Montaña de los Gatos

This artificial mountain in El Retiro Park, known as Montaña de los Gatos (or, Cat Mountain), has reopened its doors after having been closed to the public for almost two decades. One of the most iconic spots in the park—built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand VII—it used to be where the many stray cats that inhabited this area of the city would gather, hence the name.

Located where Calle de O'Donnell meets Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, it was created during the reign of Ferdinand VII in 1817. The space formed part of the romantic garden which was designed by Bernardino Berogán for the exclusive enjoyment of the royal family. It was later mainly used as an exhibition hall until it closed in 2004.

After eight months of restoration work and significant investment by Madrid City Council, the area has managed to preserve its original essence, and can now be visited again by Madrid residents and tourists alike.

The interior of the mountain has a vaulted space with a circular floor plan and features an upper oculus from which four arched galleries run through the interior of the artificial hill. During the restoration work, major archaeological discoveries were made, bringing further interest to and increasing the value of the space. Specifically, a waterway that led to an old waterwheel was found. These archaeological remains are now on show for visitors through a glass screen. 

Montaña de los Gatos has a series of small ascending garden paths around the perimeter of several ponds into which three artificial waterfalls flow by means of a hydraulic recirculation system.

Thanks to the reopening, it's now possible to enjoy the entire garden area and the restored exterior of the structure.