Casa de Fieras del Retiro, Former zoo building in El Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain
Casa de Fieras del Retiro is a collection of stone structures with arched windows and metal details located within a major Madrid park. These buildings were originally designed for a different purpose and continue to define the landscape with their distinctive architecture.
This facility was founded in 1774 by King Carlos III as one of Europe's early zoos and housed animals from Spanish territories in America. The site played an important role in the city's history until its closure in 1972.
The building now serves as a space for educational workshops where children develop hands-on skills and engage in creative activities throughout the year. You can observe how the local community uses the place for learning and artistic expression.
The site is a pedestrian area within the park, so you can reach it easily on foot via the garden's various pathways. You should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for slightly uneven ground, as the building sits on gently rolling terrain.
During the Spanish Civil War, the animals faced severe food shortages, leading to difficult decisions about their survival. This period left deep marks on the facility's history and makes it a testament to the hardship the city endured.
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