A view from El Retiro looking towards Del Prado Museum.

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Someone was really creative (and patient) to do this topiary.

These graceful Black Swans were enjoying the man-made lake by Palacio de Cristal. 

The Palacio de Cristal is a lovely building.  It's a glass pavilion that sits next to a man-made lake.  It too was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Velazquez Bosco.  Completed in 1887, the palace was designed to display a beautiful collection of tropical plants from The Philippines, which at that time was still a Spanish colony.

Palacio de Valazquez was built in 1884 under architect Ricardo Valezquez Bosco.  It initially was used for exhibitions.  Now it contains a small art gallery.

We thought this fountain was wonderful because it's dedicated to "Alcachofa" or the Artichoke!  When the fountain was comissioned in 1776, artichokes were the main food in the winter months, especially for farmers.

This is one of the many, many statutes in El Retiro dedicated to former royalty and other esteemed members of Spanish governments.

Fuente de los Galapagos or "The Turtles Fountain" was built in 1832 to celebrate the first birthday of Princess Isabel who later became Isabel II.  It has boys riding dolphins as well as turtles and frogs spouting water.  What a great birthday idea!

One of the lovely entries into the Park.  The Fall flowers were really beautiful!