Beginner’s Guide To Spain : Madrid’s Famous Parque del Buen Retiro
The Retiro Park, located in Madrid, is one of Spain’s grandest attractions. 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.
It used to be the location of a royal palace, and has held numerous historically and culturally significant buildings before and since its public opening in 1868. Unfortunately, some buildings were destroyed, or left largely in ruins by the Napoleonic wars, but the ones remaining are certainly worth visiting.
The Palacio de Cristal, once a beautiful glass atrium that housed many exotic plants, and the Palacio de Velquez, now showcasing a beautiful display of art for visitors are two must see places found within the park. Then there’s the Casn, home to some famous paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the Ejrcito, one of Spain’s most prominent military museums.
But the crown jewel of Retiro Park is a lake by the northern entrance, named the Estanque del Retiro. 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. Local vendors dot the shore, renting boats to visitors who wish to take more intimate look at the lake’s beauty.
Another must see is the rose garden of Rosaleda, a place revered by locals and frequented by visitors and also within walking distance of the stunning Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and the many excellent eateries along Serrano Street.
There is a wide range of Spanish cuisine for you to enjoy in the various outdoor cafes found within the park. There’s also entertainment in the form of street musicians, dancers, fortune tellers and jugglers, performing among the people who are out to take a leisurely stroll.
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