Madrid, Landscape of light

he World Heritage Site between Prado and Retiro

In 2021, UNESCO awarded the coveted World Heritage title to the Spanish capital for the first time. More specifically, to the enclave between Paseo del Prado and Retiro Park. The prize was awarded for the unique symbiosis between art, science and nature, which distinguishes this area east of the historical city center. A symbiosis that dates back largely to the Enlightenment of the 18th century

The Enlightenment in Spain: the Bourbons. A dynasty “imported” from France in 1700. And from the beginning, France was also the great inspiration for the reform work of the new rulers, who wanted to catapult the country into modernity, at least scientifically and artistically. The remains of this Bourbon desire for modernization have survived to this day between the Prado and the Retiro: the Royal Observatory, the Royal Tapestry Factory, the Botanical Garden, the Royal Spanish Academy, the Prado Museum (formerly Cabinet of Natural Sciences ). But we also deal with Fine Arts: Prado, Fountain of Neptune, Fountain of Cybele, Fountain of Apollo. The masterpieces lined the new Bourbon boulevard Paseo del Prado.

A time of progress and light, but also of wars and oppression. According to the motto of the greatest of all Spanish painters of the time, Francisco Goya: “The dream of reason produces monsters.” Join us on this journey to the past, to a glorious era but full of abysses, a journey to the most beautiful monuments of Madrid.