Madrid City Council has allocated €32.7 million since 2019 to 25 major projects in historic and unique parks, including the Montaña de los Gatos, the mills of the Quinta de los Molinos, and the Arabic garden of Juan Carlos I.
The City Council of Madrid has invested €32.7 million since 2019 in the restoration of its historic and unique parks. The plan, executed by the Urbanism, Environment and Mobility Department led by Borja Carabante, has allowed for the rehabilitation of heritage elements, the renewal of infrastructures, and the improvement of accessibility in some of the capital's most emblematic green spaces.
Among the most notable interventions are the Montaña de los Gatos and the Meteorological Observatory of Retiro, the American mills of the Quinta de los Molinos, the El Capricho Dance Casino, the Arabic garden of Juan Carlos I park, and the historic pergola of the Rosaleda in the Oeste park. In addition to these major works, there are other smaller interventions and the routine conservation tasks of the 3,800 municipal green areas, which cover about 6,180 hectares.
La Gavia accounts for more than half of the investment
The project with the largest budget has been the comprehensive rehabilitation of the La Gavia park, with €17 million. The works have improved infrastructures, irrigation systems, pavements, and general conditions of use, as well as incorporating new toilets for visitors. For the residents of Villa de Vallecas, this renewal represents a significant quality leap in one of their main green lungs.
In the Casa de Campo, €4.5 million has been invested in the repair of paths, pavements, and asphalted roads closed to private traffic. The surroundings of the San Pedro hermitage have also been improved with new interpretive signage and protective elements. Among the works is the repair of the lake's treatment plant, damaged by a fire in 2024, and the restoration of the historic wall that runs parallel to the Piñoneros promenade.
The Retiro park has received €4.19 million for six interventions focused on the recovery of its historical heritage. The rehabilitation of the Montaña de los Gatos has allowed this site to reopen after a thorough structural restoration, while the renewal of the Mexico promenade has improved the pavement and conditions of one of the main routes. Additionally, the Meteorological Observatory, the monkey pit, and the Ferris wheel of the Huerto del Francés have been rehabilitated, and the Campanillas Fountain has been restored.
Madrid Río and other recovered spaces
Madrid Río has concentrated another €3.73 million. Most of this has been allocated to the rehabilitation and regulatory adaptation of the Arganzuela Greenhouse, aiming to improve the conservation and functionality of this botanical facility. A wooden walkway has also been built to strengthen the pedestrian connection between Madrid Río and the linear park of the Manzanares.
In the Quinta de los Molinos, €1.2 million has been invested in the restoration of the American mills, a symbol of the park that attracts thousands of visitors each spring when the almond trees bloom. The Arabic garden of Juan Carlos I park has been rehabilitated with €0.8 million, recovering its original design with water features and native vegetation.
For the people of Madrid, these investments translate into safer, more accessible, and well-maintained parks. The works have included the installation of new efficient irrigation systems, improved lighting, and the creation of rest areas. The City Council plans to continue these interventions in the coming years, with an additional budget of €10 million for the 2026-2027 period.
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