In the north of Madrid, very close to El Pardo and only twenty minutes from downtown, hides one of the most beautiful and unknown historical gardens of the city: the Quinta del Duque del Arco. In addition, this baroque oasis, open to the public and free of charge, wraps with wisteria every spring terraces, fountains and sculptures that evoke the splendor of the eighteenth century court.
The history of the Quinta begins in 1717, when Alonso Manrique de Lara y Silva, first Duke of Arco and courtier of Philip V, acquires the estate of Valrodrigo and commissions the construction of a palace inspired by the Zarzuela. Next to the residence, the Duke ordered the creation of a garden at the height of the nobility of the time, combining French, Italian and Spanish influences in a unique composition in Spain.
The result is a complex of more than 10,000 square meters structured in four large terraces, decorated with boxwood flowerbeds, seasonal flowers, classical vases, sculptures and monumental fountains such as the Four Dolphins. Water is the common thread of this baroque garden, with ponds, waterfalls and fountains that refresh the environment and enhance the beauty of the surroundings. There are also two imposing red sequoias, botanical rarities that break the perspective and surprise with their size.
The garden, declared a National Monument in 1935, has been part of the history of Spain in different stages: Manuel Azaña’s residence, barracks during the Civil War, music academy and, today, restored public space. Strolling through its paths, among trimmed hedges, groves and ancient olive trees, is to travel part of the past of Madrid’s aristocracy.
How to get to Quinta del Duque del Arco
This little-known and not at all crowded garden can be reached in several ways by public transport. Quinta del Duque del Arco is easily accessible: by train (lines C7 and C8 to Pitis), by metro (M-7 and M-9, Mirasierra stop) or by bus (lines 64 and 164), and from the stops there is a pleasant walk to the main entrance.
The palace is located in the Real Sitio de El Pardo, in Manuel Alonso street. It can be reached by car from Madrid via the M-30, the M-40 or the A-6. There is a free parking lot next to the entrance, which is accessed after an upward curve from the main road; you can also leave your car in the Monte de El Pardo parking lot and walk a few minutes to the gardens.
Visiting hours are daily from 10 am to 7 pm.