Madrid’s Parque del Buen Retiro spans 291 acres of winding paths, fountains, lakes, statues, playgrounds, and monuments. It isn’t the biggest park in Madrid, but I find it the most interesting.
After five days exploring Retiro, I realized how much there is to discover. I’ll share some photos and the most interesting history I found, starting with a few fun facts.
What is the History of Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid?
Parque del Buen Retiro started in the 16th and 17th centuries as the private gardens and palace grounds of the Spanish monarchy. It was expanded by Philip IV and his minister, the Count-Duke of Olivares.
Most of the original Buen Retiro Palace was later destroyed, so today only the Casón del Buen Retiro and the Hall of Realms remain. After the 1868 revolution, the park opened to the public. In 2021, it became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Paseo del Prado. [1]
3 Fascinating Facts About Parque del Buen Retiro
1. Retiro Was Originally a Royal Pleasure Palace—Not a Public Park
Many visitors don’t know that Retiro started as the private leisure grounds of the Spanish monarchy. In the 1630s, Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, built a grand palace complex for King Philip IV, with gardens, theaters, and lavish entertainment spaces.
Today, only two buildings from that time remain: the Casón del Buen Retiro, which was once a ballroom, and the Hall of Realms. Both are reminders of a palace that was once as grand as any royal residence in Europe.
This royal exclusivity lasted until 1868, when the Glorious Revolution removed Queen Isabella II and the park opened to everyone. Turning a royal retreat into a public park remains one of Europe’s most remarkable transformations. [2]
2. The Park Was Designed by the Same Engineer Who Shaped Florence’s Boboli Gardens
Retiro’s early landscaping was created by Cosimo Lotti, an Italian engineer and stage designer who previously worked on the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
This connection explains why Retiro feels so dramatic, with its long straight paths, eye-catching water features, and spaces for big events. In the 1600s, the park hosted plays, mock naval battles on the lake, and royal festivals, which were Spain’s answer to Versailles-style entertainment.
3. El Parque del Buen Retiro Is Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2021, Retiro, together with the Paseo del Prado, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and scientific significance.
This honor highlights the park’s unique mix of:
- Royal history
- Enlightenment‑era urban planning
- Architectural landmarks like the Crystal Palace and the Monument to Alfonso XII
- Botanical diversity, including the Rosaleda rose garden and centuries‑old trees
This status also protects Retiro as a historic garden and helps make sure it’s preserved for future generations.
What Are the Best Things to See in Retiro Park?
At first, this might look like a sculpture, but it’s really a playground for kids eight and older. You’ll find it near the Puerta de Madrid, one of the park’s northeast entrances.
Fountain of the Little Triton
At the north side of the park, near the entrance at Calle de Alcala is the Fuente del Pequeño Tritón.
The Artificial Mountain
In the northeast corner of the park, Montaña Artificial is a man-made mountain built by Fernando VII.
This is the entrance to the Artificial Mountain.
The building has since been turned into an exhibition hall. I will need to explore this corner more and take more pictures next time I’m there.
I’ll add more to this post! Come back to see other fascinating and beautiful sites in El Parque del Buen Retiro.
Puerta de Madrid
A monument guarding Puerta de Madrid, an entrance to the northeast corner of Parque Retiro. As I find the names of these gates, monuments, and statues, I’m tracking them.
Other goods.
Cuesta de Moyano
A lovely carousel! Just south of Prado Museum and east of my favorite park, Parque Retiro, is Cuesta de Moyano!
Cuesta means hill. Along this rather steep hill running from Paseo del Prado up to Parque Retiro is a market. It’s mostly books. There is also jewelry, clothes, and–big surprise–a bar! It is a lovely place! A little hidden. I walked past it and rode busses past it dozens of times without knowing it was there. Before stumbling across it after a walk in Retiro one day.
The Trees of Parque del Buen Retiro
A lovely tree in Madrid’s Parque Retiro.
More Fantastic Places to See In Spain
El Escorial was a fun trip!
References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_del_Buen_Retiro,_Madrid