Monument to King Alfonso XII

Monument to King Alfonso XII is a grand memorial standing in Retiro Park in Madrid, one of the most recognizable landmarks inside the city's best-known green space.

Where exactly is the monument?

The Monument to King Alfonso XII sits on the eastern edge of Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro), right along the shore of the park's artificial lake, one of its main draws for visitors. The placement is deliberate: the structure was designed to rise above the water and be seen clearly from the opposite bank, which is where most visitors end up taking their photos. The exact coordinates are 40.417333, -3.683028, useful if you're mapping out a walking route through the park.

Who designed it?

The monument was created by José Grases Riera, a Catalan architect and sculptor, as a tribute to King Alfonso XII. Rather than a single statue, it's a large semicircular architectural composition combining columns, staircases, and decorative sculptural elements spread across a wide area, making it one of the largest monuments in Madrid.

How do you get there?

Retiro Park is easy to reach from central Madrid. The closest metro stations are Retiro (Line 2) and Ibiza (Line 9), both just a short walk from the park entrances. Once inside, head toward the boating lake — the Estanque Grande del Retiro — where the monument is visible from a distance thanks to its height and pale stone color standing out against the surrounding trees.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The lake stretches out directly in front of the monument, and renting a rowing boat is a popular way to see the structure from the water, which many visitors say is the best angle to appreciate its full scale. Paths circling the lake are ideal for a stroll, and other well-known spots in the park — like the Palacio de Cristal and the Rosaleda rose garden — are only a few minutes' walk away. The plaza in front of the monument, with its wide steps and benches, is also a popular spot to rest during a visit.

When is the best time to visit?

Retiro Park is open daily and free to enter. Early morning or late afternoon tends to offer the best experience, with fewer crowds and flattering light on the monument's stone facade. Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures for walking, while summer afternoons can get quite hot — mornings are a better bet during that season.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Retiro Park or the monument? No, entry to the park and viewing the monument are both free. The only cost involved is renting a rowing boat on the lake.

How long does it take to see the monument? Viewing the monument itself takes about 15–20 minutes, but it's worth setting aside extra time for a walk around the lake and the wider park.

Can visitors walk up to the columns and steps? Yes, the area around and in front of the colonnade is open to the public, and you can walk freely across the steps and viewing platforms.

What's the best spot for photos? The opposite shore of the lake, or a boat out on the water, gives the best view — you can capture the monument's full height along with its reflection.