Next time you are strolling through Madrid's Retiro Park, venture away from its shiny man made lake and shimmery Crystal Palace and take a walk over to the Bosque del Recuerdo (Memorial Forest). Hidden away on the park's southwest side, the Bosque del Recuerdo commemorates the 191 victims of terrorism who lost their lives in the March 11, 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. It is a lovely memorial and the perfect place to quietly reflect in this busy city.
The King and Queen of Spain were the first to lay flowers at the memorial during its dedication ceremony in 2005, and since then they organize a yearly memorial service. The stone engraving at the entrance reads:
"In honor and gratitude to all the victims of terrorism whose memories live on and constantly enrich our daily lives."
We discovered the Bosque del Recuerdo quite by accident. While exploring the interior of the park (which we hardly ever get to see while running around the perimeter) we saw an intriguing sign and decided to take a look.
When we arrived to the memorial we were both surprised we hadn't heard about it earlier, and were stuck by the beauty and simplicity of the forest. There are 192 trees that make up the small, hilltop memorial-- one tree for each victim. As you walk up the spiral path to the top, it's as if you are in a small oasis in the middle of the busy park.
As stunning and meaningful a well-sculpted statue memorial can be, it was a nice change to see a memorial like the Bosque del Recuerdo. The bright green trees, so strong and healthy, are a true reminder of life and the fact that terrorism can never kill our spirit.
Have you ever been to a special memorial?
Andrew
Yup. The Dachau concentration camp I visited during a highschool trip to Germany. "Never forget."
No, I won't ever forget that, that's for sure.
Cheers,
Andrew
Lauren Aloise
I also visited during high school Andrew, haunting...
toby
I didn't know about this either. There is also the memorial at Atocha that is very moving. It's on the upper level above where you can purchase tickets.
Lauren Aloise
Yes, that one is also really nice.
Cat
I went to the 9-11 memorial a few weeks ago while in NYC. After snaking around a few city blocks near ground zero and hearing all of the noise, getting into the actual site was a welcome break. While it's controversial, I enjoyed the peacefulness and the tasteful way that everything was done.
Lauren Aloise
I haven't seen it for about 2 years, but I'll be there in November. It is always an emotional experience walking around there though.
giovanna
Is such a beautiful place, Lauren. Thanks for sharing 🙂