Home>Spain>Madrid

Monument to Alfonso XII

An equestrian statue of the monarch in the centre of Buen Retiro Park, offering the best view over the lake.

Adults: 2 Children: 0

TravelCurious Tip

After a boat ride, relax at the monarch’s feet overlooking the Estanque.

His Majesty

Overlooking Estanque del Retiro in Buen Retiro Park is the Monument to Alfonso XII. A grand construction of bronze and marble, it features a semicircular colonnade alongside the lake, with several sculptures surrounding a central equestrian statue of the king.

It was designed by José Grases Riera, who was the winner of a national competition for the honour in 1902. After Riera died in 1919, the project was continued without modifying his design, and was completed in 1922 - one of many commemorative monuments erected in Spain over the 20th century.

Alfonso himself sits 30 metres high, and was cast in bronze in 1904. The stairs down to the lake are flanked by lions and mermaids; Allegorical statues of Peace, Liberty and Progress surround the monument’s base, as well as figures representing the Army, the Navy, the Sciences, the Arts, Agriculture and Industry.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Madrid

Parque El Retiro

The green heart of Madrid, hosting an array of gardens and monuments.

Palacio de Cristal

The extraordinary glass and iron palace built to display the flora of the Philippines in 1887.

Palacio de Velázquez

This beautiful neoclassical building is an exhibition hall located in Buen Retiro Park.

San Jerónimo el Real

A 16th century Roman Catholic church with royal connections, now used by the Prado Museum.

Estanque del Retiro

An impressive artificial lake that complements The Monument to Alfonso XII in Buen Retiro Park.

Casón del Buen Retiro

One of two remaining 17th-century buildings in Buen Retiro Park, the Casón is home to a famous fresco.

Related Tours

Welcome to Madrid: Private Half-Day Introductory Walking Tour

Embark on a 3-hour tour of the most emblematic and beautiful places in Madrid, see the most popular highlights of Spain’s stunning capital city, and discover what makes the city so special.

On your private tour, you will:

Begin your tour at the vast Plaza Oriente at the mighty equestrian statue of King Philip IV in the heart of Madrid;
Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral de la Almudena surrounding the square;
Hear stories of the Royal family as you stand at the doors of the exquisite Royal Palace which served as a Royal Residence until the early 20th century;
Stop in front of the magnificent Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), which is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world;
Wander down the elegant boulevards, pausing by monuments, markets and other marvels!
Enjoy the vibrant buzz of Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling market to sample some of the best local food and wine;
Stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city, admiring the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings with its elegant porticos;
Head to Puerta del Sol, the geographical centre of Spain and another iconic square;
See Puerta de Alcalá, a beautiful neoclassical monument and one of the most popular landmarks of Madrid;
End your tour at Parque del Retiro, and discover its amazing lake, statues, thousands of trees and gorgeous palatial-style museums.

Madrid is a city of vast plazas, elegant boulevards, magnificent palaces, awe-inspiring Gothic churches, world-renowned art museums and vibrant, delicious food markets. It is also famous for its many green spaces and manicured parks.

This half-day welcome tour of Madrid is the perfect way to get familiarised with the city's history, culture, and architecture. It will take you through some of the most iconic places in Madrid, including the Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real, Palacio Real, Catedral de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, El Oso y el Madroño, Puerta de Alcalá, and the Parque del Retiro, one of Madrid's most beautiful parks.

Along the way, you'll learn about the significance and history of each landmark, and gain insight into what makes Madrid such a special and unique city, and by the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper appreciation for Madrid's rich history and culture and a greater understanding of why the city has become such a popular destination.

The Best of Madrid: Private Half-Day Tour including Prado Museum

Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum.

On your private tour, you will:

See the main attractions of Madrid as you learn about the fascinating history of the city;
Learn about the history of the Spanish royal family and its links to the Papacy as you stand outside the Palacio Real, the royal palace – considered the most important Baroque palace in Spain;
See the astonishing Catedral de la Almudena;
Stop by famous monuments and wander down elegant boulevards;
Explore Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real and the Market of San Miguel;
Experience the grandeur and elegant atmosphere of the iconic Plaza Mayor, the beating heart of Madrid;
Admire the myriad of stunning architectural styles in Madrid, from Baroque to Spanish Gothic;
Enjoy a guided walk around the beautifully manicured Parque El Retiro;
Arrive at the Prado Museum, and enjoy a guided visit to this treasure trove of art;
Admire the world-famous Spanish masters such as Bosch, Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez;
End your tour inside the museum, to continue at your own leisure.

Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards.

The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!

Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace.

The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”.

You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café.