Note if approaching this area from the river be careful of people "falling" from the walls on to the footpath below. If you see the green fence at the bottom of the gardens you'll understand what I mean. It's purpose is to stop people "falling" over the precipice but it doesn't always work. My family had a very narrow escape here in early June. While walking under the high walls of the gardens, we heard a whoosh like sound from above, we looked up just in time to see the silhouette of a man plummeting through the air towards us. I pulled my daughter out of the way, just as he hit the pavement feet away. The sound of bone and flesh crashing into concrete was horrifying.
After ushering my family out of sight, I went back to see if I could help the poor soul. He was a middle aged man, with a deeply tanned face, his body was twisted horribly, his eyes stared vacantly and a large pool of blood was slowly spreading from his head onto the pavement, there was little anyone could do....
The police arrived within minutes but with the exception of an old man in a blue chequered shirt whispering a prayer over the body, everyone else stood back, as if trying to erase the terrible sight before it hardened...
Read moreThe Sabatini Gardens, located adjacent to the Madrid Royal Palace, offer a serene escape from the bustling city. Named after the 18th-century Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, these elegant gardens feature a neoclassical design with symmetrical arrangements of shrubs, fountains, and sculptures across three terraces.
One of the highlights is the central pool, which reflects the palace's impressive façade. The gardens are particularly beautiful during the summer months when the "Los Veranos de la Villa" festival brings live music and cultural events to the space.
Visitors can easily access the Sabatini Gardens from the Royal Palace, making it a necessary stop on any tour of the Spanish monarch's official residence.
While the gardens may not be as grand as the palace itself, they offer a peaceful respite and a chance to appreciate the elegant neoclassical design. With their convenient location and beautiful landscaping, the Sabatini Gardens are a must-see for anyone visiting the Madrid...
Read moreJardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Garden) is a small but lush public garden just north of Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Opening hours are 9am to 9pm daily and it is free to visit.
This garden only opened to the public in 1978 and was named after 18th century, Italian architect Francesco Sabatini, who designed of the Royal Palace.
The garden is laid out in symmetric manner with various pools, fountains, statues and well manicured shrubs and trees which create elegant garden that is flush green during summer months.
We found this garden to offer more shade than nearby Plaza de Oriente, making it a preferred option if you are looking for a place to get off your feet after long hours of sightseeing. We enjoyed grabbing a seat near one of the fountains here during our recent trip.
Note: Jardines de Sabatini is a convenient stop to make for those seeking to combine visits to the Palacio Real and Museo Cerralbo. Its in between these two...
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