retiro park madrid

Madrid and its paradisiacal gardens

May 26th, 2009 by apartmentblogger

As other Spanish cities, Madrid has its own green spaces. The capital has large and quiet gardens, where locals and tourists enjoy their leisure time. With the summer arrival, people from the non coastal cities need other places to breathe clean fresh air. When the heat becomes unbearable the city’s parks are the ideal place to take refuge under some cool shade. In contrast to the chaos and the daily traffic, the gardens can be the perfect location to eliminate any stress. What better place to relax, read a good book or to have a picnic?

estanque de las campanillas

The Botanical Garden, for example, is an oasis of tranquillity that was created in October 1755 on the orders of King Ferdinand 6th. Nowadays it is located close to the Paseo del Prado. There are approximately 30,000 species of beautiful plants (this is why organized tours take place every day). In the greenhouse, which was opened in 1993, different climates are recreated: tropical, mild and desert-like. This is a wonderful way to rediscover one’s inner peace.

Another charming park is La Casa de Campo, with its 2,000 acres of space. This is one of the most important Madrid breathing spaces. Created in 1560 by King Philip 2 as a hunting area, it didn’t become a public space until 1931. The park’s main attractions are: the cable-car that connects it to the Parque Del Oeste, the artificial lake and the zoo. For the sports fans, there are large spaces where people can practice cycling, jogging or tennis.

Another garden where you can sunbathe or have a relaxing rest is the Parque del Buen Retiro. This is one of the most beautiful places in Madrid. Thousands of tourists visit it everyday. Here you can see a lot of magnificent monuments of great cultural value. For example, the Crystal Palace built as a greenhouse for exotic plants. The Retiro Park houses the Rosaleda, a rose garden that was created in 1915. Other interesting areas are the Campanillas Pond, the Music Kiosk and the Royal Spanish Academy Museum, with works by Goya, Murillo, Rubens and Tintoretto to name but a few.

Finally, near the Royal Palace is the Garden of Moro. It’s easy to find because it is close to the Principe Pio metro station. Thanks to its vegetation and its different plants it looks like an incredible oasis. If you’re lucky you will see the beautiful peacocks. There are 70 different kinds of trees; some of them are 200 years old. There is also a beautiful shell fountain.

What are you waiting for? Rent apartments in Madrid and visit all these incredible parks. You will love it!