Touted as one of the foremost attractions of Madrid is Retiro Park (in Spanish it is Parque del Buen Retiro). When you aren't strolling through the winding walkways dotted with beautiful sculptures, or relaxing in the quiet beauty of the lake, there are many exciting festivals and events to experience.
Prior to 1868 it was a solely a royal palace that housed many culturally significant and historical buildings. Unfortunately, some buildings were destroyed, or left largely in ruins by the Napoleonic wars, but the ones remaining are certainly worth visiting.
Popular sites within the park include the Palacio de Cristal, a glass structure originally used to house exotic plants, and the Palacio de Velzquez, a former industrial exhibition house now mainly used to display art. Other famous structures include a glorious military museum by the name of the Ejercito, and another one by the name of Casn, now home to various 19 and 20th century arts.
The centerpiece is a large lake, the Estanque del Retiro, found near the north entrance. Not surprisingly summer is one of the more popular times for the park when entire families can be found taking in the beautiful surroundings along the perimeter of the lake. For those wishing for a little activity, you can rent a boat from one of the local vendors there and row around it.
The Rosaleda rose garden is another of the park's beautiful features, one frequently enjoyed by tourists and natives alike, and nearby are the equally delightful Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and the outstanding restaurants on Serrano Street.
There are many outdoor cafes in and around the park for you to sample a range of Spanish cuisine. As you stroll alongside the many locals who frequent the park, you are likely to run into a great number of entertainers not limited to jugglers, dancers, and fortune tellers that are happy to showcase their talents for anyone who stops to watch.
Prior to 1868 it was a solely a royal palace that housed many culturally significant and historical buildings. Unfortunately, some buildings were destroyed, or left largely in ruins by the Napoleonic wars, but the ones remaining are certainly worth visiting.
Popular sites within the park include the Palacio de Cristal, a glass structure originally used to house exotic plants, and the Palacio de Velzquez, a former industrial exhibition house now mainly used to display art. Other famous structures include a glorious military museum by the name of the Ejercito, and another one by the name of Casn, now home to various 19 and 20th century arts.
The centerpiece is a large lake, the Estanque del Retiro, found near the north entrance. Not surprisingly summer is one of the more popular times for the park when entire families can be found taking in the beautiful surroundings along the perimeter of the lake. For those wishing for a little activity, you can rent a boat from one of the local vendors there and row around it.
The Rosaleda rose garden is another of the park's beautiful features, one frequently enjoyed by tourists and natives alike, and nearby are the equally delightful Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and the outstanding restaurants on Serrano Street.
There are many outdoor cafes in and around the park for you to sample a range of Spanish cuisine. As you stroll alongside the many locals who frequent the park, you are likely to run into a great number of entertainers not limited to jugglers, dancers, and fortune tellers that are happy to showcase their talents for anyone who stops to watch.
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