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The Palacio de Cristal, located in the heart of Buen Retiro Park, was designed by Ricardo Velázquez Bosco in 1887 as a greenhouse to showcase a tropical garden from the Philippines, then a Spanish colony. The Palacio de Cristal was modeled after Joseph Paxton's masterpiece of crystal architecture in London from 1851.
The Crystal Palace in London was the model that Palacio de Cristal used to design Palacio de Cristal.
The Palacio de Cristal is shaped like a Greek cross; apart from the metal trim and decorative ceramics, the rest of the palace is entirely made of glass.
With its vaulted ceilings and heights exceeding 20 meters, on sunny days, the entire palace resembles a dazzling crystal, reflecting streaks of seven colors onto its white stone base. As the sun sets, the palace is illuminated by hundreds of golden lights, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.
The palace shone like a "crystal cage".
Palacio de Cristal in spring.
Palacio de Cristal in autumn.
The Palacio de Cristal palace glows with golden light every evening.
The Palacio de Cristal is considered the most beautiful architectural monument in Retiro Park. Before the palace entrance, steps lead down to a large artificial lake, home to geese, black swans, and tulip birds. Visitors can rent boats nearby to sail out into the lake.
A contemporary exhibition of crystal palaces.
Artworks nestled within other masterpieces.
In 1975, the palace underwent almost complete renovation and restoration, becoming a venue for contemporary art exhibitions. If you are a lover of culturally significant tourist destinations and want to immerse yourself in Western architectural styles, then the Crystal Palace in Madrid is a must-see.
Video of the Palacio de Cristal palace from above - Lucas Smit:
