Estufa Fría del Parque Juan Carlos I, Madrid

Estufa Fría del Parque Juan Carlos I is a covered botanical garden tucked inside a large greenhouse within Juan Carlos I Park in Madrid, right next to the M-40 ring road. The name literally translates to "cold stove," a reference to the building's unusual design, which relies on passive thermal mechanisms instead of artificial heating, creating its own indoor microclimate regardless of the season outside.

How was the greenhouse built?

The structure was completed in 1996 and covers roughly 4,000 square meters, rising to a height of 12 meters. It follows a rectangular footprint built from concrete and glass, largely sunk into the ground. The roof and walls are made of concrete louvers that regulate the flow of light and air, allowing the plants inside to thrive without conventional heating — hence the "cold" in its name, in contrast to classic artificially heated greenhouses.

What can you see inside?

The interior is organized into twelve distinct themed sections that visitors explore along marked paths. One of the most distinctive is a Japanese garden inspired by Zen-Buddhist tradition, featuring ponds, stone blocks, gravel and bark mulch that create a contemplative atmosphere away from the noise of the city. A separate section is devoted to aquatic plants, with papyrus as one of its signature species, alongside an extensive bamboo collection that includes giant, yellow, black and weeping varieties, each differing in height and stem color. In the upper part of the greenhouse, reachable via an elevated walkway, lies a succulent zone where visitors can get a close look at plants adapted to arid conditions.

The botanical collection

In 2008 the greenhouse was expanded with a collection of exotic plants comprising 220 species and varieties. This addition opened a new educational botanical trail within the park, allowing visitors — especially school groups and plant enthusiasts — to encounter species from different climate zones without leaving Madrid. Estufa Fría is managed by Madrid's city council, placing it within the network of municipal green spaces with an educational and recreational focus.

Why visit this place?

It's one of the few places in Madrid where a single building lets you walk through several distinct plant worlds — from a contemplative Japanese garden, through a dense bamboo grove, to a dry succulent landscape — without needing to plan a long excursion. Juan Carlos I Park itself, where the greenhouse is located, is one of Madrid's largest urban parks, so a visit to Estufa Fría can easily be combined with a walk through the surrounding green spaces.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Estufa Fría located? Inside Juan Carlos I Park, near the M-40 ring road, in the Barajas district of Madrid.

How old is the structure? The building was completed in 1996.

How large is the greenhouse? Approximately 4,000 square meters, with a height of up to 12 meters.

How many themed sections are there to explore? Twelve distinct spaces, including a Japanese garden, an aquatic plant area, a bamboo collection and a succulent zone.

Who manages the site? Estufa Fría is managed by Madrid's city council.