Campo del Moro Gardens

What to expect

The Campo del Moro is a garden of more than 20 hectares on the slope below the Royal Palace, next to Madrid Río. Philip II bought the land in the 16th century, and the name recalls the Muslim leader Ali Ben Yusuf, whose troops camped here in 1109 when he tried to retake Madrid. The present garden dates from the 19th century, laid out in 1844 for Isabella II and redesigned in 1890.

It is a romantic garden with long straight avenues and a raised position that gives a view of the Royal Palace above a large green lawn. Two fountains stand on the central axis: the Fuente de las Conchas, from 1775, and the Fuente de los Tritones, a 16th-century Italian work from Aranjuez. Entry is free, and the usual way in is from Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto.

Don't miss

• Royal Palace seen from the slope
• Fuente de las Conchas
• Fuente de los Tritones
• Long straight avenues

Tips for your visit

• Enter by Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto, the usual entrance, or by one of the other two gates if they are open.
• It is a good green break after the Royal Palace.
• Check the official page for opening times, which change between seasons.
• Madrid Río is right beside the garden if you want to keep walking.