Artificial Mountain of Buen Retiro, Architectural folly in El Retiro Park, Spain.
The Artificial Mountain rises 11 meters high with a 14-meter wide dome, featuring waterfalls and decorative Roman-inspired architectural elements throughout its structure.
Built in 1817 by architect Isidro González Velázquez, this mountain structure served as a private retreat for King Ferdinand VII within the royal gardens.
The mountain forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, representing early 19th-century organic architecture in Madrid.
Recent renovations costing 2.1 million euros have transformed the structure into an exhibition space, allowing visitors to climb for panoramic views.
The mountain contains thick brick walls up to five feet deep that support both the earth above and an integrated water system for cascading features.
Location: Madrid
Inception: 1817
Architects: Isidro González Velázquez
Creator: Isidro González Velázquez
Architectural style: organic architecture
Part of: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7
GPS coordinates: 40.42111,-3.68056
Latest update: March 9, 2025 12:18
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