Retiro Park

The Retiro started out as the gardens of a royal palace in the 17th century, but has been a public park since 1868. The Madrilenians are very fond of their main park, particularly on Sunday mornings, when families come to stroll around and sit at the many outdoor cafes. People practise tai chi or play chess under the trees, or watch the buskers on the path by the lake. There may well be exhibitions on at the Palacio de Cristal or Palacio de Velazquez, which are part of the Reina Sofia museum. The park is also used for open-air film screenings, theatrical performances, concerts and children's activities. In June, a lively book fair takes place. The many fountains include the Fallen Angel, (erroneously) claimed to be the only statue in the world to celebrate the devil.