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roses show off their showy corollas in gardens and public parks in the capital
the rose could be considered the queen of flowers
Madrid is one of the European capitals where its petals shine when spring arrives
and there are two free access places where it enjoys a special prominence
There are few plans in Madrid as romantic as strolling through here
with arches full of vegetation and hidden fountains
when its 4,000 rose bushes reach the peak of their beauty
located very close to the famous statue of the Fallen Angel
is a reconstruction of a project designed by Cecilio Rodriguez
he was inspired by European rose gardens such as Bois de Boulogne (Paris)
Its sophisticated air did not save the beautiful garden from the Civil War
The conflict left this corner of Madrid partially destroyed
causing the greenhouse that the Marquis of Salamanca ordered to be installed there to be lost forever
Today it offers a great visual spectacle with its roses of different sizes and colors
📍Location: accesses from the Fernán Nuñez oaseo and the Paseo de Uruguay
The second place that rose lovers should not miss is the Rose Garden of the Parque del Oeste
there are 20,000 rose bushes of 650 varieties
and for this it has received some international recognition: the Word Federation of Rose Societies awarded the space the Award of Garden Excellence
1 (Argüelles) Hours: from November 1 to March 1
from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;from March 1 to April 15
from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm;from April 16 to September 15
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but the pandemic made them more popular than ever..
Shall we go to some terraces around Madrid
Here are some of the most beautiful and spacious ones that are close to a park
Ramses, next to El Retiro Park (Plaza de la Independencia
where you can enjoy hot chocolate and churros as well as other traditional Spanish dishes
La Terraza de Florida Retiro, in the heart of El Retiro Park
We’re going to round off our tour of Madrid’s terrazas in the same spot as where we started. Let’s go back to El Retiro Park
but this time we’re going to step inside and head to the Florida Retiro
a classy restaurant with a superb outdoor area
Featuring a decor inspired by oases in the Moroccan desert
they offer a varied menu and a great selection of cocktails prepared by Óscar Molina
Café del Lago, in Casa de Campo (P.º del Embarcadero
Situated in the heart of Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park and a wonderful place to relax, this terraza offers fabulous views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral
The menu includes share plates like Galician-style octopus and platters of Iberian cold cuts
and dishes such as Rioja-style cod and fabe beans with clams
Villa Verbena, next to the lake at Casa de Campo (Paseo de María Teresa
This restaurant, which occupies one of the kiosks around the lake is located next to the Casa de Campo Lake
It boasts a large terrace and serves a wide variety of dishes
La Manzana in the heart of Casa de Campo (Avenida de Rodajos
Located within Casa de Campo
this restaurant specialises in authentic dishes from Asturias and has a large terrace open all year round
the terrace is covered with a cosy marquee
it is opened up so you can enjoy the sunshine
Kiosco La Perla, next to Oeste Park (Paseo del Pintor Rosales
If you’re enjoying a walk in Oeste Park and suddenly feel a bit peckish
we recommend you make your way to this old classic on Paseo del Pintor Rosales
Renowned for its leche merengada (milkshake with cinnamon)
On warm days they turn on the mist sprayers so you won’t want to leave
Café del Río Terrace (Avenida de Portugal, 1) and Terraza Playa, next to Madrid Río Park (Paseo de Yeserías
which is often frequented by people who have gone to the park to do some sports
Terraza Atenas, next to Atenas Park (Calle Segovia)
a popular form of entertainment at that time
in Puente de Vallecas (C/ Benjamín Palencia)
On clear days you can see practically the whole of Madrid from this modest-looking outdoor café with enviable vistas. It is located in Puente de Vallecas district, next to the Cerro del Tío Pío which has been nicknamed the Park of the Seven Tits by the locals because of its seven hills
After a long day shopping in La Vaguada shopping centre this terraza is a good place in which to sit back
They also serve food and their menu is particularly popular with children: hamburgers
Real Jardín Botánico bar-restaurant, in the Royal Botanical Gardens
Located in the main pavilion of the Royal Botanical Gardens
it is surrounded by nature and beautiful gardens. This terrace is open to all visitors to the garden during opening hours but it is necessary to purchase an entrance ticket
in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez
Luis Almansa, the entrepreneur behind the success of El Ancla at Casa de Campo Lake in Madrid, has opened another restaurant in Dehesa de la Villa
La Francachela Casino de la Reina (Paseo de la Chopera
This refurbished kiosk-terrace is in the park next to Casino de la Reina
relax and disconnect whilst savouring Mediterranean dishes. It is possible to have an aperitif
a light lunch or an informal snack in the evening accompanied by a long drink
Café de la Paloma, in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez
Located in the North-West of Madrid, inside Dehesa de la Villa park
this restaurant boasts an area that has been conserved as a wood with green spaces. It serves a wide range of dishes and it is renowned for its combination of traditional and modern flavours
Make the most of the good weather and check out our top picks of outdoor actitivies and events
relax on a terrace with a drink or a meal and watch the sun set
in Madrid you will enjoy our light and an inexhaustible array of culture
Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus
The Fuente del Berro Park is a splendid landscaped garden that was ordered by King Philip IV
retains all the charm and the original structure
a monumental green space between Plaza de España
this 400-year-old park has once again be opened to the public
One of the best places to watch the sun set in Madrid
known popularly as the "park of the seven boobs".
In the east of Madrid lies one of the city's most unknown parks
Don’t miss its stunning almond trees which blossom in late February!
This park is ideal for different activities
This green space offers extensive leisure areas and facilities for various sporting activities
Green space in the Villa de Vallecas district
This natural environment surrounded by the River Manzanares in the Usera area is ideal for leisure and recreation
Green area located in the Ciudad Jardín neighbourhood
which houses three fragments of the famous Berlin Wall
A secret garden in Hapsburg Madrid with fruit trees and an 18th-century bronze fountain
Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) has a surprise in store for visitors: a tropical garden in this important train station
This elegant garden situated in south Retiro must be seen during the spring months
Enjoy the world’s most beautiful rosebushes in one of the largest gardens in Madrid
this funeral monument was brought stone by stone from Egypt
Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions
from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and the Real Madrid football stadium.
The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass
Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs
Monumento a Alfonso XII (Alfonso XII Monument) in Parque de El Retiro
grid-like city center; pedestrian-friendly streets; and shaded sidewalks make it easy to explore on foot
Wide boulevards showcase belle époque facades
and tucked-away alleyways reveal buzzing restaurants serving local delicacies
some adorned with statues of gods and warriors and others with sunbaked locals sipping café con leche
Any walking itinerary in the area takes no more than 20 minutes for an accessible and unique experience that uncovers lesser-known places, and happens to be a more eco-friendly way to visit, too. This route winds through Madrid’s past and present—its mythological guardians
Gran Vía is Madrid’s Broadway, lined with shops and carved through the old city to make way for modernization in the early 1900s
Look past the theaters and department stores
Many of the most striking features perch above the street with statues of mythological figures and animals adorning rooftops and ledges
overlooked by most who pass beneath but perfectly visible from the hotel’s Picalagartos Sky Bar & Restaurant
Diana the Huntress atop Gran Via in Madrid
Madrid wouldn’t look the way it does without Antonio Palacios
The city’s most celebrated architect left his fingerprint on everything from palatial civic buildings to metro stations
now the seat of Madrid’s city government) looms over its namesake fountain
a bustling traffic circle where Real Madrid fans celebrate victories
Picasso’s Guernica still stops visitors in their tracks
founded in 1790 to map the stars and still open to curious minds today
The Museo del Prado houses iconic Spanish art
The grand finale isn’t a monument or a museum—it’s a park. Parque de El Retiro is the city’s breathing room, where mornings belong to joggers and tai chi practitioners; afternoons to bookworms and guitar players. Palacio de Cristal
a delicate iron-and-glass structure built in 1887 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
catches the sunlight and reflects it onto the pond below
where turtles sunbathe on half-submerged logs
a scene seemingly unchanged for generations
The park’s winding paths lead to secret gardens
and impromptu performances from street musicians
It’s the perfect place to do nothing at all
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Parque de El Retiro
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Madrid 25 April 2025. The President of the Higher Council of Sports (CSD)
has participated today Friday in the awards ceremony of the 6th edition of the Mini-Marathon Madrid-Nebrija
which has brought together 4,000 young people from 54 high schools and institutes and 16 universities in the Madrid park of El Retiro
which is supported by the Young Sport Foundation through the 2030 Base Sport Support Plan promoted by the CSD
is the only specific aimed at participants from 5th grade in Primary to 2nd grade in Baccalaureate
and this year includes for the first time university runners
For Rodríguez Uribes it is a project “capable of transmitting many of the best values of sport
in addition to contributing to “generating healthy habits among boys and girls”
The president of the CSD recalled that “young people who practice sport at an early age tend to maintain a more active life in adulthood”
an objective included in the new “National Strategy for the Promotion of Sport against Sedentary Lifestyles and Physical Inactivity” launched by the Government of Spain last December and to which the CSD will earmark €87 million in the period 2025-2030
The motto of this edition has been Sport and socialization: a tool to combat loneliness
with which it is intended to make visible a problem that affects a quarter of the young people between 16 and 29 years of age
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Madrid
This art gallery is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country and is likely to become one of your favourite spots if you live in Madrid
or one of the first things you’ll want to see when visiting the city
This institution is part of the ‘Art Triangle’
a group of museums in the Paseo del Prado area
along with the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza
Even if it’s just to see Las Meninas
Deigo Velázquez’s famous and enigmatic painting
this museum is famous for its vast collection of works by Goya
as well as pieces by many other masters of art
there are over 35,000 works spread across its 41,995 m²
📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Madrid
As well as the impressive permanent collection
the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year
they often reflect the sentiments of the public.
Reduced-price tickets (€7.50) are available for people over 65
and staff of state museums can access the Prado Museum for free at any time
You also have the option of purchasing the Paseo del Arte pass
which for €32 allows access to this museum
Although any day is a good day to visit this great art collection
most museums in Madrid have hours during which entrance is free
tickets to the Prado Museum are free from Monday to Saturday
the museum can also be visited for free between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm on the first Saturday of every month
you can see the Prado Museum in about two hours
They also offer guided tours in both English and Spanish
lasting approximately 90 minutes and in which you’ll see some of the key pieces in the collection
Groups can’t exceed 29 people and there is an additional cost of €10 on top of the ticket price
Spanish-speaking tours are held at 10.30 am
while English-speaking tours take place at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday
to 2 p.m.) on January 6 and 24 and 31 December 24 and 31
Take metro line 1 to Estación del Arte or line 2 to Banco de España
and E1 all have one or more stops near the museum
The museum’s social media presence has become beloved for its educational content and behind-the-scenes tidbits. On Instagram
you can find them under the username @museoprado
Translated by Olivia Simpson
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What is now the green lung of the capital was originally a recreational area on the outskirts of the capital
It was originally created as a rest and recreation area for Philip IV in the seventeenth century
but the era of splendor of the Buen Retiro came with Ferdinand VII
when the park was replanted and the Casa de Fieras
the Real Embarcadero and the Jardín de Caprichos or Reservado were built
such as the Artificial Mountain and the Casita del Pescador (Fisherman’s House)
During the War of Independence it suffered several damages
since it was used as a fortress and barracks by the French
During the 19th century it was used for some of the international exhibitions held in the city
for which the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal were built
And since 1935 it has been a Historical Artistic Garden for public use by the citizens and one of the few green spaces in the center of Madrid
They say that the statue of the Fallen Angel is
if we see it from the sky in zenithal plane
we could trace a five-pointed star (or a pentagon) with each of them being a different path of El Retiro
What we can say with certainty is that it is a beautiful work of Ricardo Bellver
inspired by John Milton ‘sParadise Lost
got down to work to sculpt this piece in which Luzbel (Satan)
falls to the ground without being able to use his wings
And remember: if you want to take a closer look
there is a replica that you can visit at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando
This is just one of the fantastic anecdotes that took place in Florida Park
a place through which passed from Tina Turner to Ava Gardner
from Luis Miguel Dominguín to Raffaella Carrà
This building was born in the early nineteenth century from the hands of Ferdinand VII
one of those buildings that served for the enjoyment and recreation of the most privileged
under the name of “the smuggler’s house“
which ended up becoming Florida Parque after the Civil War
The jarana has been its essence ever since
And that is why today it hosts the most outlandish parties in the city
inaugurated in these gardens of the Buen Retiro the so-called Casa de Fieras
A zoo in the fashion of the time in which the pure scientific interest was mixed with the spectacle and that ended up moving in 1972 to the Casa de Campo
African gazelles… as well as stuffed animals
wisdom and study rooms in the so-called Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library ( in honor of the Barcelona philosopher)
one of the most visited and well-known spots in the park
nearly one and a half million people passed through its gates
posed from outside to keep in their cell phones a nice souvenir of this glass building built in 1887 for the Philippine Islands Exposition held that same year
It is the work of architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco and is inspired by the Crystal Palace that had been erected in London several decades earlier
it serves as a temporary exhibition center of the Reina Sofia Museum
The sculpture in tribute to Juana I of Castile is the most recent addition to the Paseo de las Estatuas o los Reyes (officially
the Paseo de Argentina): it was installed in April 2022 and placed on the only pedestal of the promenade that remained empty
It is a work of the artist Iría Groba Martín
The Madrid City Council then justified the tribute “to this monarch unjustly treated by historiography as Juana la Loca who
was the sovereign with the longest reign in the time of modern Spanish history”
During the summer it is usually an enclave where cultural activities are organized
It is possible that many people do not know that in El Retiro there was an old water wheel from the 17th century and that
a reproduction of that same water wheel can be seen working uninterruptedly
The artifact was discovered in the area known as the Huerto del Francés
during archaeological excavations that took place between 1996 and 2000
and was part of a network of waterwheels that supplied water to the park
the Madrid City Council decided to replace it with an exact copy of the wooden waterwheel
respecting both its design and original measurements
The Rose Garden of El Retiro is one of the most romantic places in Madrid
months of splendor of the 4000 rose bushes that occupy the flowerbeds
wanted a more sophisticated space and commissioned Cecilio Rodriguez
in imitation of those of other European cities
there was a pond here that used to freeze in winter and was used as a skating rink by the people of Madrid
located in the southeastern part of El Retiro
take their name from the gardener we refer to just above who also designed this space years later (in 1940)
is also due to the fact that he dedicated himself to it from the age of 8 to 88
This is an enclosed garden within the enclosure itself
so before visiting it you should consult the park’s opening hours
On the west side of El Retiro we find the Parterre
a rectangular garden that forms an axis between the Fuente de la Alcachofa and the Casón del Buen Retiro
The layout of this area of the park is based on the gardens of French Baroque palaces
the symmetrically pruned hedges and the drawings created with flowers take us directly to Versailles (on a small scale)
The kiosk or pavilion of El Retiro is one of the few remnants of what at the beginning of the 20th century was the recreational area of the park
From 1905 to the present time this pavilion has witnessed hundreds of open-air concerts
growing the space dedicated to the public simultaneously with the city
Nowadays there are no longer only shows of bands and orchestras but we can also find even salsa or swing classes
The shelving -the bookshelves- are made of brick and ceramic and have been in the park for a hundred years
but there are in Madrid’s most famous park
The term that defines the functionality of the popular libraries is bookcrossing: you take a book
read it and deposit it in the same place or in a different one
They have a community utility and their use and history dates back to the decade between 1926 and 1936
Before the Civil War there were as many as six brick bookshelves scattered throughout the city
One in the Jardines de Herrero Palacios -former Casa de Fieras- and another near the fountain of the Fallen Angel
the canopa or the fountain of Osiris (without Osiris)
The reason for these names with a certain slang lies in the figure that attracts attention: a funerary vessel (or canopy: urn to store viscera in the ancient Egyptian culture) crowned by the head of an Egyptian God
The equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII that presides over the emblematic lake of El Retiro contains a cabin from which you can see the park in 360º
The sculpture was the work of Mariano Benlliure
author of some of the pieces that adorn the facade of the iconic Metropolis building or the statue of Quevedo in the traffic circle to which it gives its name
A sculpture that is framed in a whole framework and has the shape of a semicircular colonnade of 86 meters
we will talk about some of the landmarks of Madrid's best façade: modernist buildings
Belle Époque palaces and some of the first residential towers
but it is also worth going there in the daytime to visit its museums
get lost in the coolness of its gardens and enjoy its terraces
The modernist style tiptoed through Madrid, so there are hardly any examples of this type of architecture on the city's streets. However, Casa Gallardo, located on the corner of Plaza de España and Calle de Ferraz
sums up all the features of this movement: curved chamfers and decorative plant motifs
This building designed by the architect from Catalonia
could be in one of the blocks in Barcelona's Ensanche
in allusion to the Gallardo family who were behind its construction
it opens half an hour later and on Thursdays
Inside it is covered with beautiful hieroglyphs
It is the perfect place to escape the heat and it can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday
Monument to La Chata (Paseo del Pintor Rosales
sister of King Alfonso XII and aunt of King Alfonso XIII
the Isabella of Bourbon was one of the most charismatic people on Madrid’s social scene in the early 20th century. As she was in ill health in 1931
the government of the Second Republic allowed her to continue living in Spain
but she preferred to go into exile along with the rest of her family. She never missed the pilgrimage of Saint Isidro de la Pradera and was often seen in the traditional parties and at the bulls
she loved this nickname. The monument is the work of the architect
Pintor Rosales (Paseo del Pintor Rosales
This walk that goes from the Western Park to the Argüelles neighbourhood is named after the famous painter, Eduardo Rosales. Born in Madrid in 1836, he created some of the paintings that can be seen in the Prado Museum
His most famous paintings include Queen Isabella the Catholic dictating her Will
The monument by Mateo Inurria shows him holding his palette and paintbrush
The Rose Garden (Calle de la Rosaleda
Created in 1955, it hosts the “Villa de Madrid” International New Roses Competition every year in May
aroma and originality of each flower is rewarded
it was recognised for its excellence and was awarded a prize by the World Federation of Rose Societies
Among its flowerbeds the rose is truly more than just a rose
a rose can be as small as a fingertip or as big as a grapefruit
The names are delightful: now carpet or candy cover.
Juan de Villanueva Fountain (Paseo de Camoens
it has been a landmark for those who get lost in this steep area of the city
Cuartel General del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (Princesa
As if it were one of the Franciscan missions on the other side of the Atlantic, the Museum of the Americas is located in a colonial-inspired building
the staircase and the neo-baroque tower are all by Luis Moya Blanco
Its collection of pre-Columbian and colonial artefacts is one of the most extensive in Europe
Its many treasures include the Mochica ceramics
the Tre-Cortesian codex - a Mayan codex that is unique in the world - or the portrait of the chiefs of Esmeraldas
It can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 3pm
Faro de Moncloa (Avenida de la Memoria
The panoramic lift takes visitors up 92 metres to the great Faro de Moncloa viewpoint
the same year that Madrid was named European Capital of Culture and which commemorated the 500th anniversary of Columbus' first voyage to America
Far from reminding us of the admiral's caravels
the design by architect Salvador Pérez Arroyo is futuristic
It offers almost 360º views of the University City
the city of Madrid and the Sierra de Guadarama
Those with good eyesight and a lot of imagination may even see the sea
Madrid boasts an array of public parks and gardens from Casa de Campo
A one-kilometre stretch that is home to three of the best museums in the world: the Prado
the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía.
The former home of the Marquess of Cerralbo
this noble mansion next to Plaza de España is a wonderful display of 19th-century opulence
A 2nd-century Egyptian temple donated to Spain following the construction of the great Aswan Dam
Visit one of the greatest architectural examples of the Spanish Golden Age
a monumental complex commissioned by Philip II
Enjoy wonderful vistas of the city from this observation deck
Look out for museums tucked away in old mansions and ancestral homes offering an intimate glimpse into history
Meet the wonderful statues that inhabit El Retiro Park
Enjoy stunning vistas of the sprawling city and its most famous landmarks
The area encompassing the Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a cultural landscape
The TimesThe forest of horse chestnut trees in Retiro park provides deep shade during Madrid’s scorching summers
The decorative “candles” of pink and cream spring flowers and the autumnal fall of conkers highlight the changing seasons
increasing temperatures due to climate change are already killing them
Their estimates suggest that the trees will disappear by 2050
Retiro park was created for the royal family in the early 17th centuryALAMYTheir survival in some Spanish cities is in jeopardy
head of the arboriculture unit at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid
as it is difficult for them to survive in a climate like ours,” he told El Pais
if the rise in temperature continued at the present rate
25 october 2024.-The president of the supreme council for sports (CSD)
departure and awards ceremony of the fifth edition of the Minimaratón Madrid-Nebrija
which brought together young people between 10 and 17 years
with the collaboration of fundación Sport Young
through the 2030 in support of grass-root sport driven next to the council for sports
Nearly 3,000 young people from more than 30 schools have been involved in this race that
with a journey of 4.2 km by enclaves of this emblematic park intends to contribute to the promotion of sustainable development goals (SDGS) through sports
health and sustainability and showing respect for the environment and a proactive attitude towards life
this initiative is an opportunity to recall that
leisure and fun ” and responds to the concept of “ sport as a right of everyone and
Rodríguez Uribes has reminded us that collaboration público-privada "it is vital ” in the momentum of sport and physical activity
and the Minimaratón today is “ a good example ”
organized by the Foundation and the Universidad Nebrija Nebrija
is oriented exclusively to young students and seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle
Paseo del Prado was the first of Europe’s tree-lined urban promenades
Citizens began to use it in the 15th century as a place of recreation
and Philip II set about remodelling and beautifying it with trees and fountains
this urban renewal turned into a model that had a particularly strong influence in Latin America
giving rise to several notable projects on the other side of the Atlantic
It was a major project with the aim of public dissemination
which would beautify the city at the same time
granted World Heritage Site status on 25 July 2021 in the Chinese city of Fuzhou
the whole of El Retiro Park and the neighbourhood of Los Jerónimos
It is home to over 21 properties and objects declared to be of cultural interest (“Bienes de Interés Cultural”)
and many of the holdings and collections contained therein are of global importance
the collections of prints and archives at the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Herschel telescope
Visit the bid's official website
The Paisaje de la Luz. Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro brochure
Landscape of Light Interpretation Centre
The CentroCentro cultural space is home to this centre which provides visitors with a fun, educational and attractive way to learn about the values of this area, which is made up of the Paseo del Prado, the Los Jerónimos neighbourhood and Retiro
The centre hosts an exhibition made up of the information and images of its most outstanding aspects -nature
art and urban planning model of international projection- through panels
interactive and audiovisual stands that showcase the values that have led to it being declared a World Heritage Site
It is a dynamic place whose objective is to serve as a springboard for the public who wish to visit
discover and enjoy one of the leading areas of Madrid
Maps of the area are available in diverse languages
The centrepiece is a circular model that reproduces the entire World Heritage Site with a videomapping projection that explores the evolution of the area over the centuries
One of the sections in the centre is dedicated to one of the institutions that make up this Landscape of Light
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a few hours relaxing in one of Madrileños' favourite spots
One of the world’s leading art galleries boasting works by Velázquez
A botanic garden in the city centre with a selection of more than 5,000 species of plants
Open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day
founded by Charles III is a museum of astronomy dating back to the 17th century
The cloister can be seen in the “Moneo Cube” in the Prado Museum
Built in 1637 and situated beside El Retiro Park
this former ballroom houses the Prado Museum library and study centre
A total of 30,000 historic decorative objects including furniture
this late 19th-century building is one of the capital's architectural icons
this museum offers a journey through the civilisations of the world.
A stunning cultural centre hosting myriad activities and boasting some of the best views in Madrid
This wonderful fountain at the start of the Art Walk is one of Madrid's most renowned icons
The sculpture is found in one of the most impressive squares of the capital city
this monument has an exact replica in the plaza del Emperador Carlos V
Just a stone's throw from Madrid's top museums
the city's main railway station is a cast-iron and glass relic from the 19th century
Embark on a journey through seven centuries of European art
from the early 1200s to the late 20th century
The Reina Sofía Museum houses one of the finest collections of contemporary art in the world
including Picasso's iconic Guernica painting
This neoclassical building is the home of the Royal Spanish Academy
the institution responsible for overseeing the use of the Spanish language
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A short but fascinating introduction to the city’s main museums which boast an important cultural heritage encompassing most European styles
Discover the great Spanish writer who lived in Madrid for most of his life
Download the Essential Paseo del Arte app and discover the twenty-four masterpieces you simply have to see in Madrid
Housed in the former San Fernando Hospice designed by architect Pedro Ribera
this museum contains a scale model of the city in 1830
The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve
World Heritage partnerships for conservation
Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world
where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development
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Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information
ce paysage culturel a évolué depuis la création
de l’avenue bordée d’arbres du Paseo del Prado
Ce site incarne une nouvelle conception de l’espace urbain et un modèle d’urbanisme remontant à la période de l’absolutisme éclairé du XVIIIe siècle
Les édifices dédiés aux arts et aux sciences se joignent à d’autres
Tous illustrent collectivement l’aspiration à une société utopique durant l’apogée de l’Empire espagnole lié aux idées des Lumières de democratisation du savoir et a exercé une influence notable en Amérique latine
Les Jardines del Buen Retiro (Jardins de la Bonne Retraite) couvrant 120 ha
vestige du palais du Buen Retiro du XVIIe siècle
Le site abrite également le Jardin botanique royal en terrasses et le quartier essentiellement résidentiel de Barrio Jerónimos
qui présente une grande variété d’édifices des XIXe et XXe siècles
notamment des lieux culturels et scientifiques
يقع هذا المشهد الثقافي الذي يمتد على مساحة قدرها 200 هكتار في قلب مدينة مدريد، وقد أنشئ في القرن السادس عشر حيث كان عبارة عن جادَّة تصطف على جانبيها الأشجار، وكانت نموذجاً للألميدا "alameda" الإسبانية
وتضم الجادَّة بين جنباتها نوافير كبيرة، مثل نافورة سيبيل ونافورة نبتون، وساحة سيبيل التي تعتبر أحد الرموز البارزة في المدينة، وهي محاطة بمبانٍ عريقة
ويجسِّد هذا الموقع تصوراً جديداً للحيز الحضري ويعتبر تطوراً للحكم المطلق المستنير خلال القرن الثامن عشر
وتجتمع في الموقع الأبنية المخصصة للفنون والعلوم مع تلك المكرسة للصناعة والرعاية الصحية والبحوث، التي تعكس مجتمعة التطلع نحو بناء مجتمع طوباوي، الذي كان سائداً خلال فترة أوج الإمبراطوروية الإسبانية
وتشغل حديقة "بوين ريتيرو" (أي المعتكف اللطيف)، أكبر جزء من الموقع حيث تبلغ مساحتها 120 هكتاراً، وهي من آثار قصر "بوين ريتيرو"، وتظهر فيها أنماط مختلفة للحدائق تعود إلى الفترة الممتدة من القرن التاسع عشر حتى وقتنا الحاضر
كما يضمُّ الموقع بين جنباته حديقة النباتات الملكية المدرَّجة وحي "باريو جيرونيموس" الذي يطغى عليه الطابع السكني، ويتميز بالتنوع الكبير في أبنيته التي تعود إلى القرنين التاسع عشر والعشرين، والذي يتضمن مقرات ثقافية
这个占地200公顷的文化景观位于马德里的城市中心,自西班牙式林荫大道的原型普拉多大道于16世纪落成以来不断发展。大道的特色是大型喷泉(尤其是大地女神喷泉和海神喷泉),以及被知名建筑环绕的城市地标大地女神广场。该遗产地体现了18世纪开明专制主义时期对城市空间和发展的新理念,艺术和科学领域的建筑与工业、医疗保健和研究用途的建筑相得益彰,共同阐释了西班牙帝国鼎盛时期人们对乌托邦社会的渴望。面积120公顷的丽池花园是建于17世纪的布恩·丽池宫的遗迹,是该遗产区最大的组成部分,展示了从19世纪至今的多种园林风格。遗产地还包含错落有致的皇家植物园和多为民居的耶罗尼姆斯街区,那里有丰富多样的19-20世纪建筑,其中也包括文化场所。
Расположенный в центре Мадрида культурный ландшафт площадью 200 гектаров сформировался с момента создания в XVI веке засаженного деревьями бульвара Paseo del Prado
в частности Фонтан Сибелес (Fuente de Cibeles) и Фонтан Нептун (Fuente de Neptuno)
а также окруженная престижными зданиями Площадь Сибелес (Plaza de Cibeles)
Объект воплощает в себе новую идею городского пространства и развития в период просвещенного абсолютизма XVIII века
В совокупности они демонстрируют стремление к утопическому обществу в период расцвета Испанской империи
Парк Buen Retiro («Парк приятного уединения») площадью 120 гектаров
оставшийся от дворца Buen Retiro XVII века
В парке представлены различные стили садоводства с XIX века до наших дней
На территории объекта также находится Королевский ботанический сад с террасами и преимущественно жилой квартал Barrio Jerónimos с его богатым разнообразием зданий XIX и XX веков
Este paisaje cultural situado en el centro urbano de Madrid evolucionó desde su creación en el siglo XVI como una avenida arbolada
El paseo cuenta con fuentes monumentales como la Fuente de Apolo
la Fuente de Neptuno y la Fuente de la Cibeles
El sitio representa una idea innovadora del espacio y del urbanismo correspondiente al periodo absolutista ilustrado del siglo XVIII
Los edificios dedicados a las artes y las ciencias se unen a otros dedicados a la industria
a una sociedad utópica ligada a la idea ilustrada de democratización del conocimiento
que tuvo amplia influencia en Latinoamérica
Las 120 hectáreas de los Jardines del Buen Retiro
vestigio del conjunto del Palacio del Buen Retiro construido en el siglo XVII
El sitio también incluye el Real Jardín Botánico
con una rica variedad de edificios de los siglos XIX y XX que incluyen centros culturales y científicos
a landscape of Arts and Sciences is located at the urban heart of Madrid
It includes the Paseo del Prado as the prototype of a Hispanic alameda (tree-lined avenue) from the 16th century and modified in the 18th century
a designed public space providing natural elements within the city for the enjoyment of its citizens
The property is an example of a new idea of urban green space and of an urban development model from the enlightened absolutist period of the 18th century
This model exercised influence in Latin America
illustrating the aspiration for a utopian society in Spanish overseas territory
Jardines del Buen Retiro (Gardens of the Buen Retiro) and the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanic Garden)
combine culture and nature as a designed cultural landscape in an urban environment that has evolved over centuries
It was a new concept and a complex project with a clear social element that included the establishment of an innovative group of buildings and facilities dedicated to science and to educating the public
Buildings dedicated to the arts and sciences joined others devoted to industry
healthcare and research in a 200-hectare cultural landscape
Its special links to arts and sciences increased over time
resulting in an extraordinary area that is still dedicated to nature for the leisure of citizens
Criterion (ii): The Paseo del Prado is believed to be the first public green space designed within a European capital in the early modern period
originating in the 16th century though substantially modified in the 18th century
that had a strong influence in Spanish America as a model contributing to town development
It was the first and an important example of an alameda or paseo
Criterion (iv): The Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro is an urban development model
a prototype of a new idea of improvement of urban space with a strong social content guided by rational criteria to enhance ornamentation
It is an important expression of enlightened ideals applied to town development projects with the distinctive addition of the sciences as an essential component
all with a view to making knowledge widely available to citizens
Its different parts are adjacent and linked by the idea of creating a great urban space featuring natural elements (composed of a tree-lined avenue
park and botanical garden) in different stages of history from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment
Criterion (vi): The Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro represents a utopian society linked to the arts and the sciences
within a framework of natural elements within the city
It also represents the idea of making knowledge available to citizens
in an area which is otherwise devoted to leisure
It was an idea to improve society that crossed the borders of Spain and extended to Latin America
industry and research are all part of an exchange of human and scientific values that promote the dissemination of knowledge
and their public and social roles have been preserved with outstanding vitality
All attributes of Outstanding Universal Value are preserved within the property’s boundaries; they are in good condition
are adequately maintained and no significant neglect has been identified
The property retains its integrity as a planned series of urban developments
challenges to integrity include the ambitious enlargement of museums and historical buildings in the past
as well as the presence of a large sporting complex in the Gardens of the Buen Retiro
Additional issues relate to the vegetation and some urban fabric
Factors to be managed include short-term intense uses and overexploitation
specifically in relation to the trees in the Paseo del Prado
Jardines del Buen Retiro and Real Jardín Botánico
The attributes of the property have demonstrated authenticity which is supported by extensive original documents
in municipal archives such as the Archivo de Villa
and others such as the archives of the Real Jardín Botánico
Jardines del Buen Retiro and Real Jardín Botánico mostly retain their historical use and function
Many of the buildings on the Hill of Sciences are still used as originally intended
and other buildings such as the Prado Museum and the Atocha railway station preserve their original use
authenticity has been diminished by changes to the historical interiors of some buildings
The three main green areas comprising most of the property are listed as Properties of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural)
along with more than 30 other elements (fountains and monuments) and 40 major buildings included within the property
About 300 individual trees are protected through inclusion in municipal inventories and the Catálogo de Árboles Singulares de la Comunidad de Madrid
Three different institutional levels are involved in the legal protection of the property: national
providing the general framework with the Ley de Patrimonio Histórico Español (LPHE
regional (Ley de Patrimonio Histórico de la Comunidad de Madrid
as the whole area is protected by the Madrid General Urban Development Plan (PGOUM)
A buffer zone has not yet been established although consideration is being given to its creation based on the PGOUM
A new management system has been tested and implemented and takes account of existing public and private management initiatives
It is based on coordination between many parties
professional corporations and local associations
It is designed to function at different levels
promoting engagement with the property by citizens and stakeholders
This system coordinates different departments and agencies involved in the property
particularly the institutional agencies with legal responsibilities
and addresses implementation by different groups: a World Heritage Commission
composed of the three institutional levels (state
and an Advisory Civic and Social Council formed of the representatives of the three administrations
and cultural and scientific institutions and other stakeholders
The role and independence of the Civic and Social Board could be enhanced as a means of ensuring community involvement
The inventory of all the buildings needs to be finalized
Further development and implementation of an interpretation strategy for the overall property and the full monitoring system
with special care to achieve an integrated approach
needs to be addressed in the management system
The Retiro's pavilion will be filled with music every Sunday at 12 noon until next September with concerts of popular and traditional music
With Jan Cober as chief conductor, the Banda Sinfónica Municipal de Madrid (BSMM) -which turned 115 years old this past June 2, by the way- will be in charge of performing the music that will be played every Sunday at noon in the bandstand until September (with a single break during the month of August).
According to the Madrid City Council, the repertoire will be composed of “traditional and popular musical genres [such as zarzuela or pasodoble] and classical compositions by great figures in the history of music”.
Among the repertoire that can be heard during these concerts (which varies depending on the day) are works such as Lagartijilla by José María Martín Domingo, The Preludes by Franz Listz, the Semiramide Overture by Gioachino Rossini, a version of Tell me a jazz story by Jean Calude Naude, a brass quintet and El tambor de granaderos (Preludio) by Ruperto Chapí.
Also joining the list are Franz von Suppé’s Caballería ligera , Federico Moreno Torroba’s Luisa Fernanda (Mazurca de las sombrillas) , Thomas Doss’ Spotlights , Ruperto Chapí’s La revoltosa (Preludio) and excerpts from Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco: Orchestra of Hebrew Slaves and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana , among others.
Text description provided by the architects. El Retiro is a project of extension and attachment from an independent body to a multifamily housing, that serves and transforms preexistence into a productive habitat. The proposal is issued as an opportunity to understand and build specific, viable and productive solutions that attend to the progressive growth of housing, and to take advantage of the residual spaces generated by Ecuador´s policies.
Housing scenario: Architecture as a response to the continuous need for the reinvention of a habitat. Housing is an activity, a built process. It's a dynamic object, that contains and combines a plurality of uses, individuals and activities that generate transformations that the housing must assimilate, therefore, the evolution and adaptation of the housing through time is an indissoluble process of everyday life that benefits change and transformation to renovate its validity.
© JAG StudioIts functional transmutation and therefore, the transformation of the urban landscapes acquire sense from a contextual reading, where neighborhoods progressively grow, replying and adapting to the immediate needs of habitants or communities.
as a clear declaration of intentions for the use of the material on the Coast of Ecuador
practice in a state of abandonment, typical of the social and economic biases of the region and new developments
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to an incredible food scene and picturesque parks
Culture Trip takes a look at the top attractions in Madrid to visit
© LunaMarina / Getty Images Royal Palace Tours The official residence of Spain’s royal family is these days used for official ceremonies only (King Felipe and Queen Letizia live in the more modest Zarzuela Palace just outside Madrid)
Members of the public can visit the palace and check out centuries worth of paintings
© Sergeyryzhov / iStock Temple of Debod Tours Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple was bestowed on the country by Egypt and moved
It is one of the best places to watch the sun set in Madrid
Head to the top of the Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience for a great view of the street’s famous Schweppes sign
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© LucVi / Getty Images Puerta del Sol Tours All roads in Spain lead to the Puerta del Sol
known as kilometre zero and the very centre of the country
It is also home to the famous statue of the bear and the strawberry tree
© Kasto80 / Getty Images Cibeles Palace Tours This grand building was, amazingly, the headquarters of Madrid’s post office until 2011
Today it is the home of Madrid City Council and a visitor attraction because of the incredible views from its observation deck
The ideal spot for a tapas crawl, Cava Baja is Madrid’s famous ‘tapas street‘ and on an evening is teeming with people enjoying a drink and a bite. Highly recommended are La Perejila
Its speciality is roast suckling pig and it appears in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises
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© LucVi / Getty Images Almudena Cathedral Tours Madrid’s cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul on its opening in 1993
Its Baroque exterior matches the older Royal Palace next door
and it was where King Felipe and Queen Letizia married
so is a great pitstop on the way home from a night on the town
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© Eloi Omella / Getty Images Atocha Tours Madrid’s main train has a very unusual feature – its very own indoor rainforest
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© Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano / Getty Images Matadero Tours This former matadero (slaughterhouse) – situated along the River Manzanares – was converted into an arts centre in the early 2000s
It has its own cinema and exhibition spaces and holds regular performances and food markets
Go for tapas in La Latina Architectural Landmark
Tapas is, without a doubt, one of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Spain. Head to La Latina area for great restaurants and bars
and do as the locals do: order a drink and you will usually get a free tapa
You will not only discover the neighborhood but you will also be able to taste a great variety of Spanish drinks and tapas at an affordable price
so be sure to check out the Las Ventas Bullring and Bullfighting Museum
Maravillas and San Miguel Markets Cheesemonger
Andrés Alagón / Unsplash San Miguel Tours There’s an old saying in Madrid that “whatever you’re looking for, go to Maravillas Market
it doesn’t exist.” Stocking perhaps the largest range of traditional market food in the city
Maravillas offers the full gamut of sights
is complete without a visit to San Miguel Market
the market is home to 33 stalls selling the very best Spanish street food
Wherever there’s a CaixaForum in Spain
it’s guaranteed to be one of the best attractions in the city
the museum is an architectural wonder in itself
appearing to levitate from the ground as you approach it
The luscious vertical garden on the exterior walls
Once inside you’ll find multimedia exhibitions of art
as well as a number of events including debates
conferences and workshops for families and professionals alike
© Ljupco / iStock The seemingly gravity defying KIO towers in Madrid’s Financial District lean at a 15-degree angle
and were the first leaning skyscrapers in the world
© iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus This old cinema shows classic Hollywood and modern films from around the world for a bargain €2.50. Its tumultuous history saw it bombed during the Spanish Civil War, but today it is home to the Filmoteca Española
which restores and preserves old films as part of Spain’s Ministry of Culture
It appears in Pedro Almodóvar’s Hable con Ella (Talk to Her)
the various spaces of El Imparcial change to be used at different times of the day
but the décor and upholstery in every room is truly a sight to behold
IDN / Shutterstock One of Madrid’s first eight metro stations
inspired by the look and feel of the metro lines in Paris
due to the proximity of other nearby metro stations and was closed in 1966
it was preserved due to the entrances being bricked up
it acts as a glimpse into the past of the ghost metro station
with a platform viewpoint where you can see the modern metro roar past
Renowned Madrid fan Ernest Hemingway famously said that nobody goes to bed in Madrid “until they have killed the night”, and spring is a good time to experience Madrid’s nightlife. The nights are longer and warmer, ideal for sampling the city’s best bars, clubs and concert venues
Fernando Astasio Avila / Shutterstock Madrid’s cherry blossom bursts into life every spring
and there is no better place to see the trees in all their glory than the Quinta de los Molinos park
Take line five of the Metro and get off at Suanzes station
Corrado Baratta / Shutterstock If you happen to be in Madrid over Easter, don’t miss the parades that snake around the city. Dozens take place every Holy Week
cone-shaped hoods (they have nothing to do with the Ku Klux Klan
while men carry huge statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary and women in traditional lace mantillas follow
and the mountains are also home to some stunning natural swimming pools – great for a dip
There are lots of different places across the city that set up open-air cinemas in the summer. Catch a flick on the beautiful rooftop of La Casa Encendida
or watch a new release in the courtyard of Cibeles Palace
the grand headquarters of Madrid’s City Council
Rodrigo Ramos / Unsplash Reina Sofia Tickets You’ll never realise how much you appreciate air conditioning until you visit Madrid in summer
Enjoy the cool atmosphere at one of the city’s cinemas – the Cine Doré
a 1920s art house cinema in the Lavapiés neighbourhood
which is dedicated to preserving old Spanish films
as well as movies in English with Spanish subtitles
Alternatively get your air con fix at one of Madrid’s famous art galleries; the Prado and Reina Sofia both offer free admission during the last couple of hours of the day
Unai Huizi Photography / Shutterstock Madrid’s gay pride celebrations are among the biggest in the world and take place at the end of June-beginning of July every year
The city takes on a welcoming and inclusive party atmosphere
hosting a huge LGBT parade and several concerts across different neighbourhoods
In August, Madrid is home to three local fiestas, or verbenas
restaurants set up outdoor stalls and the streets are decorated with colourful bunting
takes place from August 12-15 and is a great opportunity to see Madrid’s local colour in all its glory
Every summer, Madrid’s City Council hosts a series of cultural events under the umbrella of Veranos de la Villa
From open-air cinema nights and theatre performances to concerts by some of the biggest names in pop
make sure to check the listings if you are planning a summer trip to Madrid
Madrid lays on a special NaviBus (‘Christmas bus’) that takes passengers on a festive tour of the city’s incredible Christmas lights
take a seat on the top deck and prepare for a big dose of Christmas cheer as you take in the creative displays
which are made by different designers each year
The bus runs from December 1 to January 6 and tickets must be booked online in advance
It leaves from Calle Serrano in the Salamanca neighbourhood
Mattia Bicchi / Shutterstock Madrid’s best Christmas market is on the city’s Plaza Mayor
where stalls sell everything from nativity characters and baubles to wigs and funny glasses
These are donned by Spaniards on December 28 for the Day of the Innocents
Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Madrid Do your own DIY literary tour of Madrid Architectural Landmark
Jonathan Kobylanski / Unsplash Street Art Tours There’s no better way to explore Madrid’s street art scene than by a walking tour on a sunny day
Tours usually include a visit to La Neomudejar
and walks through neighborhoods like Malasaña and La Latina
The park is located just a few miles outside the city center in the suburb of Torrejón de Ardoz and best of all
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Berlin — during those trips, I also wandered off to smaller European stops like Prague, and Krakow. Somehow I'd stayed (and eaten well) in Barcelona, too, but never set foot in Madrid — the capital of Spain
third largest city in the EU with 3.2 million people and the host of some of the world's best museums and restaurants
So my wife and I agreed: Madrid would be next
The main criteria for us was simple: Find a points-hotel that's within walking distance of the "Art Triangle" of museums: The Prado (known for works by Velázquez and Goya)
the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (featuring Renaissance and Modernism art with plenty of Impressionists and Expressionists in the mix) and The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (where Pablo Picasso's Guernica draws thousands)
[the_basics alignment="right" hotel="AC Palacio Del Retiro
Autograph Collection" address="Alfonso XII 14 Madrid 28014 Spain
Spain" phone="+34-91-5237460" room_type="Superior Room" program="Marriott" /]
was originally a private mansion for the Oriol family
it's a luxury hotel protected by National Heritage status
offering 50 rooms and dazzling interior design details — gorgeous columns and ironwork
a sumptuous spiral staircase and multiple stained-glass windows — very one-of-a-kind
which is what an Autograph Collection hotel is supposed to be
instead of whatever the fourth night cost alone is)
The total cost for all four nights of my stay (including taxes) would have been $1,767.18 (a nightly rate of $441.79)
but thanks to the fourth night rate credit of $444.87
at $330.50 per night was a bit more manageable
I ended up earning 5,525 Citi ThankYou Points since the card gave me 3x points on all my hotel and dining transactions
I could have opted to pay with my Chase Sapphire Reserve
which would have given me 2x points on travel
As a Marriott Gold Elite member
I received a few extra complimentary benefits
Wi-Fi and a room upgrade (based on availability
I also earned a total of 20,921 Marriott Rewards points for the four-night stay
The building is impressive but small; it's only six stories high and occupies a corner
it looks spectacular at night when the lights show off the ornate façade
there are no doormen or valets hanging around outside rushing to open your door or grab your bags
you get a first glimpse of the opulence: stained glass windows
gorgeous moldings along the walls and lots of beautiful wrought-iron
there were two front desk agents helping guests
They tended to be young — in their 20s or 30s — and very eager to help
Their English was flawless — my Spanish didn't last past "Hola!" — and they seemed genuinely eager to please
My wife and I were taken on a tour of the ground floor so we could see the awesome spiral staircase
the understated business area and the onsite restaurant that serves breakfast
This was a hotel I wanted to explore the old-fashioned way
The spiral staircase was clearly the centerpiece
including an ancient elevator made with wood and wrought-iron
We were happy to have been upgraded to a Superior Room and were delighted with the extra-tall ceiling accented with columns
The king-size bed along one wall sat opposite the living room space with a sofa
Tons of natural light streamed in through the windows overlooking the park
The details impressed: It looked like these were original hardwood floors and wall moldings
And there were all of the comforts one takes for granted until they are gone: enough wall outlets to charge multiple phones and laptops
orchids in a modern vase and — hallelujah — an espresso machine
The only thing that struck me as odd was the kitsch frog sitting on a ledge near the TV
like a prop that had been left behind from some other cheesier hotel
Dark tile is risky in bathrooms; the space can seem smaller than it really is
the stark contrasts of the black with the white dual sinks
towels and bath tub (as well as the vertical and horizontal lines of the room) created a pleasing and symmetrical elegance
There was nothing earth-shattering about the tub
And I appreciate when the toilet is behind a closed door
though I am yet to ever use the inevitable phone that's in the room with it
I can't help but feel like a kid in a candy store when the bathroom also supplies dedicated toiletry kits
we occasionally feasted on whatever was in the mini-bar
I refrained from the potato chips (Pringles and Jose Andres's San Nicadio brands) and did not dip into the nuts or candy
but I did break down and have a bottle of Coke
The on-premises restaurant known as The Suite Bar looks and feels like a casual
clubby eatery — it does not pretend to be fancy or fine
The continental breakfast included with my Citi Prestige reservation came with fresh fruit
which runs 31 euros (~$33) per person would have allowed me to feast on any of the magnificent pastries and parfaits showcased — and lit from behind like a bar — at the end of the dining room
Room service was nothing special; we ordered the meatballs and a seafood pasta
but the food came soon enough on an elegant tray
arrived perfectly hot and the bread was fresh
This meal won't earn any Michelin Stars
all you have to do is press the button for -1
There's not a ton of space to explore
The gym is small and has limited equipment
a lat pulldown machine and a bunch of rolled-up white towels
brown and tan tiles line the walls; candles surround the jacuzzi
centrally located and filled with rich history
For Marriott-Starwood loyalists seeking upscale accommodations near the museums and Buen Retiro Park
Have you ever stayed at the AC Palacio Del Retiro in Madrid? Tell us about your experience, below.
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MADRID — Madrid’s tree-lined Paseo del Prado boulevard and the adjoining Retiro park have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list
backed the candidacy on Sunday that highlighted the green area’s introduction of nature into Spain’s capital
The influence the properties have had on the designs of other cities in Latin America was also applauded by committee members
they illustrate the aspiration for a utopian society during the height of the Spanish Empire,” UNESCO said
The Retiro park occupies 1.2 square kilometers (1.3 square miles) in the center of Madrid
which includes a promenade for pedestrians
The boulevard connects the heart of Spain’s art world
bringing together the Prado Museum with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Art Centre
The boulevard dates back to 16th century while the park was originally for royal use in the 17th century before it was fully opened to the public in 1848
in a city that has suffered enormously for the past 15 months
we have a reason to celebrate with the first world heritage site in Spain’s capital,” said Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida
The site is number 49 for Spain on the UNESCO list
the committee added China’s Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan
and the Trans-Iranian railway to the World Heritage list
World Heritage sites can be examples of outstanding natural beauty or manmade buildings
The sites can be important geologically or ecologically
or they can be key for human culture and tradition
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White and pink petals sprout from Madrid's almond trees
offering a spectacle that foretells the end of winter in the capital
February’s spring-like weather favors the flowering of almond trees in the capital. Last weekend we saw entire families picnicking in the sun at the Quinta de los Molinos
enjoying a landscape that could well be a Hokusai print
In addition to the Quinta, other natural environments in Madrid boast flowering trees
which form ephemeral landscapesduring the change of season
To visit some of them it is not necessary to leave the center
The reference site to see the almond trees in all their splendor is the Quinta de los Molinos
It has more than 1,800 specimens of two types: Largueta (early flowering) and Marcona (medium-early flowering)
Its incredible field of flowering trees occupies a good part of the agricultural area of the park
where we also see typical species of the Mediterranean landscape
El Retiro has a truly unique botanical variety
In the area known as the Huerto del Francés ( Paseo Fernán Núñez)
there are 300 almond trees that are already showing off their white petals with pinkish hues
Casa de Campo is the ideal place to disconnect from the constant stimuli of the city and stroll surrounded by nature
Its almond trees can be found along a four-kilometer botanical path that runs from the Lago metro stop to Puerta del Zarzón
From time to time I hear of people looking for a spiritual getaway, a place to pray and re-center. A place that is familiar to many in Jesuit circles, especially on the west coast, is El Retiro San Iñigo
quiet site that offers retreats for men and women of all ages and backgrounds
See here for a list of upcoming retreats
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Madrid's Retiro park is filled with joggers and dog walkers enjoying the fresh air and manicured flowerbeds of one of the city's most visited attractions
El Retiro ("The Retreat") was originally a palace and gardens built for the personal enjoyment of King Felipe IV in the 17th Century
where courtiers sometimes carried out recreations of naval battles on the boating lake
the 1.4-square kilometre (350-acre) park is used for boat rides
It has a garden with over 4,000 rosebushes which fill the air with scent when the flowers bloom in May and June
and the "Palacio de Cristal" built in 1887
a glass and iron structure inspired by London's Crystal Palace
The park is enjoyed by "madrilenos" and tourists alike
a 28-year-old Londoner visiting with her boyfriend
"I like it better than (London's) Hyde Park because it's less hectic
people here seem to be more relaxed," she said as she took selfies of herself kissing her partner beside the boating lake
The Retiro is also a place of work for many
Nicolas Perez has worked for four years dressing as cartoon characters like Kermit the Frog and getting his picture taken with visitors for money
"From Monday to Thursday I make enough to pay for food
But on Friday and the weekend I get extra to pay for my utilities," he said
Despite reports circulating that Inter Miami CF forward Gonzalo Higuain will be retiring after the 2022 season
the player himself has stressed no decision has been made
Higuain’s father, Jorge, gave an interview with TNT Sports in their native Argentina and said
his son would be retiring after this season
Gonzalo was asked directly about that interview and refuted his father’s remarks
He also added that the only source you’ll need to hear from on his future is Gonzalo himself
"It was a misunderstanding he had with me," Higuain told media in Spanish
on fulfilling my contract and when the time comes
Higuain, 34, joined Miami during the summer of 2020 from Italian Serie A giants Juventus and has embarked upon a mixed experience in MLS. He has 15 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances, though Miami have found minimal success during his time at the club. Higuain was the third-highest paid player (guaranteed compensation) in MLS in 2021, according to salary figures released by the MLS Players Association
He is under contract through the 2022 season
his final guaranteed year with Inter Miami
or the Floridian club declines his contract option
it would open another Designated Player spot for the rebuilding Eastern Conference side
I’m close to that time in which I’ll stop playing fútbol
but that’s not on my mind at the moment," Higuain said
"What’s on my mind is fulfilling my contract and then I will analyze how I feel and I will sit down with the club to make the best decision
Right now I feel good and I just wanted to clarify this
and when the time comes it will be me that communicates my decision.”
Miami currently have two players occupying DP spots, though only Higuain is on the roster. Mexican international midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro
is still technically occupying a DP slot due to Miami not receiving a loan fee as part of the deal
The third DP was French World Cup-winning midfielder Blaise Matuidi
though the club bought him out prior to the season starting as he transitioned into an ambassador role with Inter
Inter Miami are likely to be in the market for a DP this summer, with sporting director Chris Henderson addressing as much in the offseason
Miami have endured a difficult start to the 2022 campaign
losing four of their first five matches despite not yet playing a team that made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2021
with Higuain scoring twice from the penalty-kick spot
I will be the first person to communicate it
“But at this moment my focus is on this club and fulfilling my contract.”
Higuain joined Real Madrid from Argentina's River Plate in 2007 as a rising talent and stayed with the Spanish giants until 2013
where he had 91 goals and 26 assists in 146 matches before signing with Juventus
He had 31 goals in 75 caps with the Argentine national team
plus has featured for AC Milan and England's Chelsea
Federico Higuain, Gonzalo’s older brother, retired this offseason and was honored by the Columbus Crew this past weekend, signing a ceremonious one-day contract to officially retire with the club. Federico, 37, is an assistant coach at MLS NEXT Pro side Inter Miami CF II.
The chapel is a modest square concrete structure...
...an arrangement of four intersecting concrete walls, raised up on blocks...
The worship space is accessed by ramps that take visitors underground before they emerge in the closeted warmth of the chapel
The chapel is set alongside Auco's Carmelite Monastery...
...in the heart of the Valley of the Andes
The worship space is set within glass walls
The glass walls create the illusion of a room suspended in a void
The building itself is a wooden box, built from recycled railway sleepers and suspended from the concrete structure above it
Chile's reputation as a crucible for rigorously crisp yet evocative contemporary architecture continues to swell with this new chapel in Santuario Santa Teresa de Los Andes in Auco.
Set in the heart of the Valley of the Andes, the Capilla del Retiro is set alongside Auco's Carmelite Monastery, a red-roofed, white-walled complex that nestles on the valley floor.
The new chapel, designed by Cristian Undurraga of Undurraga Deves Arquitectos, is a modest square concrete structure, an arrangement of four intersecting concrete walls, raised up on blocks and signposted by a modest cross on a pole.
There is more than initially meets the eye. Beneath the structural grid created by the four hefty concrete walls there is a sizeable hole, roughly excavated and faced with rustic stone to create an artificial geographical feature.
The chapel itself is a wooden box, built from recycled railway sleepers and suspended from the concrete structure above it. This in turn is set within glass walls, creating the illusion of a room suspended in a void, an inversion of the traditional top-lit ecclesiastical space.
The worship space is accessed by a snaking ramp that descends from the north, taking visitors underground before they emerge in the closeted warmth of the chapel.
The absence of distant views focuses the mind, while natural light is filtered by the warmth of the surrounding stone to create a calm, life-affirming retreat in the rugged landscape.
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Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*
She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London
she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006
visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas
Ellie has also taken part in judging panels
such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson
Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022)
El Retiro will host a series of activities aimed at celebrating the day with the most hours of sunshine of the year
The neighborhood of El Retiro has published the Program of activities to celebrate San Juan (although
it will be celebrated more in advance than on the day of the saint)
And to welcome them will be the journalist and writer Javier Sierra giving the opening speech on Friday at 8 pm on the stage located on Narvaez Street
Madrid Capital de Moda
The Madrid Book Fair is one of the most beloved and followed events in the city
and will be located one more year in the Paseo de Coches (also known as Paseo Fernán Gómez) in El Retiro Park
If you want to discover all the stories that are waiting for you on the shelves of their booths or meet your favorite authors
we encourage you to stop by the Madrid Book Fair
a social and cultural phenomenon that has occupied many writers
Bookstores always add value to neighborhoods
contribute to their development and boost the cultural life of a city
so this spring you have to stop by El Retiro
Don’t miss Parque del Retiro—a stunning area complete with a lake
It’s the perfect public space where anyone can enjoy the day by taking a walk
Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez on the east side
is not only beautifully manicured but also full of peacocks
There were about 12-15 of the colorful males (and not so colorful females) strolling the grounds and strutting their art-nouveau feathers
This area is popular for picture taking and of course children love the birds
The Retiro Park in Madrid is probably the greenest spot in the city and the park is massive
Other than dodging joggers and guys and gals on skateboards and roller blades
something that I enjoyed was paying a few euros for a boat and rowing around the lake
The Parque del Buen Retiro is one of Madrid‘s iconic outdoor spots: acres and acres of green and shade--the city’s beloved lung and playground..
...and several outdoor terrace-cafés dot the grounds for when you need a coffee
or...an anchovy-and-tomato ‘bocadillo.’ My wife shied away
preferring an equally authentic egg-and-potato ‘tortilla’ sandwich...But for a pungent counterpoint to the crusty white bread
do like so many Spaniards and opt for the little fishies..
Take time out of eating and drinking in Madrid and take a long stroll or do some eating or drinking in Madrid’s Parque del Retiro
with different sections that beckon you to to the next site
The ultimate offering of any large city is a reprieve from the hectic shuffle of everyday routine
This public park has sublime offerings for those intent on an afternoon of relaxation as well as for those seeking a more active approach
Parque del Buen Retiro houses Madrid’s oldest tree
You might find yourself returning again and again to find refuge from the streets
Every day is a great day to visit El Parque de Gran Retiro
No matter which path you choose to explore
there are delightful surprises around every bend
It might be a tiled bench reminiscent of ancient moorish palaces
an unusual waterfall sculpture or a peacock squawking in the trees above
The park is especially entertaining on weekends when street vendors
mimes and musicians line the promenade around the lake or “estanque”
Stroll in the shade of centuries-old trees
nibble on a refreshing ice cream or sit in one of the numerous cafes to linger over a cafe con leche
Retiro is a great place to people-watch or just while away a quiet afternoon
We went directly to the Parque del retiro
the most beautiful thing in this place was the lake
Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.
inviting us to embrace the streets and enjoy Madrid in the good weather
It's the perfect time for leisurely strolls amidst the splendor of the capital's parks and gardens
or to immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere of outdoor bars and restaurants
Madrid has many green spaces to enjoy with the family, friends and, why not, alone. The Campo del Moro gardens are a must with the Royal Palace in the background and its peacocks wandering among the trees. Nearby, there are the Sabatini Gardens
offering one of the most spectacular sunsets of Madrid
a charming garden that protected the high walls of the convent until 1972.
See our article on Terraces in Madrid
Open Air Sculpture Museum on Paseo de la Castellana offers the best abstract art in the street with works by Chillida, Miró or Palazuelo. Culture and leisure can also be found at Madrid Río
a large natural and cultural park which runs parallel to the River Manzanares for ten kilometres
Here, you can ride a bike, skate, run or go for a walk, but you can also relax in its terraces, whilst the children are kept entertained in the many children’s play areas (don’t miss the giant slides or the lianas park). You can also enjoy the numerous activities offered by Matadero Madrid
the major cultural centre in the area.
Another perfect option is the Zarzuela Hippodrome. It is an architectural treasure (its grandstand, by Eduardo Torroja, is renowned worldwide) where you can enjoy an exciting day of horse racing every Sunday in spring (from 11am) and a wide range of leisure activities and gastronomy
which is home to a zoo and an amusement park
Discover one of the most attractive spots in Madrid at the foot of the Palacio Real
it’s time to make the most of the mild weather and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities
Madrid offers comfortable visits all the year round
holds immense significance for book lovers in the city
This charming cobblestone street is lined with a row of quaint bookstalls that have been a literary institution since the early 20th century (1925 is considered the year of its foundation)
The street's enduring appeal lies in its role as a haven for book enthusiasts
offering a diverse selection of new and secondhand books
Cuesta de Moyano serves as a cultural oasis where visitors can explore literature
fostering a vibrant intellectual community
The street's unique ambiance and its historical significance make it an essential stop for anyone passionate about literature and a testament to Madrid's rich literary heritage
It remains a cherished destination that celebrates the enduring love affair between Madrid and its books
Sunday mornings are perfect for a stroll up and down Cuesta de Moyano
most locals enjoy visiting the stalls during the weekend and make this visit part of their stroll around Retiro Park.
If what you are after are those out-of-print
Cuesta de Moyano is most likely your best chance to find them.
The Cuesta de Moyano booths are open from Monday to Sunday
The hours are difficult to summarize since each bookstore has its own opening hours
Indiana's greatest rare bookstore has a special shelf for Hoosier authors
an eccentric book lover formed a micronation for book lovers
thousands of secondhand books create this photogenic tunnel
This mosaic made out of books represents one of Colonial Mexico's most important literary figures
This unconventional used book store was once in the news for the surprising act of burning books
This small sculpture honors a shuttered bookshop that was the site of a fiery act of protest
This sprawling bookstore spans four floors and has more than a million books in stock
Hayley Beresford's 12-year old Lusitano stallion and Olympic team horse Relampago do Retiro passed away in a tragic road accident
which took place this morning near Hayley's base in Soest-Lippetal
Early this morning Relampago returned home after a routine check-up at the equine clinic Telgte
When a car suddenly pulled in front of them on the quiet Dolberger Strasse
the 23-year old driver had to make an emergency manoever which caused the trailer to tip over
Villa Do Retiro's Brazilian vet Oteo Avilia was fortunately in Germany on business and was immediately called to the scene to treat Relampago
Reli's injuries were so severe that the horse had to be euthanized on the spot
The driver was brought to the hospital in shock
"This is absolutely devastating," Beresford told Eurodressage
"This freak accident was caused by someone pulling out in front of the car
She's a very experienced and responsible driver."
Hayley Beresford recently made her come back to the show ring with "Reli" who sustained an injury at the 2010 World Equestrian Games
In 2008 they finished 19th in the Grand Prix Special at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong
reared and owned by Eduardo Fisher of Lusitano stud farm Villa do Retiro in Brazil
"Eduardo has lost as much as I," said Beresford
I can't ask more from him as a sponsor and I have nothing without him
It's a privilege to be involved with such great people
This is also why I love riding Lusitano's."
"It's been the worst month of my life," Beresford added
found out that her breast cancer has returned
Hayley has gone straight back into treatment as this is her second relapse after she was first diagnosed seven years ago in the spring of 2004
"I was supposed to go into surgery today but that was postponed until after Aachen," she explained
"I'm coping much better than before but I had been feeling under the weather physically for months
Beresford had planned a series of clinics in Australia this summer but is now forced to cancel them
It's just too demanding at the moment," she said
"I sent a few horses back home and am just keeping my competition horses
The doctors want me to stay riding and Reli was of course at the top of the ladder
I think I'll have to take one step in front of the other
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Rémi Blot
With this recognition the small concrete chapel formed by 4 concrete beams floating over a rustic excavation in Auco
joins a group of iconic contemporary religious buildings
where the delicate balance of light and matter are the common denominator
The chapel rises as a confirmation of the extraordinary geography that surrounds it
while respecting the axes established by the series of preexisting buildings
Concrete is the main material of the building’s structure
rises up from a crosspiece of 4 beams in the shape of a cross that is supported with the least possible structural elements so that its relationship with the ground is slight but sufficient
Shape and structure here are an indissoluble synthesis
Under the strict geometry of the concrete a patio was excavated
whose rustic stone wall rises hazardously up and around the chapel
compressing and expanding that space of light
As a counterpoint to the magnitude of the geographic surroundings
the interior was designed in the shape of a wooden box recycled from old railway lines
This box hangs from the concrete structure and lies 2 meters under the beams that support it
limiting the view of the emptiness outside
Learn more about the Capilla del Retiro in our previous article at ArchDaily
They have crowning achievements to share and tales to tell – and now they will have their Palace too
shovels went into the ground in the Toa Alta municipality in Puerto Rico to mark the start of a new affordable housing complex specifically for adults age 62 and older
Toa Alta is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the northern coast of the island
and the developer is hoping the project can serve as a boost at an existing housing crisis for Puerto Rican seniors
The digging was part of a groundbreaking for Palacio Dorado (which translates in English to “Golden Palace”)
a residential complex by Acacia Network that will offer 103 units of affordable housing to older adults
with the complex slated for completion in 2018
Director of Project Management for Acacia Network
“It’s scheduled to be a 22-month project,” she said
The effort comes as residents continue to leave the island due to high unemployment rates and a sagging healthcare system
the island’s population was has decreased 9 percent since 2000
with two-thirds of this decline taking place since 2010
“We are privileged and honored to be able to contribute to Puerto Rico
especially during this economic crisis,” said Acacia Network President and Chief Executive Officer Raul Russi
With 45 percent of Puerto Ricans on the island living below the poverty line
Russi said it was essential to offer services to seniors struggling to survive
“There’s such a tremendous need for this kind of housing,” he remarked
While the island’s overall population has declined significantly
simply because they have nowhere else to go or lack financial resources to relocate
the number of adults 60 and older residing in Puerto Rico totaled 3,374,675 in 2014
Palacio Dorado will be located within short walking distance of services in the municipality’s urban center
will offer an array of on-site supportive services for residents
“We have a partnership with local nonprofits to provide services,” said Albors
and a community center for senior activities.”
Acacia also plans to partner with a health clinic located near Palacio Dorado
One of the focal points of the complex will be a tree-laden courtyard
which is designed to entice residents outdoors for walking and other activities
“It was very important to create a healthy community,” remarked Albors
“We weren’t just building a 103-unit building; it was important to have a place where people could walk around and interact with each other.”
Seeds for the project were sown four years ago when Acacia was invited to participate in a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process called the “2015 Joint Agency Notification of Funding Announcement (JANOFA)” from Senior Services for Puerto Rico
Despite the need for affordable housing on the island
Russi said he was initially skeptical that Acacia was best suited for the project
I didn’t see the need for a New York-based group to go there
because there were many developers who were already there and know the island,” he commented
Russi said he became convinced after meeting with about 20 mayors from different Puerto Rico municipalities and government officials
who told him that due to Acacia’s track record
they felt the organization could expedite the project
served as Project Manager and helped Acacia navigate the culture there
“A lot of the nuances that are typical to Puerto Rico
said Toa Alta Municipality Mayor Clemente Agosto in a statement
“[This development] is being carried out in alliance with a respected organization founded and led by Puerto Rican leadership
and it is modeled after similar successful projects in New York State and across Puerto Rico.”
That Acacia already had an office in Puerto Rico was also helpful
as well as the organization’s efforts to conduct the project with island stakeholders
“We brought nothing from the United States,” stated Russi
everyone involved in the project was from Puerto Rico.”
Russi said he hoped the Palacio Dorado project would only be the beginning of Acacia’s senior services on the island
“The thought is we would model this throughout the island
throughout the municipalities,” Russi said
“We hope that we can do more middle income housing for seniors who need it
That we formed a relationship with these mayors will go a long way.”
the organization also broke ground on Acacia Gardens
a long-delayed affordable housing complex in East Harlem
which had been in the works for several decades
Russi said the East Harlem and Puerto Rico projects were indication of Acacia’s willingness to tackle challenging projects
“It shows we’re in it for the long haul,” he remarked
“We’re used to working in areas where it’s difficult
but we know that you need to stick with it
For more information, please visit www.acacianetwork.org
Toa Alta is located approximately 24.5 miles west of the capital city of San Juan
making it one of Puerto Rico’s oldest towns
The construction of the San Fernando Rey Church in the town square began in 1752
The name Toa Alta comes from the Taino word for valley
agriculture became an important economic force in the area
The town is commonly known by its nickname “La Cuna de los Poetas,” or “Cradle of Poets,” in light of the numerous Spanish-language poets born there
such as Abelardo Díaz Alfaro and the musician Tomas “Masso” Rivera
Tienen logros coronados para compartir y cuentos para contar
palas fueron al suelo en el municipio de Toa Alta en Puerto Rico para marcar el inicio de un nuevo complejo de viviendas asequibles específicamente para adultos mayores de 62 años
Toa Alta es un municipio de Puerto Rico ubicado en la costa norte de la isla
El desarrollador espera que el proyecto sirva como estímulo en la actual crisis de vivienda para los adultos mayores puertorriqueños
La excavación fue parte de la colocación de la primera piedra del Palacio Dorado
un complejo residencial de Red Acacia que ofrecerá 103 unidades de vivienda asequible para adultos mayores
La construcción comenzará de inmediato y el complejo se completará en 2018
directora de Gestión de Proyectos de la Red Acacia
“Está programado para ser un proyecto de 22 meses”
El esfuerzo se produce cuando los residentes continúan huyendo de la isla debido a las altas tasas de desempleo y un hundido sistema de cuidado de la salud
la población de la isla ha disminuido un 9 por ciento desde el año 2000
con dos tercios de esta disminución sucediendo desde 2010
“Tenemos el privilegio y el honor de poder contribuir con Puerto Rico
especialmente durante esta crisis económica”
presidente y director general de la Red Acacia
Con 45 por ciento de los puertorriqueños en la isla viviendo por debajo del nivel de pobreza
Russi dijo que era esencial ofrecer servicios a las personas mayores que luchan por sobrevivir
“Hay una tremenda necesidad de este tipo de vivienda”
Si bien la población total de la isla ha disminuido perceptiblemente
simplemente porque no tienen a dónde ir o carecen de los recursos financieros para reubicarse
Según estadísticas de la Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos
el número de adultos mayores de 60 años que residen en Puerto Rico ascendió a 3,374,675 en 2014
un aumento del 11 por ciento en comparación con 2010
El Palacio Dorado se encuentra a poca distancia caminando de los servicios del centro urbano del municipio
ofrecerá servicios de apoyo en el lugar para los residentes
“Tenemos una asociación con organizaciones sin fines de lucro locales para proveer servicios”
“Tenemos una sala de examen médico en el lugar y un centro comunitario para actividades de los adultos mayores”
Acacia también planea asociarse con una clínica de salud ubicada cerca del Palacio Dorado
Uno de los puntos focales del complejo será un patio lleno de árboles
diseñado para atraer a los residentes al aire libre a que caminen y realicen otras actividades
“Era muy importante crear una comunidad saludable”
“No queríamos simplemente construir un edificio de 103 unidades
era importante tener un lugar donde la gente pudiera caminar e interactuar”
Las semillas para el proyecto fueron sembradas hace cuatro años cuando Acacia fue invitada a participar en un proceso competitivo de Solicitud de Propuestas (RFP
por sus siglas en inglés) llamado “Aviso de Notificación de Financiamiento de Agencias Conjuntas (JANOFA
por sus siglas en inglés) 2015” de Servicios para Personas Mayores para Puerto Rico
A pesar de la necesidad de viviendas asequibles en la isla
Russi dijo que inicialmente estaba escéptico de que Acacia fuese el desarrollador más adecuado para el proyecto
no veía la necesidad de que un grupo con sede en Nueva York fuese allá
porque había muchos desarrolladores que ya estaban ahí y conocían la isla”
Russi dijo que se convenció después de reunirse con unos 20 alcaldes y funcionarios del gobierno de diferentes municipios de Puerto Rico
quienes le dijeron que debido al historial de Acacia
sentían que la organización podría acelerar el proyecto
sirvió como gerente de proyecto y ayudó a Acacia a navegar por la cultura
“Muchos de los matices que son típicos de Puerto Rico
“Pero aun así se necesita mucho tiempo”
“Estamos orgullosos de este proyecto”
dijo el alcalde de la municipalidad de Toa Alta
“[Este desarrollo] se está llevando a cabo en alianza con una organización respetada
fundada y dirigida por el liderazgo puertorriqueño
y que sigue el modelo de proyectos similares exitosos en el estado de Nueva York y por toda la isla de Puerto Rico”
Que Acacia ya tuviera una oficina en Puerto Rico también fue útil
así como los esfuerzos de la organización para llevar a cabo el proyecto con las partes interesadas de la isla
“No trajimos nada de los Estados Unidos”
todos los involucrados en el proyecto fueron de Puerto Rico”
Russi dijo que esperaba que el proyecto del Palacio Dorado fuese solo el comienzo de los servicios de Acacia para los adultos mayores de la isla
“La idea es que modelemos esto en toda la isla
Esperamos poder hacer más viviendas para adultos mayores con ingreso medio que lo necesiten
Que la relación que formamos con estos alcaldes sea de larga duración”
la organización también colocó la primera piedra en Acacia Gardens
un retrasado complejo de viviendas asequibles en East Harlem
que estuvo en obras durante varias décadas
Russi dijo que los proyectos de East Harlem y Puerto Rico eran indicios de la voluntad de Acacia para enfrentarse a proyectos desafiantes
“Demuestra que estamos en esto a largo plazo”
“Estamos acostumbrados a trabajar en áreas donde es difícil
pero sabemos que ustedes necesitan seguir con ello
Para obtener más información, por favor visite www.acacianetwork.org
Toa Alta se encuentra a unas 24.5 millas al oeste de la ciudad capital de San Juan
convirtiéndolo en uno de los pueblos más antiguos de Puerto Rico
La construcción de la Iglesia de San Fernando Rey -en la plaza del pueblo- comenzó en 1752
El nombre Toa Alta proviene de la palabra Taino para el valle
la agricultura se convirtió en una fuerza económica importante en la zona
El pueblo es comúnmente conocido por su apodo “La cuna de los poetas”
a la luz de los numerosos poetas de lengua española nacidos allí
como Abelardo Díaz Alfaro y el músico Tomás “Masso” Rivera
THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN LATINO & MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
a website specialized in booking cultural and leisure activities
has analyzed 3,800 open-air venues throughout Europe
it established a ranking of the 30 best European public attractions
The resulting list of most popular places is based on the number of reviews and each site's score on Google
At the top of that ranking is the Madrid's El Retiro Park
With 125 hectares and more than 15,000 trees
El Retiro Park is considered a green oasis in the center of Madrid
Several gardens are located on the property — the Vivaces garden
the gardens of the Architect Herrero Palacios
the Rosaleda and the French Parterre with the ahuehuete
Among its most important architectural and historical elements are — the Estanque Grande
the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal
both currently used as exhibition halls of the Reina Sofía Museum
El Retiro also houses sculptures and fountains
the only sculpture in the world that represents the devil
in homage to the victims of the terrorist attacks of March 11
The park is one of the most-visited places by tourists and locals to walk
The Musement's ranking also put another Spanish attraction in second place — Park Güell
one of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona
The top five is completed with London's Hyde Park
The ranking of the top 30 European public places with the most reviews is available on its website.
THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Retiro neighbourhood has come into its own as one of the biggies on Madrid's gastronomical map for being home to a large share of the city's best bars
Among a wide range of varied and quality (in most cases) spots
Laredo stands out as an important bulwark of quality product
which make it one of the best bars in Madrid
The growing popularity of this enterprise of the Laredo brothers
who started with a bar in 1993 and to date have moved its location twice
has not impeded their ability to make quality and proximity top priorities
The clientele appreciate this so much that you'll need to book in advance if you want to get a table in the dining room or at the bar
you can always elbow your way in at the bar to get a better look at to contemplate the dishes of the day and help you decide what you want
and Miguel is the man with the know-how and passion in this area
so definitely let him give you advice – you'll end up discovering a new favourite
and where they cook up seasonal dishes and magnificent stews
Standouts on the menu include rabbit cutlets with fries
and suckling pig confit with cream of truffled potato
You'll appreciate the free snacks you get with each drink order as well
Bogotá produces more than 2 million tons of trash per year, according to Cómo Vamos, a polling and research organization. Only about 4 percent of that gets recycled
But El Retiro Shopping Center is changing the way that Bogotanos think about recycling with a bold Christmas decor they call EcoChristmas
All of the decorations for the 2015 Christmas season are handmade by local college students
And they are all made from recycled materials
El Retiro asked students at La Salle College
the Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and the Universidad Piloto to come up with designs for decorations that would “highlight the generation of solid waste and the reutilization of recycled materials,” according to a statement from the shopping center
Students competed in three broad categories: Nativity scenes
Other students worked on graphic design campaigns and packaging
Finalists are already on display at El Retiro
but an overall winner will be chosen on Dec
shoppers can get in on the game by designing their own crowns using recycled material
“We wanted to propose an alternative for decorating our space that would use a concept that integrates design
citizen conscientiousness and young talent,” said Alessandra Santoro
while generating most of Colombia’s solid waste
with more than 17 percent of all solid waste avoiding landfills
Finalists in Nativity scenes are Ginna López
for their design “Travesía Mágica” (Magical Voyage)
Miguel Becerra and Maira Lagos for their design “Nido Dorado” (Golden Nest)
The finalist in the gardens category is “Somos Luz” (We Are Light) by Manuel Pineda
Gina Paola Jiménez took the finalist spot for costume design with “La Última Oportunidad del Mundo” (The World’s Last Opportunity)
a design inspired by Santa Claus and concern for the environment
Finalists were chosen from more than 160 entries
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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The City Paper was founded in 2008 as Colombia’s first free English language newspaper
it was awarded the country’s Manuel Murillo Toro medal in communications for contributing to informed and objective coverage of Colombia
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ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelThis Old-World Hotel In Buenos Aires Redefines Luxury In RetiroByKaitlyn McInnis
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights
I cover luxury travel—from takeoff to touchdown and everything in between.Follow AuthorFeb 23
06:12pm ESTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 2 years old.Park Tower
Buenos Aires is known for its uncompromising sophistication and old-world luxury; with a sensual nightlife and decadent eateries
it’s no surprise that the capital of Argentina consistently captures the hearts of first-time visitors
Buenos Aires in Retiro is one of those properties that encapsulates the beating heart of the city thanks to its quintessentially porteño hospitality
In order to better understand exactly how the hotel pays homage to the city—and what else to add to your must-see in the Retiro neighborhood—we spoke to Andres Hasdeu
Director of Sales & Marketing for the Park Tower
What makes the Park Tower different from other hotels in the neighborhood
As one of the only luxury hotels in the neighborhood
the Park Tower is unique from other properties in the area as it offers guests luxurious amenities and a 24-hour butler service alongside beautiful infrastructure
What are your favorite things about working in the Retiro neighborhood
One of the wonderful things about working in the Retiro neighborhood is the proximity to the business area of Puerto Madero and exquisite restaurants
emblematic and tourist sites such as the Casa Rosada
the property's beautiful views of Plaza San Martín
Is there a specific room or suite that is most requested
The Park Tower features the largest suites in all of Argentina
One of the most requested suites is The St.Regis Suite
which occupies the entire 23rd floor of the Park Tower with a vast space of 380 sqm
This suite is special as guests will have a private entrance and soundproof windows for maximum comfort to enjoy the stellar views of Buenos Aires
The spacious marble bathroom features a whirlpool in the suite
the luxurious suite provides quality hospitality services such as evening turndown service and 24-hour butler service
The Governor Suite is 173 sqm which features English-style decor that transports you back to another time
The suite features a terrace for travelers to take in the stellar views of Buenos Aires
It additionally offers quality hospitality services such as evening turndown service
The personality of a hotel is very important
What would you say is Park Tower's personality
The Park Tower is a Luxury Collection hotel combining an elegant European style with a sophisticated Buenos Aires ambiance
The property does this seamlessly with the historic sculptures
decorations and priceless English furniture displayed across the property
we integrate the delightful epicurean moments which guests can experience during breakfast hours or in the afternoon
guests can head to the hotel's coffee place and learn more about Argentine culture
A few previous epicurean moments included an alfajores tasting
Are there any attractions or restaurants within walking distance of the hotel that you recommend guests visit
We recommend visiting the property’s onsite St
which offers exquisite dishes such as rib eye steak with barley risotto and black garlic
Another recommendation located in Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center
is the Buono Italian Kitchen featuring a specialty Italian cuisine
Our property is also near emblematic sites such as the Recoleta Cemetery
where famous icons such as Evita Peron and Carlos Gardel are buried
Visitors will especially enjoy the Teatro Colón and will be amazed by its opulent decor and magnificent shows
By Railway Gazette International2023-11-19T05:00:00+00:00
ARGENTINA: The complex rebuilding of the Mitre suburban railway’s Retiro terminus in Buenos Aires was completed on November 6
This was marked by the restoration of services on the Bartolomé Mitre branch from the station.
The station has seen the platform tracks and approaches renovated in a two-stage programme carried out by Trenes Argentinos Infraestructura, which covered all eight platforms. The first stage was completed on June 26 with about 65% of the works done
allowing the reopening of platforms 5 to 8
at which point services on the JL Suárez and Tigre branches resumed
The remaining work has focused on platforms 1 to 4
and upon completion a full service to and from the historic hub has been reinstated.
The scope of the programme included renewal of the tracks and third rail power supply
along with the fitting of LED lighting throughout the building.
The infrastructure manager says that the resignalling work is intended to reduce headways between trains
It claims the renewals are the most significant investment in the station ‘in the past 100 years’.
Subscribers can read more about the upgrading of the Mitre lines in the August 2023 issue of Railway Gazette International.
ARGENTINA: China’s CRRC has announced what it says is the largest diesel multiple-unit order in Argentina’s history
The order announced by CRRC on November 13 includes 25 broad gauge DMUs
15 metre-gauge trainsets and 10 standard-gauge trains
Trenes Argentinos has restarted long-distance passenger trains on two key routes
while work is underway to expand suburban services in Córdoba
but much-needed rolling stock procurements are still being delayed
ARGENTINA: The first stage of a complex rebuilding of the Mitre suburban railway’s Retiro terminus in Buenos Aires has been completed with a ceremony attended by Minister of Transport
Services on the Mitre Railway’s JL Suárez and Tigre branches resumed running into Retiro on ..
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The outspoken singer-songwriter and queer activist has spent a career getting on the wrong side of people
But she’s not about to be ‘cancelled’ by anyone
Ani DiFranco has been many things in her 48 years: a folk rocker
queer activist and campaigner against war and environmental disaster
documents the first half of her life: growing up in Buffalo in New York state
moving to New York City after her parents’ divorce (her mother was moving to Connecticut and DiFranco did not want to follow) and the various trysts with men and women that ensued
We learn about her approach to her own image
the secrets of her songwriting and how she gained her fierce political views
“The momentum of what I was doing was so fierce for so many years that there was no time to re-think anything,” she says of a career that felt non-stop
Her queer fans expressed anger when she married her roadie in 1998 (they divorced in 2003)
“It’s so unfortunate that marginalised communities are in competition for the tiny allotment of space society gives them,” she says
empathising with the reasoning of her critics
“You have to be queer enough to qualify; people judge each other about who can claim an identity
Here we are listing our labels in order of importance and lining up in the hierarchy of whatever
I’m sorry if I’m not what you need me to be in a moment
In 2013, DiFranco apologised after it was revealed that she would be hosting a three-day workshop at a former Louisiana slave plantation. She cancelled it, but many (including this paper) didn’t detect remorse
DiFranco issued a further apology days later
“I needed a wake-up call and you gave it to me,” she wrote on her website
She is still afraid that a mention of the incident will shake a dormant hornets’ nest
there’s so much to talk about around then,” she sighs
“I felt my chest sink under the weight of it all.” She regrets attempts at self-defence now
“I should have found the ultimate humility to put down my own hurt
and all of the misconceptions or mis-truths out there
There’s a greater pain that’s bigger than me
View image in fullscreenDiFranco performing at the CityFolk festival in Ottawa in 2018
Photograph: Mark Horton/Getty ImagesDiFranco despairs for upcoming voices in the post-social media age
“It’s not getting any easier to be willing to make mistakes in public
which anybody has to do to stay alive,” she says
The idea that we can write each other off and kick somebody off the planet
That’s not how we’re gonna get to where we need to be
She doubts her own story would be the same if it were being written now
“I don’t know that I would have felt as free or unfettered,” she says
“Mine was a world where every momentary choice didn’t have to be one you were making in an endless eternity of scrutiny
Good luck to the artists today who are trying to break ground
DiFranco grew up with “super progressive” immigrant parents (her mother was Canadian
“There’s a strong independent streak on both sides of my bloodline,” she says
hence the need for a teenage DiFranco to steer her exit
Her mother became an example of fearlessness after she split up with DiFranco’s father
and gave the young singer the confidence to break rules
“I saw her leave one life behind and go start another
Everything about her was going against the grain
She was the lady in the pink hat with the purple feather.”
spurred by familial drama and domestic silence
“I had pain that I had to get out of my body,” DiFranco explains
“Art transforms struggle into something useful
something beautiful.” Through picking up a guitar
She built a fan base the old-fashioned way
becoming a regular at women’s music festivals
She once rented a room in a former sex club
She drove herself up and down the land with her self-released albums on her back
“The songs came so unedited that they connected me with other beings like myself
even when there were only a few people in the room,” she recalls
Those moments were so healing that I’ve stayed in search of them ever since.”
View image in fullscreenIn concert in 1994: ‘I talk to every person like they’re my friend.’ Photograph: Steve Eichner/WireImageA desire to connect has made her a consistent ally
“I talk to every person like they’re my friend,” she says
but she admits to situations where kindness has been taken for weakness
“If you stand on every stage and talk like you’d talk to your best friend
That way of interfacing is not always appropriate or successful
and that’s how I’ll do it even when it bites me in the ass.”
Her refusal to sign a label deal necessitated the creation of her own at the age of 20. She runs it to this day, offering a home also to Andrew Bird and Anaïs Mitchell, among others
“If only white men are the delivery system
the definers of the expressions of these diverse human experiences
She runs the label with a mostly female staff
“It’s not enough to write your own songs,” she says
“What if you’re in control of the way they go into the world
I harnessed a lot of authenticity along the way
including poet Sekou Sundiata and Pete Seeger
reasoning that men remain the gatekeepers for women’s careers
since I’m known as feminist queen of the universe,” she says
“When it comes to inspiring and encouraging people
it doesn’t matter what make and model you are.”
Alice Walker and Lucille Clifton as her female educators
Now married to her producer and the father of her children (a daughter aged 12 and a six-year-old son)
the singer believes her best work is ahead of her – it was such a juggernaut for so long that she didn’t have chance to self-criticise
That was a hard adjustment.” Patience has been the upshot: it is changing the way she writes
No Walls and the Recurring Dream by Ani DiFranco is published by Viking (£20 rrp)
1986) is tightly bound up with his biography
and the consequences of the political and cultural tensions in the region
Childhood memories steeped in the drama of war and refugee life recur throughout his art
nation and cultural identity through a variety of media ranging from drawing and sculpture to video
he does not proclaim a rupture between the personal and intimate and the historical and social
but instead perceives a relationship and continuity to be found in his intervention for the Palacio de Cristal
the artist’s first solo exhibition in Spain
he was half-jokingly and half-seriously invited to produce “the piece of his life”
Halilaj seems to have taken the proposal almost literally
making artistic material out of his biographical experience
He has turned the Palacio de Cristal into a giant nest that connects the interior with the exterior
linking visitors to their surroundings by opening windows
and setting up feeding areas to attract the birds and other creatures inhabiting or transiting through Parque del Retiro
symbolize the transgression of the limits established by modern thought between subject and object
the artist has drawn inspiration from the extraordinary courtship ritual of bowerbirds
which make elaborate structures (‘bowers’) and decorate them with colorful objects to attract a mate
The idea of this ritual is closely linked to his biography
made of a delicate steel framework and painted canvas
are the result of collaborative work with his life partner
Their choice forms part of the personal history that binds them together
and its purpose is to celebrate their union: forsythia
these references are far from remaining mere anecdotes
their intimacy acquires an evident social and political dimension
This call for visibility and acceptance becomes even more relevant when we recall the Palacio de Cristal’s colonial past as a place of exhibition and exclusion
together with its function as a public space
it is fundamental for the artist to formulate tensions and cross the limits between public displays that are considered acceptable or worthy of attention and those which on the other hand are censured or scorned
The white raven holding a piece of wood in History of a Hug (2020) speaks of these conventions
It specifically alludes to a particular moment in Halilaj’s family history
being a tool used by his grandfather when working in the country
and the object he was holding when he learned his wife had given birth to their first child
Unable to express his immense joy in public
since this might have been interpreted as a sign of weakness in a patriarchal society
he hugged the post so hard that he thought he might break it
the motif of the white raven also suggests diversity and resistance to change in the bid for acceptance
In this sense it is a metaphor of many things
including being a homosexual person whose love is not fully recognized either by his family or by the majority of Kosovar society
and being a Kosovar whose country is not recognized by many other nations
the space devised by Halilaj cannot be regarded as autonomous or separate from its environment
which can be understood as a form of interdependence
resounds throughout the installation — for instance
in the two bird’s feet that make up Here To Remind You (2020) —
there is something strange and disproportionate about the size of this nest
and the comfort and centrality it offers the birds
The artist thus suspends the logocentric perspective that makes us believe we are the center and measure of all things
encouraging us to recognize ourselves as just one more element among many
The nest is thus revealed as the setting for a ritual that lies in wait for encounters
alliances and unions among its different visitors
To a raven and the hurricanes that from unknown places bring back smells of humans in love is the first exhibition inaugurated by the Museo Reina Sofía since its closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Halilaj’s proposal could not be more timely
The title’s dedication to the raven and the hurricanes speaks to us of the struggle that precedes acceptance
The current crisis has laid bare the weakness of the economic system our world rests upon and the unsustainability of unlimited growth with our backs turned to nature
It has confronted us with our vulnerability and interdependence and has placed care and affection at the core of a common subsistence that cannot be prolonged without taking the rest of the planet’s inhabitants into account
and so raises hope for a possible future different to the one apparently awaiting us
Petrit Halilaj. To a raven and hurricanes that from unknown places bring back smells of humans in love
Collaboration with different agents and international political and cultural collectives
A confederation of artistic internationalism made up of seven European museums