In the 19th century, royalty had a privileged entrance to the Casa de Campo: a tunnel five meters high and five meters wide created by the architect of the Prado Museum, Juan de Villanueva, in 1809. It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte during his eventful stay in Madrid. Curiously, there is no record that the emperor ever used it: he had to flee shortly after the passageway was completed.
It would not be enjoyed by French nobles, but by the Bourbons: among historians it is rumored that Alfonso XIII crossed its solid brick walls in exile, and years before, Ferdinand VII, Isabel II and Alfonso XII used it regularly.
The tunnel runs 44 meters from Campo del Moro to Paseo de la Virgen del Puerto. Patrimonio Nacional has announced that it will create an access platform and a walkway that will connect the passageway to Madrid Río, respecting the original materials of the structure that have been preserved.
The first phase of the refurbishment work is expected to be completed this year, and the remodeling is expected to be completely finished by 2027. This is not the only improvement project in the Casa de Campo area: the former palace of King Philip II, Casa de Vargas, will also be restored to come back to life next year.