Are you looking forward to an upcoming holiday in the beautiful city of Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain? Have you already commenced on the task of planning out the itinerary for your trip, making a list of some of the sites and attractions you’d like to visit during your stay? If you have, you have no doubt come across the name Parque del Buen Retiro, or in English, Buen Retiro Park, the most popular and well-visited park in Madrid and home to a number of unique and fascinating sites and attractions. This park is definitely a place to put on your list when visiting the Spanish capital, and while you are there, you should definitely check out the Monumento a Alfonso XII, or Monument to Alfonso XII. To illustrate the importance of this regal landmark, below we have provided a brief overview, including some information regarding its history and brilliantly detailed features.
Monumento a Alfonso XII
Buen Retiro Park in Madrid is a glorious spot for tourists to spend an afternoon, with numerous sites and attractions to visit and miles of green landscapes to enjoy. Near the northern entrance to the park, for example, is the Estanque del Retiro, a beautiful man-made artificial pond, and adjacent to the pond is the Monumento a Alfonso XII.
In 1902, on the initiative of the queen mother, Dona Maria Cristina of Hapsburg-Lorraine, it was decided that a monument would be erected to commemorate her son, King Alfonso XII, and a competition was held for the right to design and build it. Ultimately, the project was awarded to Jose Grases Riera. The architect chose mostly bronze and marble for the new structure, and oversaw the construction of the landmark along the long side of the pond. The design included a grand colonnade with numerous sculptures, the work of over 20 local artists who collaborated with Grases on the project.
The monument was formally inaugurated on June 6, 1922. The entire assembly is 30 meters in height, 86 meters in length and 58 meters wide. It was the first commemorative statue built in the park during the 20th century. It depicts King Alonso XII on horseback, cast in bronze and created by the artist Mariano Benlliure. Stairs lead down from the monument to the pond, and at the base of the monument are four carved lions, each sitting atop artistic pedestals created by the artists Parera, Atché, Coll and Alsina. There are also two lions with cupids on each side of the monument, the collaborative work of the artists Francisco Lozano Escudero, Bofill, Arnau and Campmany.
The inside of the Monumento a Alfonso XII is also splendidly decorated with many friezes and sculptures. The monument is solemn and well-protected, as it also serves as a mausoleum, where the remains of King Alfonso XII are interred.
Although certainly not the oldest landmark in the city, the Monumento a Alfonso XII is one of the most remarkable examples of 20th century Spanish architecture and art, and a must-see attraction when visiting Madrid and the famed Buen Retiro Park.
