{"id":11830,"date":"2023-01-04T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T08:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puertadehierro.hammamalandalus.com\/historia-parque-del-retiro\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T14:28:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T13:28:38","slug":"the-history-of-el-parque-del-retiro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puertadehierro.hammamalandalus.com\/en\/the-history-of-el-parque-del-retiro\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of El Parque del Retiro"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’ve probably strolled through its gardens many times, but do you really know the history of El Parque del Retiro<\/strong>? Right in the heart of Madrid lies this green haven, more than 400 years old. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, El Parque del Retiro<\/strong> will win you over with its monuments and rich history.
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At Hammam Al \u00c1ndalus<\/strong>, we share with you the origin and evolution of the largest park in the city of Madrid.<\/p>\n

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Origins of El Parque del Retiro<\/strong><\/h3>\n

El Parque del Retiro<\/strong> and the Jardines del Buen Retiro<\/strong> were created by Felipe IV<\/strong> in the 17th century. At the time, it was a royal recreational estate for the kings of the Casa de Austria<\/strong>. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, new features were added to the park. It was during the reign of Fernando VII<\/strong> that iconic locations began to appear, such as the Casa de Fieras<\/strong>, the Real Embarcadero<\/strong>, and the Casita del Pescador<\/strong>.
However, during the Guerra de la Independencia<\/strong>, the park suffered serious damage and demolitions, which led to the current layout of El Retiro<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In 1868<\/strong>, El Parque del Retiro<\/strong> became municipal property so that the people of Madrid could enjoy it. In 1935<\/strong>, it was declared a Jard\u00edn Hist\u00f3rico Art\u00edstico<\/strong>. During the 19th and 20th centuries, El Parque del Retiro<\/strong> became a venue for major exhibitions, particularly in the Palacio de Cristal<\/strong> and the Palacio de Vel\u00e1zquez<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Since its beginnings, water has been a fundamental element<\/strong> in the park\u2019s beauty, forming the basic structure of its gardens. The sculptures scattered throughout the park turn El Retiro<\/strong> into a true open-air museum. Its green spaces reflect the various historical periods that have influenced the park\u2019s design.
Among many reasons, the Jardines del Buen Retiro<\/strong> have become one of the capital\u2019s top attractions due to their historical value<\/strong>, landscape beauty<\/strong>, and as a space for leisure and social gatherings<\/strong> in the open air.<\/p>\n

Monuments and Activities in El Parque del Retiro<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Walking through El Parque del Retiro<\/strong> is more than enjoying a pleasant path and unique landscape \u2014 it\u2019s also a way to explore the history of the city and these emblematic gardens in depth. Some monuments you can’t miss include:<\/p>\n