The start of April brings a new blog series to Economy Car Hire and this month we will be revealing the hidden gems, best road trips, and unusual holiday activities to be found in Spain! Post 1/9.
If you are returning to Spain for a holiday this year why not try something a little more ‘local’ in terms of sightseeing. Madrid’s hidden gardens are one of the city’s best kept secrets and here at Economy Car Hire, we have compiled a list of the best ones for you. They are wonderful glimpses into the heart of the city’s history, so without further ado …
Gardens of the Prince of Anglona Palace
Found on the corner of Calle Segovia at the heart of the Plaza de la Paja in the historic area of Madrid de las Austrias, this little 18th century garden is a living flashback to the romance of Spanish court. A secret haven nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of busy tapas bars and tourists, the garden is one of Madrid’s best kept secrets. Contained by four stone walls the garden is open between 10am and 8pm in the summer and accessed by a small door way in the back wall. With plenty of leafy green trees, groves and boxwood lined paths, time seems to have stopped in this whimsical little garden. Described as an ‘oasis’ and a ‘little gem,’ the magic of this particular garden is not lost on visitors who often return with a book in hand to enjoy its peace and tranquillity.
The Nun’s Garden
Just a short walk down the road you will find ‘El Huerto de las Monjas’ or The Nun’s garden, which was originally part of the 17th century Convent of Sacramento. Although the convent was unfortunately demolished in the 1970s and replaced by a block of flats, the garden itself survived! Initially used as a vegetable garden by the Nuns, the courtyard is now screened off from Calle Segovia by a wall and features box hedge pathways that all centre around a bronze water fountain which depicts three frolicking cupids, delightful! Like the Prince of Anglona Gardens, the Nun’s garden is a charming idyll in which weary tourists and locals alike can escape the busy streets of the Madrid de Las Austrias area for a bit of peace and quiet.
The Cemetery of San Sebastián
The Cemetery of San Sebastian is one of the most culturally significant spots in Madrid’s literary quarter. The site has a particularly gothic history and is supposedly where the famous Spanish writer Jose Cadalso attempted to dig up the remains of his dead lover, an event which inspired his novel ‘Noches Lugubres’. However, it is in fact no longer a cemetery but home to a very popular flower shop. El Jardin de Angel is a floral experience you won’t want to miss! The shop is filled with an array of colours and scents and all set in a charming courtyard and centred round one of the cemetery’s original olive trees which marked the tombs of the deceased. Strewn with wind-chimes and decorative ornaments El Jardin de Angel is a whimsical little place that enchants all its visitors.
The Reina Sofia National Museum Gardens
The Reina Sofia National Museum is Spain’s National Museum of Contemporary Art and is easily accessed by the Atocha metro stop. The building itself dates back to the 17th century and is fairly iconic with regards to Madrid’s architectural achievements. It has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the years to make it what it is today. However, at the heart of the building you will find a large ornamental garden which, surrounded by artwork and isolated from Madrid’s busy street life and the hum of traffic, could be considered the perfect idyll for those seeking a moment of peace. The building itself was once San Carlos Hospital and the courtyard was used as a terrace where recovering patients could soak up the sun and take leisurely strolls in order to regain their strength. Nowadays it is home to some striking contemporary sculptures and provides an oasis for museum visitors and passers-by, if however you are caught there after dark, look out for the ghosts of the hospital nuns that haunt the museum’s garden and galleries at night!
For other attractions check out our guide on what Madrid has to offer. Or, perhaps you know of some more hidden Gems the Spanish city is hiding? Let us know your favourite sightseeing activities in Madrid by leaving us a comment below!
