Visiting Casa de Campo
Spanning 1,532 hectares, Casa de Campo is the largest green space in the Spanish capital. To put that size into perspective, it is five times larger than the famous Central Park in New York. Located to the southwest of Madrid, the grounds are ideal for walking, running, tennis, or hitting the pool. The eastern edge of the park sits right next to downtown Madrid, bordering the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. You will also find a large artificial lake here, which dates back to the 16th century and is open for boating.
The history of Casa de Campo
Originally, Casa de Campo was a private estate purchased from the Vargas family by Philip II in 1562, right around the time the royal family relocated to Madrid. As an avid hunter, the King of Spain decided to develop vast gardens near his palace. The architect Juan Bautista de Toledo was put in charge of the design. The project took on a Mannerist style, featuring an artificial lake, landscaped grottos, and hedge mazes. Under Ferdinand VI, the park was designated a royal forest. It did not open to the public until 1931, following the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic.
Attractions at Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is packed with things to do. Take time to enjoy the natural surroundings, including the oaks, ash trees, and pines that are native to Castile. If you are looking for a thrill, head toward the amusement park, while others might prefer a visit to the zoo or the aquarium at Casa de Campo.
To see Madrid from a different perspective, take the teleférico (cable car) from Casa de Campo, which will drop you off at the Parque del Oeste.
A great green space to spend a beautiful afternoon. Whether you are around the lake or further out, it is really nice to spend some time there. Several metro stations serve the park, so it is easy to get to. There is also an amusement park that you can see in the movie El crimen ferpecto by Alex de la Iglesia. Just do not get lost!