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The Monument to Alfonso XII stands as a grand tribute to the Spanish monarch in the heart of Madrid’s Buen Retiro Park. Inaugurated in 1922, the monument was commissioned by Queen Maria Christina and designed by architect José Grases Riera. Its semicircular colonnade frames a central bronze equestrian statue of the king, sculpted by Mariano Benlliure. Surrounding the statue are allegorical figures representing Peace, Liberty, Progress, Agriculture, Science, Industry, and Art, along with coats of arms from Spain’s provinces. The monument’s scale and detail evoke the grandeur of European commemorative architecture, drawing comparisons to monuments in Rome and Berlin. Positioned beside the park’s large lake, it offers scenic views and serves as a popular gathering spot. Free guided tours to the viewpoint are available through Madrid’s Pasea program with prior reservation.

Madrid Spain

Location

The Monumento a Alfonso XII stands majestically along the east edge of the artificial lake at the heart of Buen Retiro Park in Madrid. Designed by José Grases Riera, this grand neoclassical monument was unveiled in 1922 after two decades of work by a team of sculptors. The focal point is a striking bronze equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII, surrounded by a sweeping semicircular colonnade and adorned with symbolic sculptural groups representing agriculture, science, the army, and the navy. The monument’s wide stairs lead directly to the lakeside, creating a popular gathering spot where locals and visitors relax and take in the shimmering reflections at sunset. Nearby, the lush gardens and shaded avenues of El Retiro offer endless opportunities for leisurely strolls, rowing on the lake, or visiting the beautiful Palacio de Cristal and Velázquez Palace, both of which host art exhibitions. Just outside the park’s boundaries, you’ll find landmarks like the historic Puerta de Alcalá and the Museo Nacional del Prado, making this area one of Madrid’s most vibrant cultural and recreational hubs.

Monumento a Alfonso XII

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