Parque del Buen Retiro was our intended destination. Yes, it was a park. Our path took us past these pink blooming trees in the old city of Madrid. They lined several streets.
Most were younger trees, but occasionally we would pass one of these beauties. The gnarled truck and bark had its own attraction.
The park originally belonged to the Spanish monarchy until 1868 at which time it became a public park. It is considered one of the main attractions of the city, having architectural and landscape figures from the 7th to the 21st century.
Walking to the park, we came upon a traffic circle, surrounding the Puerta de Alcala. This gate was one of the five old royal gates that gave access to the city of Madrid.
The Retiro Park has seventeen entrances and we came through the ‘Door of Independence’. The park is 125 hectares and contains more than 15,000 trees. Loved seeing these ivy ‘balls’ on our walk towards the Galapagos Fountain. Most were fully grown, but I found this framework along the path that was waiting to be replanted.
Constructed in 1831, the locally named Galapagos fountain was not only commemorative and ornamental but also used for the water supply at that time.
At the top is a snail-shaped pump, with water cascading down to four children mounted on their own dolphins.
There are four more fountains below the dolphins representing two frogs and two Galapagos turtles, which have given it its popular name. Okay, got it now.
One last photo before moving on. 🙂 Yes, it was that bright and we needed sunglasses.
Next up was ‘The Pond’ with the Monument to King Alfonso XII in the background.
Rowboats could be rented for a small fee. But that’s not an activity for us. Sorry dear, I could see someone leaning to the side and ‘plop’, we’re in the water.
Along with recreational use, the pond also holds rowing and canoeing competitions. We found these cats sitting on the roof where the rowboats were stored. Guess they found a warm place for a nap.
The monument in the background of the pond was from a 1902 competition with the equestrian statue of the king at the top.
A pair of carved lions flank both stairways to the monument.
There was one more intriguing fountain that had to be seen before leaving……..the Fountain of the Fallen Angel. It has the reputation of being the only prominent sculpture dedicated to the devil in the world.
It stands at 666 meter above sea level. Really? Really. The first statement was questionable, but the 666 seems to be solid data.
Personally, I liked the creatures at the base of the Fallen Angel.
What would a garden post be without any photos of flowers. We found more of the pink blooming trees inside the park.
These white flowering trees drew me away from the main thoroughfare.
And behind them was a quiet spot for reflection and solitude.
Those two let me wander off and take my photos of flowers, unconcerned by my whereabouts.
My Icelandic wool friend has enjoyed being in Spain. He will pop in occasionally.
We’re ready for some food. Let’s see what Eric can find.
Darden Travels 