Quinta de los Molinos: the park where spring explodes
With its 21 hectares of extension, the Fifth Park of the Mills It is a highly recommended green space to take a walk and have a picnic on the day without having to leave the city of Madrid. But the optimal time to visit it is now in spring, and that is Its numerous almond trees offer a most rewarding spectacle when they are in bloom.
In the heart of the Salvador neighborhood (San Blas-Canillejas district), the park is bounded to the south by Alcalá Street, to the north by Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena Street, to the east by Avda. 25 de Septiembre and to the west by Miami Street.
It has a total of five doors, and it is relatively close to the M-40 if we are going to go by car. Its visits always skyrocket in spring, so even if it is a free parking area, it may be difficult to park if we go on the weekend. But we can always get by bike, Metro (Suanzes stop, line 5) or bus (77, 104, 105, L5).
Former property of the Count of Torre Arias, This garden was created by the Alicante architect César Cort Botí during the second half of the 20th century. A defender of the theory of nucleology, Cort based his remodeling on the dialectical relationship between the countryside and the city, and divided the land into two differentiated zones: the northern half, with gardens and architecture with clear romantic Mediterranean reminiscences, and the southern half, the agricultural area.
The ideal park for a spring walk without leaving the city
Professor of Urban Planning at the School of Architecture and councilor of the City Council, Cort died in 1978 leaving the park in a state of semi-abandonment. In 1982 the Madrid City Council would reach an agreement with his heirs so that most of the estate (a quarter was used for the construction of private homes) would become part of the municipal heritage, giving rise to its restoration and public opening.
It is this southern half that we visit first, since it is the one that is attached to the Suanzes metro. We enter through the access to Calle Alcalá, where we will soon see the many flowering almond trees of various varieties that have mainly motivated our visit.
We will also see olive trees, oaks, pines, eucalyptus and fig trees (planted back in the day to protect the almond trees), in addition to various grass meadows where to plant our blanket and have a picnic day.
A natural spectacle a few meters from the asphalt. Wonderful!
The northern half is divided into terraces, with original architecture that will help us evoke Mediterranean landscapes. At the time of our visit, this area is restricted, as repair work continues for the damage caused during the Filomena storm. Thus, It can only be accessed through the Alcalá, Miami and Doctor Zamenhof gates.
The first thing we will see is your pond. The water used to irrigate the park came from various springs and wells discovered during its creation, which led to the construction of various pools and ornamental fountains, as well as elements for irrigation and water use.
In this area there are also the orangery, the Clock House and a couple of windmills. They were installed in their day to facilitate the extraction of water from the wells, motivating the name of the fifth.
The Fifth of the Mills
With the access giving Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena street we will come across the Casa Palacio, renamed as Open Space. Is about a creation and learning center for children under the age of 16 to train as cooks. A restaurant bar that has a terrace service and opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Among its dishes we can find suggestions as suggestive as blood sausage and pumpkin samosas. The space also offers cultural activities that range from exhibitions to workshops and shows of all kinds.
If we prefer, we will also find numerous terraces on Calle Alcalá, along the southern half. Place to have a beer and snack before ending our excursion.
Yes, this is Madrid