Sabatini Gardens is a set of majestic grounds with a classical layout of plants, hedges and colorful flowers. Built in the 1930s on the site of a former stables, the garden lies beside the Royal Palace. Be here just before dusk, when the lighting is perfect for photos and views of the floral layouts.
Watch the sun set over the horizon on a warm summer evening. Study the array of marble sculptures dotted around these scenic grounds. Between the trees, look for fountains and labyrinths made up of narrow hedgerows. Bring food for a picnic alongside the rectangular pond in the center of the gardens and appreciate the exquisite scenery around you.
In summer, attend one of the dramatic performances and flamenco renditions at Los Veranos de la Villa outdoor stage.
The park covers an area of 6.2 acres (2.5 hectares). Note that a set of stables once stood on this spot, complete with coaches, carriages and animals. The name of the grounds is actually a reference to the designer of the former stables. View old vehicles and tools in the Carriage Museum. Consider the history of the gardens, which were first opened to the public by King Juan Carlos I in 1978.
The gardens are open Monday through Friday from morning until evening. The site is free to visit.
Sabatini Gardens stand beside the Campo del Moro, a little northwest of Madrid’s city center. Get the train to the Príncipe Pío or the metro to the Ópera or Plaza de España stations nearby. You can also hop on a bus to a stop at the garden’s northern edge. Make your way through the nearby surroundings for other interesting spots such as the Catedral de Santa María, the Muralla Árabe and the Puerta de San Vicente.
