Saturday, February 11, 2012

Learn About Spain : Visit Retiro Park

September 7, 2009 by  
Filed under Travel Tips



Retiro Park (or Parque del Buen Retiro) in Madrid is is regarded as one of Madrid’s premier attractions. Beautiful promenades and pathways wind through it, there is a quiet lake, stunning memorials and sculptures as well as numerous festivities and fun happenings.

The buildings within the park, once part of a royal palace, hold deep cultural roots for the locals and have been cherished as a historical playground since the park’s 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, a glass structure that was originally used to house a variety of exotic plants, and the Palacio de Velzquez, which once held exhibitions for various industries but is now used primarily to display art exhibits, are popular sites within the park grounds. 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.

There are many fantastic places to explore, but the heart of the park lies within Estanque del Retiro, the large lake at the northern entrance. It’s quite busy, especially during the summer, with families and couples enjoying the scenery and relaxing near the water. For those looking for something a little more exciting, there are boats available for rent which you can use to row around the lake.

Another beautiful feature of the park is the Rosaleda rose garden, enjoyed by both tourists and natives, as well as the nearby Cecilia Rodriguez gardens and Serrano Street’s outstanding restaurants.

There are lots of outdoor cafes in and near the park where you can taste a variety of Spanish cuisine. It’s also a place of entertainment and you’ll likely see street musicians and dancers, jugglers and fortune tellers alongside the ordinary citizens who are simply out for a walk.

Brought To You By : Spanish Phrases

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