The Lake in El Retiro Park

The lake located in the heart of El Retiro Park is a navigable body of water where people enjoy recreational activities such as canoeing and rowing as well as leisurely boat rides. It was built between 1634 and 1635 and is one of the few remnants of the Royal Family’s momentous ownership of El Buen Retiro Palace. In its early days it was a favourite recreational haunt of members of the royal court, as there was a beautiful leafy oval-shaped island in its centre where ladies and gentlemen would disembark on their boat rides. Various theatrical performances were also staged there. In the 19th and 20th centuries the lake was remodelled several times before coming to enjoy its current appearance. It has now become an urban aquatic ecosystem which is often used for sports and recreational purposes.

More information: The Retiro Park Lake | Official tourism website (esmadrid.com)