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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: 4 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

Buen Retiro Park

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

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.

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.

Related Tours

Madrid's Private Half Day Highlights with skip-the-line Prado tickets

This four hour tour will introduce you to the lives of some of the most influential artists of Europe, followed by a memorable walk around the stunning Buen Retiro Park.

Commence your tour at the Prado Museum.
Take in the phenomenal architecture and masterpieces.
Learn about major art movements.
Re-fuel with a swift coffee break.
Cruise through Buen Retiro Park.
Snap pictures of the Monument to Alfonso XII and el Casón del Buen Retiro building.
Marvel at the architecture of the Church of San Jeronimos.

The Very Best of Art and Culture

You will begin your tour at the Spanish national art museum: the Prado Museum. Founded in 1819, it is well worth a visit just for its stunning neoclassical architecture, let alone its impressive collection of some 8,000 paintings and many beautiful sculptures, drawings and prints. Here, your expert guide will endeavour to shed some light on the major art movements you will see in the museum, including the Renaissance and Baroque.

You will also learn about the fascinating social and cultural background of some of the most iconic paintings house in the museum, such as the Spanish masterpiece Las Meninas by Velazquez; Artwork by Fran Angelico, gifted creator of The Annunciation; Christ Washing the Disciple’s feet by Tintoretto, and masterpieces by the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.

Sublime Walk

After a well deserved coffee break, you will head over to the fabulous Buen Retiro Park, where your guide will walk you through its rich history, traced back to Isabella I (1505). You will notice stunning sights such as the artificial lake that complements the impressive Monument to Alfonso XII, and el Casón del Buen Retiro building; one of two remaining 17th century additions to the park and former home of King Philip IV.

Well worth a visit, this is now a museum housing an incredible collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, including work by the Spanish painter, Joaquín Sorolla. You will also have the opportunity to visit the absolutely beautiful Church of San Jeronimos; and the crowning place of King Juan Carlos in 1975.