Monument to Alfonso XII

Located in the area of the lake in the Retiro Park, which is one of the most visited places in the park, this sculptural and architectonic ensemble pays tribute to King Alfonso XII. Opened by his son, Alfonso XIII in 1922, the monument is inspired by those designed by Victor Manuel II in Rome and William I in Berlin.

Designed by the architect from Catalonia, José Grases Riera, the monument consists of a hemicycle with a dual Ionic colonnade, on whose frieze the coats of arms of the different Spanish provinces of the period are sculpted, along with scenes that are reminiscent of typical professions of the region.  In the centre, there is a tower on which the equestrian statue of the monarch rises. At his feet, there are steps to the shore of the lake.

The equestrian figure that rises up more than 20 metros high was created by the sculptor, Mariano Benlliure, author of great works, such as the sculpture of Goya, alongside the Prado Museum, or some of the pieces that decorate the façade of the Metropolis Building on the Gran Vía. The column on which it is sustained has a viewpoint from where the stately Salamanca neighbourhood, the Literary Quarter or iconic buildings on the Gran Vía can be contemplated.

The General Direction Of Intervention In The Urban landscape and cultural heritage of Madrid City Council offers free guided tours to the viewpoint through its official reservation website, https://reservaspatrimonio.es/, at different times of the year.