Buen Retiro Park: History, Must-See Landmarks and Life Around Madrid’s Great Garden

Pexels mtolentino23 12848827%20(1) - Translation missing: en.helpers.application.image_tag.default_alt

Why El Retiro Park is Unique

El Parque del Buen Retiro — or simply El Retiro — is Madrid’s great historic green lung and a cultural landscape where nature, art, and urban life come together. Its 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees make it the favourite walk for locals and visitors alike: running, rowing on the lake, attending exhibitions, reading in the shade, or discovering corners filled with centuries of history.

From Royal Gardens to a Public Park

El Retiro was created in the 17th century as part of the Royal Site of Buen Retiro, promoted under King Philip IV by the Count-Duke of Olivares. After the palace disappeared in the 19th century, the area was transformed into a public park. Since 25 July 2021, El Retiro and Paseo del Prado form the “Landscape of Light,” a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What to See in El Retiro (Essentials)

Great Lake & Monument to Alfonso XII — the park’s iconic water mirror with rentable rowing boats and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madrid.
Crystal Palace — an 1887 iron-and-glass pavilion, now a Reina Sofía Museum exhibition space.
Velázquez Palace — another Reina Sofía exhibition site in the heart of the park.
Statue Walk — a boulevard lined with sculptures of Spanish kings originally intended for the Royal Palace surroundings.
Florida Park & Fernando VII Reserve — a romantic area restored with historic buildings.

Gardens and Special Corners

La Rosaleda (Rose Garden) — a classic rose garden perfect for slow strolling.

Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens — classical design with peacocks, ponds, hedges and pergolas.

French Parterre & the Ahuehuete — home to one of Madrid’s oldest trees.

Forest of Remembrance — a memorial of 192 trees honouring the victims of 11 March 2004.

Art, Fountains & Curiosities

The Fallen Angel — said to be the only public sculpture dedicated to Lucifer.

Turtles Fountain — one of the park’s most photographed fountains.

Old Zoo & Monkey Pit — remains of the former historic zoo.

The waterwheel, the Hermitage of San Pelayo and San Isidoro, and the Puppet Theatre — the only one in Europe with a permanent programme — complete the visit.

Outdoor Life: Sports, Leisure & Events

El Retiro is all about activity: shaded running routes, skating, yoga, cycling, rowing, spring’s Book Fair, San Isidro fireworks, kiosks, terraces, and cultural venues like Casa de Vacas, the Eugenio Trías Library, or the La Chopera Sports Centre.

Visitor Tips

Best time: weekday mornings for silence; sunset for golden light on the lake and Crystal Palace.
Easy routes: Puerta de Alcalá – Lake – Parterre, or Velázquez Palace – Crystal Palace – Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens.
With children: many playgrounds + weekend puppet shows.
Metro: Retiro (L2), Ibiza (L9), Atocha (L1), Príncipe de Vergara (L2/L9), Velázquez (L4).

Living Near El Retiro: Prime Quality of Life

Living in Jerónimos–Retiro means stepping outside your home and having museums, schools, restaurants, local shops and 125 hectares of nature just a few minutes away. Homes with garden views, penthouses with terraces, representative buildings with concierge, garage and storage rooms are the most sought-after for daily comfort and long-term value.

BARNES Madrid

If you are considering buying or renting a luxury property near El Retiro — Jerónimos, Ibiza, Niño Jesús or Recoletos — BARNES Madrid provides a tailored search with on/off-market opportunities, street-by-street valuations and a safe negotiation strategy. Visit us at Velázquez 15 (Barrio de Salamanca).