Casa de Campo Park, Public park in western Madrid, Spain
Casa de Campo is a large public park in the western part of Madrid, containing extensive forested areas, an artificial lake and recreational facilities. The grounds offer wooded paths, open grassland areas and include a zoo and an amusement park within its boundaries.
The park began in the 16th century when King Philip II established the land as a royal hunting reserve and restricted access exclusively to the royal household. In 1931, the city opened the area to the general public, transforming the former royal estate into a public recreational space.
The name refers to the centuries when the grounds served as a country retreat for Spanish royalty, used for hunting and leisure away from court life. Locals now use the space for jogging, picnics and family walks on weekends, while the open meadows and forest paths offer room for recreational groups.
The park works well for walking, cycling and water activities at the lake, with wide paths and marked routes making it easy to navigate. Weekends draw larger crowds, so weekdays offer quieter exploration.
The grounds contain preserved bunkers and trenches from the Spanish Civil War, which visitors can explore on their own in some areas. The number of bird and mammal species exceeds 140, creating an unusual wildlife habitat in the middle of the capital.
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