Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez (Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens), Madrid
From 1914, Cecilio Rodr铆guez, the Chief Gardener of the City of Madrid, implemented a nominal fee for entry to the Casa de Fieras ("House of Beasts") and the gardens to fund the paving of the central path, the installation of shrubs, and the improvement of animal enclosures. These gardens now seamlessly blend with the adjacent Herrero Palacios Gardens, which were established by Rodr铆guez's successor.
Located near the main entrance, visitors will encounter the striking sculptural group known as the Fountain of the Seagulls. Unveiled in 1962, it depicts a flock of seagulls taking flight above a stone menhir. The gardens retain their original charm, with magnificent iron arches, pergolas adorned with foliage, and serene ponds. Alongside the wall, on the left side, stands a bust honoring the visionary behind these gardens. Created by J. Alguer贸 and erected by the Madrid City Council in 1949, it serves as a testament to his contribution.
At the far end of the gardens, a covered gazebo hosts various social events organized by the municipality. To preserve the tranquility and security of the space, an iron fence with two gates is closed at night and during official receptions. As you wander through the gardens, keep an eye out for the graceful presence of peacocks.
In the 19th century, this area was famously home to the "Elephant Bath", a privately operated facility that, when not used by the elephant, was rented out for dog bathing. The rental income helped fund the purchase of animals and the maintenance of the House of Beasts.
Located near the main entrance, visitors will encounter the striking sculptural group known as the Fountain of the Seagulls. Unveiled in 1962, it depicts a flock of seagulls taking flight above a stone menhir. The gardens retain their original charm, with magnificent iron arches, pergolas adorned with foliage, and serene ponds. Alongside the wall, on the left side, stands a bust honoring the visionary behind these gardens. Created by J. Alguer贸 and erected by the Madrid City Council in 1949, it serves as a testament to his contribution.
At the far end of the gardens, a covered gazebo hosts various social events organized by the municipality. To preserve the tranquility and security of the space, an iron fence with two gates is closed at night and during official receptions. As you wander through the gardens, keep an eye out for the graceful presence of peacocks.
In the 19th century, this area was famously home to the "Elephant Bath", a privately operated facility that, when not used by the elephant, was rented out for dog bathing. The rental income helped fund the purchase of animals and the maintenance of the House of Beasts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez (Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens) on Map
Sight Name: Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez (Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Ernest Hemingway's Madrid Walking Tour
Amid the many writers who have expressed their love for Madrid, Ernest Hemingway is the one who did so quite famously. A recognized heavyweight of the 20th century literature - the author of The Sun Also Rises (1926), Death in the Afternoon (1932), The Fifth Column (1938), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) and The Old Man and the Sea (1952) - was a frequent visitor to the Spanish capital.
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Golden Mile Walking Tour
Similarly to 5th Avenue in New York City, Champs Elysee in Paris, or Bond Street in London, the Golden Mile is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. Forming part of Madrid's Salamanca district, this posh area is known for its upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights.
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Uniquely Madrid Foods to Try in Spanish Capital
There鈥檚 no better way to fall in love with a city than through its traditional cuisine. Complete meals, appetizers, beverages and sweets: all of them draw a path to a tourist heart. Madrid, the Spanish capital, has its very own unique and original dishes that can make a stay in this city a...
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Madrid
The reputation of Spain as a major gastronomic power to reckon with goes a long way. The capital city of Madrid has a lot to offer visitors in terms of soul warming food experience. On this walk you will visit some of the city's most vibrant and lively food markets and other places serving...
Madrid麓s Latin Quarter Tapas
This app is a description of bars and cafeterias of tapas and pinchos in the Latin Quarter of Madrid. Tapas and pinchos are generally bar snacks and finger foods, with pinchos generally originating from the Basque Country. The custom of tapas and pinchos-eating refers to eating at the bar, sometime...
Top 16 Bars in Madrid
Madrid, the third largest city in Western Europe, is packed with an eclectic mix of bars that offer a scene for every style. In Spain鈥檚 Capital city, alcohol flows without end. Just take a walk down the streets of this vibrant city, and it seems as if every other building is a caf茅 or bar...
Madrid Souvenir Shopping Guide: Top 15 Spanish Products
They call Spain "magnificent" for a reason, as there're loads of fascinating stuff a visitor to the country might want to take home and share with family and friends. Luckily, in Madrid one can find nearly all that Spain is famous for - wine, food, fashion, arts, sports, etc. Good...