Monument to Julio Romero de Torres, Madrid

The Monument to Julio Romero de Torres in Madrid stands in the Retiro Park, right in front of the Rosaleda rose garden, at the head of the avenue that carries the painter's name. It honors one of Spain's best-known early 20th-century artists, famous for canvases steeped in Andalusian tradition and character.

What does the monument look like?

The composition rests on a prismatic granite base topped with a marble plaque and several bronze elements. Its centerpiece is a bare bust of the painter, gazing to the left, with his name inscribed below. At the foot of the monument sit the coats of arms of Madrid and Córdoba, a nod to the artist's birthplace and the city with which his art remained forever linked. The piece was created by the sculptor Antonio del Rosal.

What is the history behind it?

The monument was unveiled in 1932 in the Plaza de los Carros, which was renamed after the painter for the occasion. The square later reverted to its original name, and the monument itself was dismantled and kept in municipal storage for decades. It wasn't until 1972 that the city decided to move it to the Buen Retiro gardens, where it now presides over the avenue named in the artist's honor. The choice of location makes sense: Julio Romero de Torres lived in Madrid between 1916 and 1930, producing some of his most significant work there, even though his art always stayed rooted in his native Córdoba.

How do you get there?

The monument sits in an easily reachable part of Retiro Park, right next to the Rosaleda, one of the garden's most distinctive corners, known for its many rose varieties. Retiro Park is centrally located in Madrid and well served by public transport, including metro and bus lines. The closest metro stations are Retiro (line 2) and Ibiza (line 9), both just a short walk from the monument. It's worth combining the visit with a stroll through the Rosaleda and other park highlights nearby, such as the Palacio de Cristal and the Estanque Grande lake.

When is the best time to visit?

Retiro Park is open all year round, and walking its avenues is pleasant in any season. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when Madrid's temperatures are mild and the Rosaleda is at its most spectacular, particularly in May and June. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid the city's peak heat.

Why is this monument worth a stop?

The site links art history with the history of Madrid itself, showing how the city's approach to commemorating its artists has shifted over the decades, relocating and reinstalling monuments as urban priorities changed. It's also a convenient starting point for further exploring Retiro Park, one of Madrid's most important green spaces.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Monument to Julio Romero de Torres in Madrid? The monument was created by sculptor Antonio del Rosal and unveiled in 1932.

Where exactly is the monument located? It stands in Retiro Park in Madrid, in front of the Rosaleda rose garden, at the start of the avenue named after the painter.

Has the monument always stood in this spot? No — it originally stood in the Plaza de los Carros and was moved to Retiro Park in 1972, after years spent in municipal storage.

What was Julio Romero de Torres's connection to Madrid? Born in Córdoba, the painter lived in Madrid from 1916 to 1930, developing his artistic career there, though his work always remained thematically tied to Andalusia.