Monument to King Alfonso XII, Bronze and marble sculptures at El Retiro Park, Spain
The Monument to King Alfonso XII is a grand structure with a colonnade and an equestrian statue at its center, extending about 86 meters along the artificial lake. The composition combines multiple levels with sculptures and arcaded galleries that form an integrated ensemble around the central figure.
Queen Mother Maria Christina launched a national design competition in 1902 that led to the creation of this monument. The completed structure was inaugurated in 1922, marking a significant moment in Madrid's urban development.
Twenty-four Spanish artists created bronze sculptures representing Peace, Freedom, Progress, Sciences, Agriculture, Arts, and Industry as part of this work. These pieces reflect the values and ideals that were meant to shape Spanish society in the early 20th century.
The best vantage points are from the lake or surrounding park paths, as the entire complex is visible from multiple positions. Visitors should allow time to explore the sculptural details and different levels at a leisurely pace.
Four bronze mermaids, each sculpted by different artists, rest beneath the pedestals as decorative supports. Stone lions descend from the structure toward the adjacent lake, creating a visual link between the monument and its natural surroundings.
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