Hola, beautiful travelers! On my latest wander through Madrid’s La Latina district, I slipped into a place that feels almost too dreamy to be real – El Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona (The Garden of the Prince of Anglona), one of the city’s oldest and best-kept secrets. Hidden behind stone walls near Plaza de la Paja, this small, centuries-old garden is the kind of place you only find if you’re lucky… or if a local tells you about it.
Stepping inside feels like discovering a private oasis in the heart of the capital – quiet, elegant, and wrapped in history. If you love serene corners, romantic architecture, or little escapes from the city’s lively streets, this one is for you.
A Garden With Centuries of History
El Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona dates back to the 18th century and is one of the very few aristocratic gardens from this era still preserved in Madrid. It forms part of the Casa de los Príncipes de Anglona, a palace built in the early 17th century on land historically linked to Francisco de Vargas, counselor to the Catholic Monarchs and Charles I. The residence later became home to Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Pimentel, Prince of Anglona and member of the House of Osuna, whose name the garden carries today.
The garden’s earliest layout is traditionally attributed to the French cartographer and designer Nicolás Chalmandrier (1761), who created an intimate neoclassical space with subtle Hispano-Arab touches. Though the palace has changed over the centuries, the garden has maintained the hallmarks of Spain’s noble landscapes: balanced geometric paths, trimmed boxwood hedges, patterned stone pavements, and a layout designed for slow strolls and whispered conversations beneath the shade.
In 1920, the garden was beautifully reimagined by Javier de Winthuysen, painter and landscape designer responsible for some of Spain’s most iconic gardens, including those at Moncloa and the Palmeral de Elche. His redesign preserved the neoclassical spirit while adding timeless Andalusian charm. As you wander its quiet corners today, it’s easy to imagine nobles gliding through its pathways, poets pausing on its benches, or artists finding inspiration in its stillness.
What It Feels Like to Visit – Calm, Beauty, and Old-World Romance
The first thing that hits you is silence, a peaceful contrast to the lively tapas bars and narrow streets just steps away. Cobbled pathways lead you through manicured boxwood hedges and geometric flower beds. The scent of jasmine drifts in the air, and the soft crunch of gravel is the only sound beneath your feet.
In the center, a charming stone well anchors the garden, surrounded by roses in the summer, sculpted shrubs, and small fountains that add a gentle whisper of water. Climbing vines frame the walls with touches of green, and the soft shade from the pergola creates the perfect spot to pause for a few minutes of tranquility. This garden feels like a tiny world of its own – private, almost secretive, a place where time slows down just a little.
Why It’s So Photogenic
If you love photography, this little garden is a true treasure. The geometric boxwood hedges, patterned stone paths, and soft pastel façade of the palace create a natural sense of symmetry that makes every angle feel intentional. Ivy climbs the perimeter walls, adding rich texture and depth, while the central fountain creates a beautiful focal point that anchors the space. In the morning, the light filters gently through the trees, casting soft shadows that make the space feel calm and romantic; by late afternoon, the garden glows with warm golden tones that highlight the reds, greens, and earth hues of the classical design. It’s intimate, atmospheric, and unmistakably Spanish, the kind of setting that makes every photo look like a still from a period film.
Bubbly Tips
- Location: Plaza de la Paja, La Latina (entrance on Calle del Príncipe de Anglona)
- Closest Metro: La Latina (Line 5)
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or golden hour for soft, glowing photos
- Vibe: Peaceful, romantic, intimate, perfect for slow travel moments
- Photo Tip: Stand near the central granite fountain for symmetrical shots framed by hedges
- Nearby: Combine with a stroll through Plaza de la Paja or a coffee at a La Latina café
Final Thoughts
El Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona is one of Madrid’s true hidden treasures – quiet, elegant, and beautifully preserved. In a city filled with grand palaces, bustling plazas, and famous museums, this tiny garden reminds you to slow down and savor the softer moments. If you’re exploring La Latina, take a few minutes to seek it out. Trust me, you’ll feel like you uncovered a secret.
Have you ever found a hidden garden while traveling? Share your favorite discoveries below!
xoxo,
Bubbly 🌿
