It is the fourth largest historic garden in the city, behind the Casa de Campo, the Retiro Park and the Parque del Oeste. Here you can find an impressive cedar, included in the Regional Catalog of the Community of Madrid as a “singular tree”, both for its extraordinary size and its age.

Known in the 18th century as Los Carabancheles, it was one of the places of favorite recreation of the Madrid high bourgeoisie and nobility, due to its proximity to the court and its healthy climate. On March 8, 1832, it became property of the crown, becoming the summer residence of Queen María Cristina de Borbón, who ordered the transformation works of the existing buildings, the construction of new ones and the creation of a garden. landscape. In 1859, the estate was acquired by Don José de Salamanca y Mayol, who used it as his habitual residence until his death in 1883. The heirs of the Marquis of Salamanca sold it to the Spanish State in 1886, which dedicated the estate to charity. , new buildings were built that fragmented the original layout.

The complex is made up of several buildings and shade gardens, geometric, with exotic plants and with an ornamental or rustic purpose of a productive nature:

The Large Stove, a longitudinal building from which two large naves originally started, intended to house exotic plants, typical in romantic gardening. It was partially destroyed during the Civil War.

Queen's Bathroom, a unique circular piece with concentric steps, made of caramel-colored marble, fed by the same heat and steam circuit as the stove.

The Old Palace, around which the estate was founded. The current building stands on the primitive Vista Alegre Bath House, a very popular recreational space among Madrid residents. In the 20th century it housed the Union Military Orphan School and is currently the headquarters of the Las Acacias Regional Center for Innovation and Training.

Casa de Bella Vista: during the Royal Possession, it was a library and science office. It later housed the Santa Catalina School for the Blind and is currently the Vista Alegre Adult Education Center. It has been attached to the Old Palace since the beginning of the 20th century by a gallery.

Stables: The draft animals and other work animals on the farm were housed there, as well as the carriages and open cars.

Plaza de las Estatuas Garden: During the period of the Marquis of Salamanca , an integration of the design of the different gardens of the estate was achieved, where this romantic garden stands out, with sinuous layouts and beautiful marble sculptures, of which only their pedestals are preserved. The garden was crossed by a navigable artificial river.

The New Palace: also known as the Palace of the Marquis of Salamanca, it was created by Queen María Cristina on the land acquired from the Five Major Guilds, on the foundations of the warehouses and boilers of a soap factory. The Marquis of Salamanca completed its construction to showcase his collection of art and antiques. Several gardens were created around the palace, such as the Parterre or the Giardino. Since the 20th century, it was occupied by several charitable and educational institutions, which made adaptations to its interior.

House of Trades: this archaeological space shows the remains of a soap factory, one of many that were in Carabanchel, documented since the 17th century. When it was acquired by royalty, this building served as a support and service body for their palaces. The palatial residence of Duke Agustín Fernando Muñoz y Sánchez, second husband of Queen María Cristina, was located on its noble floor.

Source: Madrid City Council. Madrid Destination

Open Monday to Sunday From October to March - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. April and September - 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. From May to August - 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Access will be limited 30 minutes before of closing time. Maximum capacity 400 people.