Madrid recovers a treasure from the 19th century hidden in the Retiro after twenty years of oblivion

The emblematic Montaña de los Gatos in El Retiro, Madrid, has been reopened after two decades closed to the public. This artificial mountain, built in the 19th century by order of King Ferdinand VII, has undergone a complete restoration to solve water leak problems and restore its waterfalls and interior routes.. The investment of 2.1 million euros made by the Urban Planning, Environment and Mobility Area has led to the recovery of this cultural and natural space.

Likewise, the waterfalls were restored and the interior itinerary was improved. Visitors can now once again enjoy its vaulted interior, which houses an exhibition that tells the fascinating story of La Montaña de los Gatos and presents details about the work carried out.. The restoration process also brought with it interesting archaeological finds, including an ancient waterway that led to a waterwheel from before the park was built..

The interior of the mountain consists of a vaulted space with an open circular plan with an upper oculus from which four vaulted galleries arise that run through the interior of the artificial hill. The first of these corridors, arranged in the axis perpendicular to O'Donnell street, serves as access. The other three are born from the interior space, they advance under the mountain in opposite directions towards the perimeter pools in search of the water fall of the exterior waterfalls..

These archaeological remains will be visible to visitors through a glass screen, allowing them to connect with the past and immerse themselves in the history of Madrid.. Another surprise was the discovery of the original buttresses that have supported the vault since its construction.. Some of these elements will be visible through glass, providing an opportunity to appreciate the engineering and history behind this 19th century. The Montaña de los Gatos, known as a whim of Fernando VII, is part of the Retiro Park and has been a place full of charm and mystery since its creation in 1817..

Its reopening coincides with the park's 150th anniversary, making it a special treat for both locals and tourists wishing to explore its rich history and culture.. The mountain has returned to its former splendor and is ready to welcome visitors, who will be able to enjoy its historic charm and marvel at this work of art from the past.. The reopening represents an achievement in the preservation of Madrid's heritage and offers tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in this piece of history..

A whim of Ferdinand XII

The Artificial Mountain or of the Cats is one of the whims that King Fernando VII promoted in the Retiro Park Reserve, the area that he delimited for his royal enjoyment and that of his family and without public access. Bernardino Berogán was appointed director of this romantic garden, including in its perimeter this mountain covered with diverse vegetation and its top crowned by a temple, now disappeared, that served as an observatory. This temple, with oriental features, was made up of three towers, an octagonal central one and two cylindrical ones at the ends, joined by an archway..

From now on it will be possible to know the history of the Montaña de los Gatos, as well as the details of the work that has been carried out for its integral recovery.. The exhibition will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, will lead the inaugural visit to the mountain among other local authorities today.