Palace of Buen Retiro



The Palace of Buen Retiro (Palacio del Buen Retiro) in Madrid was a large palace complex designed by the architect Alonso Carbonell constructed on the orders of King Philip IV of Spain as a secondary residence and place of recreation (hence its name). It was built in what was then the eastern limits of the city of Madrid. Today, what little remains of its buildings and gardens forms the Retiro Park. The palace remained a royal residence until the late 18th century. After the fire of the Royal Alcazar of Madrid in December 1734, the Buen Retiro became the main seat of the royal court until the construction of the new Royal Palace of Madrid, which was finished in 1764. Due to the hasty design and construction, the building of the palace was low-quality, including the materials used, and this was the cause of its end. During the Peninsular War, in 1808 French troops stationed in Madrid used the palace and its annexes as barracks. Powder kegs were stored in the gardens and a bunker was built for them, causing irreparable damage to the area. Furthermore, the buildings were seriously damaged, so much so that when Queen Isabella II tried to begin its restoration, it was decided that nothing could be done but to demolish it almost completely.