Be aware that the Palacio gets very hot inside - it was built as a greenhouse, after all.
Buen Retiro Park has a long history as a venue for extravagant exhibitions and shows. In 1887, during the early days of its official ownership by the public, the park played host to an exhibition of the Philippine Islands, which were a Spanish colony at the time.
Architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco - also responsible for the park’s Palacio de Velázquez - created a greenhouse to house indigenous flowers brought over from the Philippines. The exhibition extended into the park, and included a recreation of a Filipino village.
Originally intended to be disassembled and moved to another site, the Palacio de Cristal has remained here ever since, alongside its accompanying artificial lake, which like Estanque del Retiro is teeming with fish and terrapins, as well as a few black swans. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, the building takes the shape of a Greek cross and is made almost entirely of glass set in an iron framework, atop a brick base decorated with ceramics.
Colonial exhibitions are a thing of the past. No longer a greenhouse, the Palacio de Cristal is now used as a venue by the Museo Reina Sofia for temporary art exhibitions. A recent show by conceptual artist Kimsooja saw the building transformed into a surreal palace of rainbows using a diffractive covering on the glass. Whether or not there’s anything on, the palace is a wonderful sight, making for excellent photo opportunities in the forested peace and quiet of the park.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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