The Sabatini Gardens have returned to open to the public This Friday, following a major intervention designed to address the accumulated wear and tear in one of the most visited spaces next to the Royal Palace.
During the institutional visit, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis MartÃnez-Almeida, along with Paloma GarcÃa Romero and Carlos Segura, toured this enclave that the City Council considers emblematic for the city, highlighting the municipal commitment to continue renovating public spaces.
What has been done and why it was necessary
The garden presented underlying issues: subsidence in stairs, sculptures and pavements due to a lack of consolidation and poor drainage, which caused flooding, even affecting the elevator that connects to Cuesta de San Vicente. Added to this were outdated lighting, architectural barriers, and the loss of trees following Storm Filomena.
The performance has addressed these issues with a new evacuation system stormwater drainage, road resurfacing, replacement of curbs and benches, and the removal of obstacles to facilitate accessible routes.
- Installation of drains to prevent water accumulation.
- Renewal of pavements, curbs and street furniture.
- Updating lighting with efficiency criteria.
- Adaptation of routes for universal accessibility.
In terms of gardening, plant reinforcement includes the incorporation of 62 new trees and 6.800 shrubs, with the aim of restoring shade, improving climate comfort and revitalizing the landscape composition of the complex.
Work has also been done on heritage conservation: consolidation of stairs, benches and sculptures affected by differential settlements, repair of stone elements and restoration of several ornamental fountains.
A historic garden under heritage protection
Given the high degree of protection of the space, the work has been carried out with criteria of minimal intervention and low supervision of the General Directorate of Cultural HeritageOngoing archaeological monitoring determined both the design and the timescale to ensure compatibility between functional improvement and the preservation of historical values.
Better urban connection and accessibility
The rehabilitation is part of a larger project that includes the pedestrianization of San QuintÃn and Marina Española streets and the improvement of tactile pathways in Plaza de España. This strengthens the pedestrian area that connects Plaza de España with the Royal Palace via Cuesta de San Vicente and Bailén.
The set of actions has an investment of 7 millones de euros, aimed at recovering living spaces and facilitating walking in an environment frequented by residents and visitors.
Equipment for maintenance
In addition to the visible improvements, two interior spaces have been adapted for the gardening service: a 30 m² warehouse and facilities of approximately 70 m² that include a dining room, changing rooms, lockers and showers for park staff.
Institutional voices
During the visit, the mayor stressed that, after prolonged periods with little investment, a recovery is taking place. reference heritage space for public use. He invited opposition representatives, such as Rita Maestre and Reyes Maroto, to see the results in person and cited other municipal interventions in the capital's squares.
From the municipal area, this reopening is framed within a cycle of renewal of public space, defending actions that prioritize green and accessible areas over excessively paved spaces.
With the reopening of the Sabatini GardensMadrid has restored a green space next to the Royal Palace, which now features improved drainage, more efficient lighting, improved access, and consolidated heritage elements, in addition to a greenery boost that enhances the walking and living experience.
