2. Retiro Park was originally a royal playground for the Spanish Monarchs. It was opened to the public in the nineteenth century. Its spanish name is Parque del Buen Retiro (literally "Park of the Pleasant Retreat"), or simply El Retiro. It is a large and popular 1.4 km² (350 acres) park at the edge of the city center. A magnificent place, filled with beautiful sculptures and monuments, galleries, a peaceful lake and host to a variety of events, it is one of the places not to miss when visiting Madrid.

3. PUERTA DE ALCALA IS IN FRONT OF THE MAIN PARK ENTRANCE

4. THE GATE IS OPEN, COME IN WITH ME!

5. BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE IN A VERY CLEAN PLACE

6. A LARGE MAN MADE LAKE IS A HEAVEN FOR BOATERS

8. A LARGE BOAT POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY

15. MANY STATUES ADORN THE MONUMENT

20. A NICE FOUNTAIN

21. …. AND ANOTHER ONE

22. THERE ARE MANY WOODED AREAS WITH STREAMS AND BRIDGES

23. THE CRYSTAL PALACE WAS BUILT IN 1887. IT WAS CONSTRUCTED TO RESEMBLE THE CRYSTAL PALACE FROM LONDON. IT HOLDS VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS.

26. IN THE PARK THERE ARE SOME TREES WITH UNUSUAL SHAPES

28. BELLA WITH THE BIG UMBRELLA

29. There is an unusual monument in Retiro Park. The fountain of the Fallen Angel shows the expulsion of Lucifer from paradise. It is said that it is the only statue in the world dedicated to Satan. The granite pedestal displays eight faces of evil holding in their hand snakes, lizards and dolphins.

32. ANOTHER EXHIBITION BUILDING IN THE PARK IS IN THE PALACE VELAZQUEZ BUILT IN 1883. THE ENTRANCE IS GUARDED BY DRAGON STATUES.

34. WHEN THE WEATHER IS GOOD THE PARK IS VISITED BY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND IT IS A BIG FAVORITE WITH CHILDREN

35. DOGS ARE ALLOWED ONLY ON LEASHES

36. Bye-bye from Retiro Park Madrid. After so many hours in the park I am going swimming. I found a new great place! Presentation and Pictures (some from Internet) by Dan Calistrat dcalistrat@aol.com