Buen Retiro
Buen Retiro Park is an excellent park in Madrid, which is located within the city. It occupies 120 hectares of land in the very center of the Spanish capital and is a real attraction. Translated, the name of the park sounds like "good solitude." Even during the reign of Philip II, it was on this territory that there were buildings within the walls of which religious services were held.
We know from history that the wonderful Buen Retiro Park surrounded the palace of Philip IV. Various celebrations, balls, and theater productions often took place on its territory. When Philip IV died, no one needed this park, no one wanted to take care of this area, invest money in it, and naturally, it was abandoned. A little later, Buen Retiro Park acquired an unattractive appearance as a result of Napoleon's troops passing through its territory. Some of the structures were destroyed here, as well as the imperial palace itself. Only the museums of the Army and the Prado, as well as several statues, were able to survive in those merciless times. During the reign of Carlos III, Buen Retiro Park could be visited by citizens, but on condition that their clothes and appearance were neat. The city park was completely restored during the reign of Ferdinand VII. A special feature of this park in the middle of the city was a small lake, near which the monument to Alphonse XII towered. In 1887, two castles were built in Buen Retiro Park, one of which was made of brick, and the other was made of crystal. It was customary to hold international exhibitions in these unusual buildings.
In the modern world, this park serves as an indispensable place for vacationers, both citizens and visitors of the city. Here you can have a great time admiring the most ancient cultural monuments, take a boat ride on the lake or just sit quietly in the shade on a bench.
Among the Buen Retiro Park is the oldest sculpture dedicated to Alfonso XII. The cultural monuments that were erected in honor of freedom, peace, homeland, as well as the army and navy serve as an addition to this wonderful memorial. These structures in the park were built by very famous sculptors. There is also a pavilion in the Madrid park, the name of which translates as "House of Cows". Initially, this building served as an exhibition hall, where the best breeds of cows, as well as products from milk, were gathered for display. Currently, various works of art can be seen in these pavilions.
Visitors to Buen Retiro Park are always struck by the local structures called the Velasquez Palace and the Glass Palace. One of them had a magnificent greenhouse where you could get acquainted with the nature of the Philippine Islands. The second one shows the metallurgy of the country.
The nature of the park is very richly and harmoniously represented. There are many ornamental trees, shrubs, manicured lawns and flower beds. Among the huge collection of plants in the park stands the strawberry tree, which is the symbol of Madrid. Fountains called "Fallen Angel", "Artichoke" and Galapagos fountains fit harmoniously into the wonderful landscape of this territory, each of them symbolizes something.
