The Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), in Buen Retiro Park.

©Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock

Palacio de Cristal

Madrid


Hidden among the trees south of Parque del Buen Retiro's lake is the Palacio de Cristal. Built in 1887, it's a magnificent metal-and-glass structure and El Retiro’s most beautiful architectural monument. Art and photo exhibitions are sometimes held here.

Transportation

  • metro: Retiro

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madrid attractions

1. Palacio de Velázquez

0.1 MILES

Between the lake and the Palacio de Cristal, the sober 1883 Palacio de Velázquez is used for temporary exhibitions organised by the Centro de Arte Reina…

2. Jardín de los Planteles

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Occupying much of the southwestern corner of the park is the Jardín de los Planteles, one of the least-visited sections of El Retiro, where quiet pathways…

3. Fuente Egipcia

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4. El Ángel Caído

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5. La Rosaleda

0.21 MILES

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6. Monument to Alfonso XII

0.26 MILES

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7. Bosque del Recuerdo

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West of the Jardín de los Planteles in the Parque del Buen Retiro is the moving Bosque del Recuerdo, an understated memorial to the 191 victims of the 11…

8. Madrid’s Oldest Tree

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