Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas and Parque del Retiro

---

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Next morning, we begin our exploration by car. On the way to our first destination, Parque del Retiro, we pass the famous Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas bullring on Calle de Alcalá. It is regarded as the home of bullfighting in Spain. This brick-red-colored Neo-Mudéjar (Moorish) structure, adorned with pottery representations of the heraldic crests of the different Spanish provinces, has a seating capacity of 25,000. Nowadays, this arena is also used for music concerts and tennis tournaments.

Parque del Retiro

After finding a street parking space on Calle de Alfonso XII, we enter Parque del Retiro through the main west gate. This entrance leads to Plaza del Parterre which is filled by sculptured trees, manicured lawn, vibrant flower beds, and oversized statues. They not only serve as eye candies but also produce a tranquil place in the middle of bustling metropolitan city. A large artificial lake near the northern entrance is very popular among families with children. They can rent boats or have picnics under shadows of big trees along the lake’s perimeter. Street performers, painters, and fortune tellers add entertainment options. Not to be missed, supposedly the only statue in Europe dedicated to Satan, El Angel Caido, is located next to the Rose garden. If you are a botanist, Palacio de Cristal will be your highlight. The Medieval Greek Cross glass structure houses exotic floras from different parts of the world......@driving-vacation

More pictures...

---