“With 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green haven in the center of Madrid. Special attention is paid to some of its gardens: the Vivaces Garden, the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens (classicist gardens with an Andalusian feel), the gardens of Architect Herrero Palacios, the restored Montaña de los Gatos (Cat Mountain) , the Rose Garden (a collection of roses), and the French Parterre with the ahuehuete, the oldest tree in Madrid, which is said to be around 400 years old. Since July 25, 2021, it has been recognized, along with the Paseo del Prado, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
It is not only one of the lungs of Madrid, but also offers culture, leisure, and sports to locals and visitors. Among its most important architectural and historical elements are: the Estanque Grande , which offers various activities, such as rowing, a boat, and a solar classroom; and the Municipal Canoeing School, aimed at children and young people between 7 and 17 years old; the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal , both currently used as exhibition halls for the Reina Sofía Museum . The Palacio de Cristal , a Romantic pavilion created to house a display of exotic plants at the 1887 Philippine Exposition, is one of the main examples of iron architecture in Spain.”
“Furthermore, El Retiro is home to notable sculptures and fountains such as the monument to Alfonso XII , designed by architect José Grasés Riera – with a viewing platform from which to enjoy beautiful views of the city – or the reserved area of Fernando VII , located on the corner of O’Donnell and Menéndez Pelayo streets. The latter includes the Casa del Pescador, the recently reopened – after two decades closed – Montaña de los Gatos and the Casa del Contrabandista (which now houses Florida Park , a modern multi-space dedicated to leisure and hospitality that for years housed a nightclub), which give it a romantic air.”
“Other highlights include the statue of El Ángel Caído , the only sculpture in the world representing the devil; the restored and operational water wheel located in the Huerta del Francés; the Galapagos Fountain , which commemorates the birth of Isabel II; the surprising Hermitage of San Pelayo and San Isidoro ; the Bosque del Recuerdo , in tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in Madrid on March 11, 2004; and the Puppet Theater , a unique theater in Europe with a regular program every weekend.”
Reference: Esmadrid.com
/___________________/QM\____________________\
..Beautiful park with many natural and healthy ways to entertain yourself. The fountains and statues are amazing, and the phot exhibit was excellent..
/___________________/QM\____________________\
Sights seen today:
Rose Garden: Las Rosadela (Cecilio Rodriguez)
##QuantumMinister #DivinityDoctor #QM000
#iAMToledo #BookDetective #IAMYOU
Dr. Anthony J. TOLEDO
Doctor of Divinity
Spiritual Alchemy Foundation of Enlightenment Inc.