When I first stumbled upon the Jardines Sabatini Madrid, I wasn't expecting much more than another formal garden next to the Royal Palace. But these neoclassical gardens, tucked between Bailén street and Cuesta de San Vicente, turned out to be one of those places where you end up lingering longer than planned.

The story behind them is quite fascinating. Where you see these perfectly manicured gardens today, royal stables once stood – designed by Francesco Sabatini, the Italian architect who gave the gardens their name. During the Second Republic in the 1930s, the government seized royal properties and handed this spot over to Madrid's city council to create a public park. Construction began with the demolition of those 18th-century stables, though the gardens weren't actually completed until the late 1970s when King Juan Carlos I opened them to the public.

What strikes you first is the symmetry. The gardens cascade down three distinct terraces, each with its own character. The lower terrace feels almost theatrical – geometric hedges frame a mirror-like water sheet with fountains, creating perfect reflections of the palace's imposing north facade. It's formal, yes, but there's something soothing about the precision.

The middle terrace offers the best views. From here, you get the full sweep of the Royal Palace while a grove of pine trees stretches toward Cuesta de San Vicente. There's a double staircase that handles the slope gracefully – typical of that neoclassical attention to proportion and flow.

The upper terrace, tucked to the east, feels more intimate with its flower beds and towering cedars that provide welcome shade during Madrid's intense summers.

Discover all the secrets of Jardines Sabatini with our complete Madrid audio guide to learn about the statues of Spanish kings scattered throughout – originally meant for the palace itself but finding a perfect home among these hedges and pathways.

The gardens went through significant changes during the recent Plaza de España renovation between 2020-2021. The lower section remained untouched, but the upper terraces were affected by the pedestrianization of part of Bailén street. These modifications actually improved access and created a more seamless connection with the surrounding area.

If you visit Jardines Sabatini, you'll find they work particularly well in late afternoon when the light softens and the palace facade glows. The 2.66 hectares might seem modest, but the thoughtful design makes every corner count.