In the most famous Madrid park "El Retiro" there is a place like from a fairy tale, a crystal palace. The word most often heard in the palace is simply "wow". This palace was built by the Spanish architect Ricardo Velazquez, who was inspired by the London Crystal Palace. The palace was built in the 19th century. The Madrid Crystal Palace is designed to serve as a greenhouse for tropical plants. It is an "iron" architecture, all made of transparent glass, even the roof. There are no tropical plants in the palace, but exhibitions of contemporary artists are often held there. It is framed with iron frames, and the height of the palace is over 22m. The frame located on the palace was produced in Bilbao.
The only floor in the palace is built of stone, on which the names are engraved. It is a permanent installation called "Palimpsesto", made by an artist from Colombia, Doris Salcedo. If you pay attention, you can see that water comes out of the floor of the palace, which merges and forms the names of men and women who drowned while trying to come to Europe. The palace is always almost completely empty, but perhaps the most beautiful empty palace in the world. It is not known at what season it is more beautiful.
The sun's rays penetrating through the palace glass really work wonders and make this place really magical. It is also special when it rains, while the drops go down the glass. It is a perfect place for wedding photos. The use of flash is not recommended in the palace, because the flash only spoils its beauty in the pictures.
The palace is located next to a small lake, and in the summer months, classical music concerts are often held in this beautiful setting. The palace is a place of relaxation and definitely an experience you should have.
Entrance to the palace is FREE.
Palace opening hours:
October from 10am to 9pm
November-March from 10am to 6pm
April-September from 10am to 10pm.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
