Lago del Palacio del Cristall, Buen Retiro Park

The Crystal Palace Pond was built at the same time as the Crystal Palace for the 1887 exhibition dedicated to the Philippines. This country was part of the Spanish Empire, and the exhibition showcased its ethnography, flora, and fauna. To this end, an entire village was brought from Lawson Island, along with its inhabitants.

In front of the village, a pond was dug to represent a seaside lagoon, where alligators and boas were kept.

Samples of Philippine vegetation were planted along the banks and directly in the water.

It can be concluded that in the late 19th century, the quality of exhibition exhibits was taken very seriously - everything was natural, no props.

A grotto with a waterfall was built on the shore of volcanic rocks.

In the second half of the 20th century, a fountain was built in the center of the pond.

The Crystal Palace pond, like other ponds in the park, is home to waterfowl.

The main inhabitants of the pond are ducks, including white ones.

There are also rare black geese.

In front of the Crystal Palace, there is a wide promenade with a staircase leading down to the water. There is always a lot of people here.

On holidays and weekends, you can buy all sorts of souvenirs and jewelry here.