Retiro park: secrets and history

We begin our tour at the Puerta de Alcalá to enter the park, heading first to the Casa de las Vacas, a curious building whose original and current uses are completely unrelated. Nearby, we will admire the sculpture dedicated to Cuba, one of the many gifts scattered throughout the park. After walking a few minutes, we’ll encounter the Casita del Pescador, a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Our next stop is just a few meters away, giving us plenty of time to admire the scenery, the stunning variety of flora and fauna that bring the heart of Madrid to life. It’s so impressive that, for a time, some believed magic might be involved... That’s why we’ll visit the sculpture of the Duende del Retiro. Nearby, we’ll inspect the Casas de las Bestias, real cages that once housed the most unexpected creatures. After another short stroll, we’ll arrive at the Palacio de Velázquez, though it’s not named after the famous painter. To the right of this building, we’ll discover the Tesoro de la Tripona, one of the park’s — and the city’s — most intriguing secrets. Just a few steps away, we’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the sculpture dedicated to Alfonso XII.

Before concluding the tour, we must, of course, pay a visit to the devil: the Ángel Caído sculpture. Finally, we’ll end our journey at the crown jewel of the park, the Palacio de Cristal.

We recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to combine their love of art, history, and architecture with a walk through nature. This is an activity brimming with beauty that will transform the way you see this park.