The "Campo del Moro" (Moor's Field) Gardens are so known because it was at this spot, between the Manzanares River and the Royal Alcázar or castle, that Almoravid Chieftan Ben-Alí set up his camp in 1109, in his futile attempt to reconquer the Alcázar and the city of Madrid from the Christians. The gardens flank the north-western side of the majestic palace building.
Origen
The area, which doubled as hunting grounds for small game until the seventeenth century, was landscaped under the orders of Philip IV, who had fountains built and a large number of trees planted, particularly elms. The Moor's Field was re-designed during Isabella II's minority - under her mother Queen Maria Cristina's regency -, when a large park was built and the Triton and Seashell Fountains, taken from the Royal Palaces at Aranjuez and Boadilla, respectively, were installed
Architecture
The park owes its undeniably romantic personality to its English landscaping style, whit thick groves of trees and secluded trails. It is home over 70 tree species, some of whose specimens are now nearly 170 years old. The Triton and the Seashell Fountains are located along the main avenue cutting across the gardens, whose 20 hectares also house Madrid's Coach and Carriage Museum.
Useful Facts
Address
Virgen del Puerto, s/n. 28005, Madrid.
Tel.: 91 454 87 00 Crown Heritage Information counter in the Royal Palace at MadridTransportation
City buses: : 25, 33, 39, 41, 46, 68, 69 ,75, 138.
Subway: Príncipe Pío. Líneas 6 y 10.
Spanish railways: Estación de Principe Pío
Opening hours
- October to March: Business days from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday from 9:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- April to September: Business days from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Sunday and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost-free
- Free access for groups
