Fountain of the Fallen Angel in El Retiro Park in Madrid (Spain)

Description

Location: El Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain
Taken on: September 11, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 11.6 MB
Dimensions: 4011 x 2932 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.

Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.

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The Fountain of the Fallen Angel, El Retiro Park, Madrid

A striking digital photo capturing the iconic and controversial Fountain of the Fallen Angel in Madrid’s El Retiro Park. This unique statue, depicting Lucifer’s fall, is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a brilliant blue sky, offering a captivating piece of Madrid’s artistic and historical landscape.

Discover the intriguing allure of Madrid with this stunning, high-resolution digital photograph of the Fountain of the Fallen Angel (Fuente del Ángel Caído), located in the heart of El Retiro Park. Captured on September 11, 2023, this image offers a vibrant and detailed view of one of the world’s most unique public monuments.

The central figure of the photograph is the dramatic bronze statue of the Fallen Angel, sculpted by Ricardo Bellver. The angel is depicted in a powerful moment of anguish and defiance as he is cast from heaven, inspired by John Milton’s Paradise Lost. This emotionally charged sculpture stands atop a grand white pedestal, which is part of a classical stone fountain. The base of the fountain features intricate details, including demonic figures and serpents, from which water gently cascades into the basin below.

The statue’s dark, metallic tones provide a striking contrast against the pristine white of the pedestal and the sparkling water. Surrounding the fountain, the vibrant green foliage of El Retiro Park’s trees creates a lush and serene natural backdrop. Hints of autumn colors on trees in the distance add depth and warmth to the scene, all under a clear, brilliant blue sky. The presence of park visitors in the background adds a sense of scale and everyday life to this extraordinary setting.

This digital download is more than just a picture; it’s a piece of Madrid’s fascinating history and artistic boldness. It’s renowned for being one of the only public statues in the world dedicated to Lucifer, and its location is famously said to be 666 meters above sea level, adding to its mystique.

This high-quality digital download is perfect for:

• Collectors of unique art: A rare and thought-provoking subject for your digital collection.
• Travel enthusiasts: A beautiful memento of Madrid or an inspiration for future journeys.
• Creative projects: Ideal for digital art, website backgrounds, presentations, or social media content.
• Home decor: Print and frame it yourself to bring a piece of Madrid’s distinctive charm into your space (please note: this listing is for the digital file only, not a physical print).

Embrace the powerful narrative and unique artistry of Madrid’s Fountain of the Fallen Angel with this exceptional digital photograph.

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Madrid, a vibrant and bustling capital, is surprisingly green, boasting an impressive array of parks and gardens that offer diverse experiences, from grand historical landscapes to modern urban oases. These green spaces serve as vital lungs for the city, providing Madrileños and visitors alike with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and cultural enrichment.

1. El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)

The quintessential Madrid park, El Retiro is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit. Once a royal retreat, it opened to the public in 1868 and spans 1.4 square kilometers (350 acres).

• Key Features:
  • The Great Pond (Estanque Grande): A large artificial lake where visitors can rent rowboats.
  • Monument to Alfonso XII: A grand equestrian statue overlooking the pond, offering a beautiful backdrop for photos.
  • Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal): A stunning 19th-century glass and iron pavilion, often used for art exhibitions, surrounded by a picturesque pond.
  • Fountain of the Fallen Angel (Fuente del Ángel Caído): One of the few public statues in the world dedicated to Lucifer, a unique and intriguing piece of art.
  • Rose Garden (La Rosaleda): A beautiful rose garden that bursts with color in spring.
  • Formal Gardens: Including the Parterre Francés with its ancient ahuehuete tree (a Montezuma cypress), and the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez with their Andalusian charm.
  • Sculptures and Fountains: The park is an open-air museum, filled with numerous statues, busts of Spanish writers, and ornate fountains.
• Activities: Boating, jogging, cycling, rollerblading, picnicking, enjoying street performers and puppet shows, attending outdoor concerts and exhibitions.

2. Casa de Campo

Madrid’s largest public park, Casa de Campo is five times the size of New York’s Central Park, covering over 1,700 hectares. It was once a royal hunting estate and truly feels like a vast forest within the city.

• Key Features:
  • Vast Natural Space: Offers extensive woodlands, trails, and open fields perfect for walking, running, and cycling.
  • Zoo Aquarium Madrid: A major attraction housing a wide variety of animals.
  • Parque de Atracciones (Amusement Park): A popular amusement park with rides for all ages.
  • Lake: A large lake where visitors can engage in watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, surrounded by restaurants and terraces.
  • Teleférico de Madrid: A cable car connecting Casa de Campo to Parque del Oeste, offering spectacular aerial views of the city.
• Activities: Hiking, cycling, swimming (public pool open in summer), picnics, wildlife spotting, visiting the zoo and amusement park.

3. Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico)

Located next to the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanical Garden is a serene oasis dedicated to the study and conservation of plant life. Founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI and expanded by Charles III, it’s a living library of flora.

• Key Features:
  • Diverse Collections: Features over 5,000 species of plants from Europe, America, and the Pacific, arranged across tiered terraces.
  • Greenhouses: Three greenhouses simulate different climates, showcasing tropical, temperate, and desert plants.
  • Bonsai Collection: A notable collection of miniature trees.
  • Seasonal Blooms: Particularly stunning in spring with its displays of tulips, roses, and other flowers.
• Activities: Guided tours, educational programs, quiet strolls, and a perfect respite after visiting nearby museums.

4. Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini)

Situated just in front of the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens are a beautifully manicured, formal neoclassical garden designed in the French style.

• Key Features:
  • Symmetry and Formality: Characterized by symmetrically trimmed hedges, geometric shapes, statues, fountains, and pools.
  • Royal Palace Views: Offers stunning views of the Royal Palace, especially at sunset.
  • Statues: Features statues of Spanish kings, originally intended for the palace.
• Activities: Relaxing strolls, enjoying the formal beauty, and photography, particularly popular for sunset views.

5. Campo del Moro Park

Behind the Royal Palace, the Campo del Moro Park is a vast English-style garden that slopes down to the Manzanares River. It offers a unique perspective of the palace.

• Key Features:
  • Romantic Design: Features wide lawns, winding paths, and a blend of manicured and more wild, natural areas.
  • Peacocks: Known for its resident peacocks that roam freely.
  • Carriage Museum: Houses a collection of historical carriages.
  • Palace Backdrop: Provides exceptional views of the Royal Palace from a lower elevation.
• Activities: Peaceful walks, enjoying nature, and admiring the palace from a different angle.

6. Parque del Oeste (Western Park)

Located in the western part of the city, Parque del Oeste is known for its diverse trees, stunning rose garden, and historical significance.

• Key Features:
  • Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod): An ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis and god Amun, relocated to Madrid from Egypt and offering fantastic sunset views over the city.
  • Rosaleda (Rose Garden): Home to thousands of rose bushes, it hosts an international rose competition every May.
  • Cable Car Station: The starting point for the Teleférico de Madrid, connecting to Casa de Campo.
  • Civil War Remnants: Some areas still show traces of its role in the Spanish Civil War.
• Activities: Enjoying the rose garden, visiting the Temple of Debod, taking the cable car, and peaceful walks.

7. Madrid Río Park

A modern urban park built along the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid Río transformed a former motorway into a vibrant green space.

• Key Features:
  • Extensive Pathways: Ideal for walking, cycling, and running.
  • Playgrounds: Features numerous innovative playgrounds with natural materials, catering to various age groups.
  • “Madrid Río Beach”: A series of refreshing water jets perfect for cooling down in summer.
  • Cultural Hubs: Connects to cultural venues like Matadero Madrid.
• Activities: Cycling, jogging, family outings, picnics, enjoying water features, and access to cultural events.

8. El Capricho Park (Parque de El Capricho)

A true hidden gem located in the Alameda de Osuna district, El Capricho is a beautifully preserved 18th-century romantic garden.

• Key Features:
  • Three Distinct Styles: Features French, English, and Italian garden styles.
  • Whimsical Elements: Includes temples, hermitages, bridges, and fountains.
  • Bunker of the General Staff of the Republican Army: A fascinating historical site from the Spanish Civil War (requires guided tours).
• Activities: Guided tours (especially for the bunker), tranquil strolls, and enjoying its unique romantic charm. It has limited opening hours, so check in advance.

Other Notable Parks:

• Parque Juan Carlos I: A large, modern park in the northeast of the city, ideal for various activities including skating, canoeing, and cycling. It features an olive grove and an estuary.
• Cerro del Tío Pío (Park of the Seven Boobs): Famous for its panoramic views of the Madrid skyline, especially popular at sunset. It’s a series of small hills.
• Quinta de los Molinos: Known for its stunning almond blossoms in late February and early March, transforming the park into a sea of white and pink.
• Royal Botanical Garden Alfonso XIII: Located within the Complutense University campus, showcasing Mediterranean vegetation.
• Parque de Berlín: Features three fragments of the original Berlin Wall, a unique historical touch.

Madrid’s parks are integral to its identity, offering diverse landscapes, historical treasures, and endless opportunities for locals and tourists to connect with nature and enjoy the city’s vibrant outdoor culture.