Campo del Moro Gardens

Inspired by the Romantic concept of nature, Queen Maria Cristina decided to convert this site into an English-style garden in the second half of the 19th century. In 1931, it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

It had not been developed as a garden in the past, as it was not possible to connect the area to the Royal Palace, which was situated at a much higher altitude. This position was exploited to create one of the best views in Madrid, with the Royal Palace looming beyond an expansive green tapestry, surrounded by monumental fountains within an ample and shady romantic garden. The gardens also contain two Neoclassical fountains: the Fountain of the Tritons and that of the Palace of the Shells.

Its name refers to a historic episode which occurred in 1109, when the Muslim leader, Alí Ben Yusuf, attempted to re-conquer Madrid following the death of King Alfonso VI, by attacking the fortress from the hillside close to the river. It appears that he and his troops camped in what are now the gardens.