The Monument to Alfonso XII (Spanish: Monumento a Alfonso XII) is located in Buen Retiro Park (El Retiro), Madrid, Spain. The monument is situated on the east edge of an artificial lake near the center of the park.
In 1902, a national contest was held to design a monument for King Alfonso XII at the initiative of the queen mother Maria Christina of Austria. The winner was the architect José Grases Riera, whose design consisted of a grand colonnade alongside a pond in El Retiro, with several sculptures surrounding an equestrian statue of the king, with everything constructed in bronze and marble.
Retiro Park, as it is now known, is a public park with a boating lake - rowing boats and a piloted scenic boat. The 350 acre park was created in 1680 and was known as the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat), but it was not for the likes of you and I. It belonged to the Spanish Monarchy. Well known, is the Monument to Alfonso XII, that looks over the lake, with sirens below, waiting to lure the boaters to their destruction. This is a part of the park that brings out the best in people. I love to go there and listen to some people playing bongos and see the smiling faces. Everybody walking slowly, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Leslie Joseph PattisonFeb 25, 2018
the park as said is great. also the monument. definitely worth a walk.
André JulienNov 25, 2017
Very good place to stroll enjoying its monuments and lie under the shade. 😍 You can rent a boat 🚤 and cross the small lake or maybe drink something in a bar near the lake. 🍹
David PachecoAug 24, 2017
Wonderful area to sit and watch the boating on the lake. The monument is highly impressive and ornate. Located in a marvellous park.
Henry BeachAug 12, 2017
Just passing by during my after noon walk around the park. Very stand out from far away.
Chris SirinopwongsagonOct 3, 2017
There´s a great spot next to the monument on the banks of the river to read a book and unwind or gather with friends before a night out.
Leon LeonMar 14, 2018
Looks nicer from a close view than from a different side of the lake. Nice experience to just sit on those stairs or walk through here.
Monika BijeikytėMay 7, 2018
An absolutely beautiful monument best viewed from the water in a row boat.
T cMay 6, 2018
it is a signature landscape of madrid. a semicircular collonade of two rows of ionic columns surrounds a monument of king alfonso xii. the entire altar is adjacent to a beautiful small lake. the serene water shows a reflection of the collonades and the alfonso monument - a spectacular view.
Mahfuz RahmanJun 10, 2018
Very beautiful and serene place, overlooking water and boats. Bring a book and refreshments, and you could sit here for hours watching the life go past.
Alina GutovicaJul 17, 2018
Retiro Park, as it is now known, is a public park with a boating lake - rowing boats and a piloted scenic boat. The 350 acre park was created in 1680 and was known as the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat), but it was not for the likes of you and I. It belonged to the Spanish Monarchy. Well known, is the Monument to Alfonso XII, that looks over the lake, with sirens below, waiting to lure the boaters to their destruction. This is a part of the park that brings out the best in people. I love to go there and listen to some people playing bongos and see the smiling faces. Everybody walking slowly, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Leslie Joseph PattisonFeb 25, 2018
the park as said is great. also the monument. definitely worth a walk.
André JulienNov 25, 2017
Very good place to stroll enjoying its monuments and lie under the shade. 😍 You can rent a boat 🚤 and cross the small lake or maybe drink something in a bar near the lake. 🍹
David PachecoAug 24, 2017
Wonderful area to sit and watch the boating on the lake. The monument is highly impressive and ornate. Located in a marvellous park.
Henry BeachAug 12, 2017
Just passing by during my after noon walk around the park. Very stand out from far away.
Chris SirinopwongsagonOct 3, 2017
There´s a great spot next to the monument on the banks of the river to read a book and unwind or gather with friends before a night out.
Leon LeonMar 14, 2018
Looks nicer from a close view than from a different side of the lake. Nice experience to just sit on those stairs or walk through here.
Monika BijeikytėMay 7, 2018
An absolutely beautiful monument best viewed from the water in a row boat.
T cMay 6, 2018
it is a signature landscape of madrid. a semicircular collonade of two rows of ionic columns surrounds a monument of king alfonso xii. the entire altar is adjacent to a beautiful small lake. the serene water shows a reflection of the collonades and the alfonso monument - a spectacular view.
Mahfuz RahmanJun 10, 2018
Very beautiful and serene place, overlooking water and boats. Bring a book and refreshments, and you could sit here for hours watching the life go past.
Alina GutovicaJul 17, 2018
Retiro Park, as it is now known, is a public park with a boating lake - rowing boats and a piloted scenic boat. The 350 acre park was created in 1680 and was known as the Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat), but it was not for the likes of you and I. It belonged to the Spanish Monarchy. Well known, is the Monument to Alfonso XII, that looks over the lake, with sirens below, waiting to lure the boaters to their destruction. This is a part of the park that brings out the best in people. I love to go there and listen to some people playing bongos and see the smiling faces. Everybody walking slowly, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Leslie Joseph PattisonFeb 25, 2018
the park as said is great. also the monument. definitely worth a walk.
André JulienNov 25, 2017
Very good place to stroll enjoying its monuments and lie under the shade. 😍 You can rent a boat 🚤 and cross the small lake or maybe drink something in a bar near the lake. 🍹
David PachecoAug 24, 2017
Wonderful area to sit and watch the boating on the lake. The monument is highly impressive and ornate. Located in a marvellous park.
Henry BeachAug 12, 2017
Just passing by during my after noon walk around the park. Very stand out from far away.
Chris SirinopwongsagonOct 3, 2017
There´s a great spot next to the monument on the banks of the river to read a book and unwind or gather with friends before a night out.
Leon LeonMar 14, 2018
Looks nicer from a close view than from a different side of the lake. Nice experience to just sit on those stairs or walk through here.
Monika BijeikytėMay 7, 2018
An absolutely beautiful monument best viewed from the water in a row boat.
T cMay 6, 2018
it is a signature landscape of madrid. a semicircular collonade of two rows of ionic columns surrounds a monument of king alfonso xii. the entire altar is adjacent to a beautiful small lake. the serene water shows a reflection of the collonades and the alfonso monument - a spectacular view.
Mahfuz RahmanJun 10, 2018
Very beautiful and serene place, overlooking water and boats. Bring a book and refreshments, and you could sit here for hours watching the life go past.
Alina GutovicaJul 17, 2018
Monday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Thursday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Friday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Saturday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Sunday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
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