park’s beauty, forming the basic structure of its gardens. The sculptures scattered throughout the park turn El Retiro into a true open-air museum. Its green spaces reflect the various historical periods that have influenced the park’s design.
Among many reasons, the Jardines del Buen Retiro have become one of the capital’s top attractions due to their historical value, landscape beauty, and as a space for leisure and social gatherings in the open air.
Monuments and Activities in El Parque del Retiro
Walking through El Parque del Retiro is more than enjoying a pleasant path and unique landscape — it’s also a way to explore the history of the city and these emblematic gardens in depth. Some monuments you can’t miss include:
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Casa de Vacas: In the past, this well-known building was a real dairy and milk shop. During the 20th century, it became a dance hall. In 1981, after a major fire, it was transformed into the current Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas.
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Casita del Pescador: This distinctive house was commissioned by Fernando VII as part of a special, private garden.
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Estanque de las Campanillas: Its name comes from a wooden tower that disappeared four centuries ago.
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Estatua del Ángel Caído: One of the park’s most iconic monuments, and for a long time, the only statue of Lucifer in the city.
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La Rosaleda: In 1914, Cecilio Rodríguez created this stunning landscape design as the city’s head gardener.
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Monumento a Alfonso XII: Designed by architect José Grasés Riera, this structure stands next to the park’s lake and features a column crowned by the king on horseback.
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Monumento a Jacinto Benavente: Sculpted by Victorio Macho in memory of the renowned playwright.
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Palacio de Cristal: One of Madrid’s most emblematic sites. Originally built as a greenhouse for exotic plants, today it serves as a multipurpose cultural space.
Are you ready to discover the past and present of El Parque del Retiro?
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