HISTORY
The Gardens of El Buen Retiro were created in the XVII century by order of Felipe IV as a leisure estate for the kings and queens of the House of Austria. During the reigns of the House of Bourbon, in the XVII and XIX centuries, the Royal Place and is surroundings were enriched with additional structures. Projects undertaken during the regin of Fernando VII include the re-forestation of the Park, and the construction of the Casa de Fieras (the Royal Zoo), the Royal Jetty and the Jardin de los Caprichos, the king's private garden, from which remain the Artificial Mountain and the Casita del Pescador (Fisherman's Cotage). Successive demolitions carried out on the grounds and the serious damages suffered be the Park during the Independence War, when it was used by the French soldiers as a fortress and quarters, together with pressure from the city's urban expasion during the XIX century shaped its current appearance. In 1868 the Park became property of the City of Madrid and was opened to the citizens for their enjoyment. At the and of the XIX century and beginning of the XX century. El Retiro was used as a venue for various International Exhibitions. The Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Valazquez are two of the emblematic buildings which remain fron that time. The Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens were also incorporated into the Park, and new uses were given to old buildings. Modern architecture spread across tha Park over the last decades of the XX century. The ChoperaSports Center and the new kiosks are example of this new style of architecture. Currently plans are in course to completely rehabilitate the Park's landscape, monuments and natural heritage.
The Gardens of El Buen Retiro were created in the XVII century by order of Felipe IV as a leisure estate for the kings and queens of the House of Austria. During the reigns of the House of Bourbon, in the XVII and XIX centuries, the Royal Place and is surroundings were enriched with additional structures. Projects undertaken during the regin of Fernando VII include the re-forestation of the Park, and the construction of the Casa de Fieras (the Royal Zoo), the Royal Jetty and the Jardin de los Caprichos, the king's private garden, from which remain the Artificial Mountain and the Casita del Pescador (Fisherman's Cotage). Successive demolitions carried out on the grounds and the serious damages suffered be the Park during the Independence War, when it was used by the French soldiers as a fortress and quarters, together with pressure from the city's urban expasion during the XIX century shaped its current appearance. In 1868 the Park became property of the City of Madrid and was opened to the citizens for their enjoyment. At the and of the XIX century and beginning of the XX century. El Retiro was used as a venue for various International Exhibitions. The Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Valazquez are two of the emblematic buildings which remain fron that time. The Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens were also incorporated into the Park, and new uses were given to old buildings. Modern architecture spread across tha Park over the last decades of the XX century. The ChoperaSports Center and the new kiosks are example of this new style of architecture. Currently plans are in course to completely rehabilitate the Park's landscape, monuments and natural heritage.
NATURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
E Retiro Park constitutes one of the lungs that make up the rich natural heritage of Madrid. It is the main green area in the city centre, as mach because of its 118 hectares as for its rich vegetation. There is a well marked botanical path, starting at the entrance to the Park by la Plaza de la Independencia (Indepedence Square). A two hour stroll along this path allows visitirs to identifi 54 species of trees and plants. Due ti their rareness, some tree specimens are worth a special mention. The famous Bald Cypress or Ahuehuete (Taxodium mucrunatum), located in the Parterre Gardens is possibly the oldest tree in the Park and quite possibly the oldest in Madrid. Records indicate that the Bald Cypress was planted in 1633. Equally impressive is the magnificent Aleppo Pine (Pinus haleppensis Miller) located near La Rosaleda (The Rose Gardens).
Water has always been a key element in El Retiro, including from the Park's irigins. The Estanque Grande (the Great Lake) streams, ponds and fountains were part of the garden's basic structure. Nowadays, water is the natural habitat of numerous species of aquatic birds. In addition, in some of the quieter wooded areas of the park, visitors can observe blackbirds, greenfinches, blue tits great titmouses and other insect-eating birds.
El Retiro Park was originally located outside the city walls. However, with the growth of Madrid, thr Park now finds itself in the urban heart of the city. Overuse and vety aggressive environmental pressures now threaten this fragile and historical park.
The Madrid City Council is currently applying the concept of sustainable managment to the Park. In the past, occasional steps were taken to safeguard tha Park's natural habitat and resources, including banning traffic and closing the grounds at night. Actually the Park Managment Plan attemps to regulate reasonable and environmentally sound use of the Gardens of El Buen Retiro.
Water has always been a key element in El Retiro, including from the Park's irigins. The Estanque Grande (the Great Lake) streams, ponds and fountains were part of the garden's basic structure. Nowadays, water is the natural habitat of numerous species of aquatic birds. In addition, in some of the quieter wooded areas of the park, visitors can observe blackbirds, greenfinches, blue tits great titmouses and other insect-eating birds.
El Retiro Park was originally located outside the city walls. However, with the growth of Madrid, thr Park now finds itself in the urban heart of the city. Overuse and vety aggressive environmental pressures now threaten this fragile and historical park.
The Madrid City Council is currently applying the concept of sustainable managment to the Park. In the past, occasional steps were taken to safeguard tha Park's natural habitat and resources, including banning traffic and closing the grounds at night. Actually the Park Managment Plan attemps to regulate reasonable and environmentally sound use of the Gardens of El Buen Retiro.
ART AND CULTURE
All the renovations in El Retiro Park from the XVIII century onwards have left visible traces of the different periods and fashion trends in which they were carried out. The result is a diverse and harmonious landscape.
The majestic character of El Retiro Park is enhanced by the numerous statues of kings, statesmen, sholars and scientists as well as the alelegoric and mythological sculptures that can be spotted in every corner. Specifically commissioned for these Gardens by the most prominent Spanish sculptors of the XX century - Benlliure, Belver, Estany, Macho and Coullaut Valera, among other - these sculptures make the Park a genuine open air museum. Outstanding pieces are the Fuente del Angel Caido, considered as the only monument in the world dedicated to the Devil, the magnificent sculptural group of Monument to Alfonso XII and the equestrian statue of General Martinez Campos. The Park's perimeter fence and its acces gates, dating back to 1870,are also of significant monumental value.
The Park's location in the city centre and its traditional leisere activities - rowing, boats, puppet theatre, open air concerts, kiosks, artists - make it an inviting meeting place for both people from Madrid and visitors. At weekends or on bank holidays, oen air events and spontaneous activities blend with nature and art in the gardens to make the Park a very attractive spot for strolling around and enjoying the entertaiment.
The majestic character of El Retiro Park is enhanced by the numerous statues of kings, statesmen, sholars and scientists as well as the alelegoric and mythological sculptures that can be spotted in every corner. Specifically commissioned for these Gardens by the most prominent Spanish sculptors of the XX century - Benlliure, Belver, Estany, Macho and Coullaut Valera, among other - these sculptures make the Park a genuine open air museum. Outstanding pieces are the Fuente del Angel Caido, considered as the only monument in the world dedicated to the Devil, the magnificent sculptural group of Monument to Alfonso XII and the equestrian statue of General Martinez Campos. The Park's perimeter fence and its acces gates, dating back to 1870,are also of significant monumental value.
The Park's location in the city centre and its traditional leisere activities - rowing, boats, puppet theatre, open air concerts, kiosks, artists - make it an inviting meeting place for both people from Madrid and visitors. At weekends or on bank holidays, oen air events and spontaneous activities blend with nature and art in the gardens to make the Park a very attractive spot for strolling around and enjoying the entertaiment.
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