Forest of Remembrance, Memorial monument in El Retiro Park, Spain
The Forest of Remembrance is a memorial in the eastern section of El Retiro Park featuring 192 cypress and olive trees arranged in circular patterns on an artificial hill. The trees form a living artwork that transforms with the seasons while creating a quiet space for reflection.
The memorial was opened in 2005 to honor the 191 victims of the Madrid train bombings that took place on March 11, 2004. This attack was one of Europe's deadliest terrorist acts and led to the creation of this place of mourning and remembrance.
The place serves as a gathering point for annual remembrance ceremonies where people come together to honor the victims. The stone inscription at the entrance conveys a message of respect and gratitude for those who died in the attacks.
The memorial can be reached through multiple park entrances, with the closest metro stations being Retiro and Ibiza on Line 2. The place is best visited during quiet times of day when fewer people are around and you can walk the paths at a leisurely pace.
Each of the 192 trees represents one person who died in the attacks, with one additional tree planted for the victims as a whole. This personal connection between each tree and an individual creates a particular way to remember those who were lost.
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