Monument to Alfonso XII

Here you are in front of the majestic monument to Alfonso XII, towering over the pond and serving as one of Retiro Park’s most iconic landmarks. Its story begins in 1887, when Maria Christina, Regent of Spain, decided to commission a monument to honour her late husband. Alfonso XII had died two years earlier at the young age of 28, leaving behind his pregnant wife and a son that he would never meet—Alfonso XIII, a name chosen to keep it simple. Maria Christina of Austria was Regent until her son turned 16 in 1902, so that same year, the first stone of the monument was laid, but it wasn’t until 1922 that the monument was finally completed and inaugurated. This semicircular structure, with its double row of Ionic columns, takes inspirations from other monuments such as the one dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II in Rome or Wilhelm I in Berlin. On the frieze, you’ll find sculpted coats of arms representing Spain’s provinces at the time, as well as scenes depicting traditional trades and crafts from each region. At the center stands the proud equestrian statue of the king, rising 20 meters high. This statue was made by the sculptor Mariano Benlliure, who also designed the famous statue of Goya at the entrance of the Prado Museum. Just below the statue is a viewing platform offering a full 360-degree view over the city. Entrance is free, but you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance on the reservapatrimonio website run by the Madrid City Council.