Parque de Roma, Madrid

Parque de Roma is a roughly 20-hectare public park in Madrid, in the Retiro district, within the Estrella neighborhood. It was built as a green buffer between the surrounding streets and the busy M-30 ring road, and for more than four decades it has served locals as a place for walking, relaxing, and family recreation.

Where does the name come from and what's the park's history?

The park was designed by architect Eduardo Mangada, who at the time served as the city council member for urban planning in Madrid. It opened in 1980, with the ribbon cut by the Italian President Sandro Pertini himself. The name and the Italian connection are no coincidence — the park was conceived as a symbol of the long-standing cultural ties between Spain and Italy. That idea lives on in a reproduction of the so-called Mérida taurobolium, a 2nd-century Roman sacrificial altar, displayed within the park grounds; the original piece is kept at Madrid's National Archaeological Museum.

What can you see there?

Wide, tree-lined paths guide visitors through several distinct zones. Highlights include:

• four playgrounds for children of different ages,
• a garden for the blind — a dedicated section planted with species chosen for their scent and texture, designed to be explored through touch and smell rather than sight,
• an artificial lake, a popular spot for families and joggers to unwind,
• a 12-metre climbing wall with an adjoining bouldering area, an unusual feature for a city park in Madrid.

This mix of amenities draws families with young children as well as visitors looking for active leisure or a quiet break away from the city centre.

How do you get there?

The park sits in the Retiro district, right next to the M-30 ring road, which makes it easy to reach both from central Madrid and from surrounding neighborhoods. Bus line 15 stops directly at the park entrance, making it a convenient option for travelers without a car — especially if combined with a visit to the nearby Retiro Park or the Salamanca district.

When should you visit, and what are the opening hours?

Fenced-off sections of the park — such as the garden for the blind — follow set access hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 13:45 and again from 17:00 to 20:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:45. It's worth planning around this midday closure, which is common for enclosed gardens across Spanish cities. The open paths and general recreation areas, by contrast, stay accessible for most of the day, so a walk through the park can easily be combined with a stop at its smaller, gated gardens.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when Madrid's temperatures are milder; in summer, the park's mature trees offer welcome shade during the hottest hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parque de Roma good for children? Yes — the park has four separate playgrounds catering to different age groups, making it a solid choice for a family outing.

What is the garden for the blind? It's a dedicated section planted with species chosen for their scent and leaf texture, letting visitors experience nature through touch and smell instead of sight alone.

How do you reach the park without a car? The easiest way is bus line 15, which stops right at the park.

What does the Roman altar replica in the park represent? It references the historical ties between Spain and Italy — the original piece, the Mérida taurobolium, dates to the 2nd century AD and is now held at Madrid's National Archaeological Museum.