We’re heading to check out El Retiro Park, the largest park in Madrid, with lakes, formal gardens and glass houses.
The park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy until the late 19th century, when it became a public park.
In the heart of the park is a large lake that was built by the architect, Cristobal de Aguilera. It was used to hold water shows, such as navy battles or mock battles, and boat rides for the King and Queen and their Court.
It still bustles with water based fun with row boats for hire.
As we head into the park, we pass this musical maestro! Making beautiful music on a rather unusual instrument – wine glasses!
In 2021, Buen Retiro Park became part of a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site with Paseo del Prado.
Here we see the impressive Glass Palace. Originally built in 1887 as a greenhouse to showcase plants as part of an exhibition on the Philippines which was then a Spanish colony.
Today the Glass Palace is owned by the Reina Sofía Museum which uses it all year round as a venue for hosting temporary exhibitions.
