Monument to Alfonso XII

Madrid


The focal point for so much of El Retiro’s life is the artificial estanque (lake), which is watched over by the massive ornamental structure of the Monument to Alfonso XII on the east side, complete with marble lions. As sunset approaches on a Sunday afternoon in summer, the crowd grows, bongos sound out across the park and people start to dance.

Transportation

  • metro: Retiro

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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