Does anyone know about el Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid, Spain?

Question

I would really appreciate any historical facts or just general information..

Answer 1

The largest park in the center of Madrid, it is known as being the city's "green lung". It has existed formally since the year 1631.The land (originally agricultural land) was ceded by  the Duque de Fernán Nuñez  to el Conde Duque de Olivares, who then proceeded to give it to the king Felipe IV to be transformed into a park for the profit and recreation of the royal family and nobility.. Having suffered several transformations, with buildings being added, and some destroyed during the following centuries. (Especially during the Napoleonic Wars, from 1808 to/in the battle of 1813).

It has kept its final form ever since 1874.

There are many monuments in the park:

1 Puerta de Felipe IV

2 Puerta de España

3 Puerta de la Independencia

4 Puerta de Hernani

5 Puerta de Madrid

6 El Panterre

7 La Rosaleda

8 Estanque de las Campanillas

9 Casita del Pescador

10 Monumento a S.M. el Rey D. Alfonso XII

11 Monumento al General Martínez Campos

12 Monumento a Cuba

13 Fuente de la Alcachofa

14 Fuente de los Galápagos

15 Fuente del Ángel caído

16 Palacio de Cristal

17 Palacio de Velázquez

18 Montaña artificial

19 Casa de Vacas

20 Junta Municipal de Retiro

21 Templete de música

22 Embarcadero

23 Zona deportiva de la Chopera

24 Teatro de títeres

It is definitely one of the loveliest areas of Madrid, well worth a visit, or more!

Answer 2

This 320 acre park is absolutely beautiful. It has a large man-made lake in the middle where you can rent row boats and paddle around for a bit. Lots of fun.