After outlining the objectives, methodology and making brief allusion to concepts and laws in relation to the preservation of heritage in Spain, and the recent presentation of the candidacy “Paseo del Prado y el Retiro. Landscape of the Arts and Sciences” to the UNESCO World Heritage list, the article goes on to give a brief historical description of the evolution of the Retiro Park, since its origins, as a highly exotic Royalty Site in the heart of Madrid. An analysis of the park’sresources and the tourist and cultural activity offered in El Retiro is given together with the results of a survey carried out among visitors, showing the great acceptance of the site by residents and tourists alike but also highlighting the existence of certain management and information problems iwhich respectively affect the maintenance and use of this unique space.