Photo Exhibition in Retiro

Photo exhibition on one of the main avenues through Retiro Park, central Madrid.

Sand Sculpture in Retiro

A sand sculpture artist prepares his work for an upcoming exhibition and competition in Retiro Park, Madrid.

Estanque

Steps of the Estanque in Retiro Park, central Madrid.

Retiro Park

Retiro Park in central Madrid on a winter’s afternoon.

Dog Poo

Walking the dog in Retiro park. We appreciate putting the sign down at dog sight-level, but how’s it supposed to read the instructions?

Retiro Park

¡Hola! ¿Qué Tal?. This evening Misterio decided to show Madrid-Uno the Parque del Buen Retiro, which is just a short stroll from his flat. The ‘Park of the Pleasant Retreat’ is right in the centre of the city and covers about 350 acres (118 hectares). It’s a pleasant place, scruffy around the edges but with a lot of charm and loads of exhibits and diversions dotted about. Lots of Madrilenos stroll around here in the late evening during the summer because it’s cool with the shade of the trees and water-fountains and little lakes keeping temperatures down. Rollerblading is popular and there’s lots of light petting in the shadows. Young love, ahhhhhh.

At its heart is the Estanque del Retiro, a large artificial lake (little row boats available) and the Mausoleum of Alfonso XII, featuring a statue of same. At night, at least during the summer months, loads of hippy artist types gather around this area and play drums (tambores), socialise and chill ‘man’. At weekends there’s free entertainment for kids (from late afternoon) with street theatre and clowns etc. – highly recommended for tiring out little ones in time for bed. There’s the Palacio de Cristal, a glass pavilion inspired by The Crystal Palace in London, the El Angel Caído, a statue in honour of Lucifer, the fallen angel, and the Bosque de los Ausentes, a memorial to commemorate the victims of the 2004 Madrid attacks, to discover as well.