Retiro Park, located in the centre of the city in the immediate vicinity of Plaza de Alcalá and the Prado Museum, is one of the most beautiful and in the central part of the city in close proximity to Plaza de Alcalá and the Prado Museum, is one of the most beautiful and popular in Madrid. This beautiful park, spread over 350 acres and is decorated with sculptures, monuments, alleys, ponds and fountains. is rightly considered one of the main attractions of the capital.
Until 1505, St Jerome's monastery was located on the site of the park. В 1561 In 1561, under King Philip II, the Spanish royal court moved to Madrid, and on the orders of Philip II, under the direction of the architects of St Jerome's Monastery. Under the direction of architect Jean Baptiste de Toledo, the Retiro Park was rebuilt and expanded. Retiro was rebuilt and expanded. During the reign of Philip IV. became a favourite holiday destination for the royal family. It was at this time that the park got its present name, because Retiro means "good seclusion". "good seclusion". In 1868, the park was taken over by the city council. of the municipality, and the people of the city were allowed to walk here. Since then. Retiro Park has become Madrid's favourite place to walk and relax.
In the park, on the shore of a large picturesque lake, there is a magnificent equestrian statue of King Alfonso. equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII, surrounded by a semicircular colonnade. The The Crystal Palace and the Palace of Velázquez are located in the park, in the pavilions of which exhibitions are often organised. in the pavilions of which exhibitions are often organised.
Retiro Park is always full of visitors. The bright green of the lawns favours relaxation, high crowns of trees give the desired coolness in the hot summer days, smooth paths attract roller skaters and cyclists. bicycles.
