A Self-Guided Tour of El Retiro Park’s Rise, Ruin and Redemption
Description
On this self-guided walking tour led by tour guide and writer Felicity Hughes, you’ll discover another side to Madrid’s famous El Retiro Park. The much-loved El Retiro Park is at the heart of Madrid’s picturesque Retiro neighbourhood. Long before it became a public park, it was a royal retreat. On this walking tour, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and hear its fascinating 500-year-long history. On this tour, you’ll discover how the spiritual retreat of San Jerónimo el Real church was later transformed into an enormous pleasure palace, find out how Retiro’s oldest tree survived the ravages of Napoleon’s invasion and learn about the rebellious Nobel prize-winning Ramón y Cajal by a monument to the neuroscientist. You'll have a chance to take a peek at the peacocks strutting around a hidden walled garden at the far reaches of the park and see the lake in front of Palacio de Cristal where Pizarro the elephant used to bath
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your exploration of Madrid's iconic El Retiro Park in front of the Monument to Goya, where you'll learn about the renowned painter and the collection of the nearby Prado museum.
Pass by the historic San Jerónimo el Real church, once a spiritual retreat and later transformed into an opulent pleasure palace.
As you wander through the Retiro neighborhood, catch a glimpse of the Hall of Realms, a splendid pleasure palace built for Philip IV as a private retreat.
Pass by the El Casón del Buen Retiro, the remains of the magnificent pleasure palace where Spanish royalty once sought refuge from the public eye.
Meander through the lush greenery of El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich 500-year history, as you absorb the beauty of its landscapes and architectural wonders.
Take in the grandeur of the Puerta de Felipe IV, an iconic landmark that once marked the entrance to the royal retreat of El Retiro.
Marvel at the serene beauty of the Great Pond of El Retiro, a tranquil oasis nestled within the park's enchanting landscapes.
End your tour at the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, where you'll gain insight into the park's hidden history and often overlooked sights, from the decadence of its royal past to its present-day allure.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
This was our first self guided audio tour, and it won’t be our last!! The audio worked perfectly and it was extremely user friendly!! So easy to follow the directions!!
A really nice history of the Retiro park, including some areas that now lie outside of it. The tour explores some of the buildings, monuments, and locations in the park, plus touches on events such as the Napoleonic occupation.
