Page 106 - 360.revista de Alta Velocidad - Nº 6

Ayrault Pérez, Juan

The Royal Observatory was
established in a nearby hill,
beside the grounds of the
Retiro Royal Gardens. All three
works were projected by Juan
de Villanueva, the best known
Spanish neoclassical architect.

The design was completed with
fountains representing Cybeles
(Earth), Neptune (Sea) and
Apollon (Sun) and other minor
sculptures.

All three remain in place and
make the place one of the most
beautiful avenues in Madrid and
one of the best examples of
enlightened urban design. The
Artichoke fountain was set at
the edge of the promenade, in Figure 9: Royal Observatory, by Juan de Villanueva
the square besides the gate were Source: http://www.historialia.com/
the Prado de Atocha began. Now
a bronze reproduction occupies
its place.

Figure 10: Royal Cabinet of Science, by Juan de Villanueva Figure 11: Royal Botanical Gardens, by Juan de Villanueva.
Source: http://www.historialia.com/ Painting by Luis Paret.
Source: Museo del Prado

The area where the station stays remained outside the city walls up to their disappearance in
1868. Prior to this date many changes had taken place.

104 360.revista de alta velocidad