Photos

Photographer’s Note

In the heart of Madrid, we find this 130-hectare park acting as an authentic lung to the city. The origins of the Retiro are due to the frivolities of Felipe IV. He adored the courtly balls and parties and so he chose this place in order to build a recreation residence: El Real Sitio del Buen Retiro.

The War of Independence meant the almost total destruction of this Royal Site and the only places which survived were the park, the Ball Room and the Kingdoms Room. The Retiro was used exclusively by the nobility up to the times of Charles III who, though in a very restricted way, began to allow the entrance to the people of Madrid.

Finally, during the 1st Republic it was ordered that the park was of public use.

Among other attractions the gardens houses some 15000 trees, a working observatory, three exhibition halls, including which the Palacio de Cristal a building entirely built of glass (shown in the picture).

Kenny10pin, anakin, carper, MiguelP, paulspain, maphoto, Cos, billvaneck trouve(nt) cette note utile

Photo Information
Viewed: 2713
Points: 18
Discussions
Additional Photos by JESUS VALENCIANO (JesusV) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 131 W: 19 N: 182] (922)
View More Pictures
explore TREKEARTH