La Dama del Manzanares Madrid

Art With a View

Catherine from Madrid

"Sunset is the perfect time to come and visit La Dama del Manzanares. Not only will you get a natural light show in the sky, but she comes alive as well."

Public space is something Madrid does exceptionally well. Often, beautiful parks and fascinating art and architecture go hand-in-hand, sometimes with an incredible sunset thrown in, just for fun. A short metro ride south to the neighbourhood of Usera is the lovely Parque Lineal del Manzanares, a peaceful and equally pleasant alternative to the overcrowded Retiro or Parque del Oeste. It is also the home of one of my favourite sculptures in the city, La Dama del Manzanares.

This 8-tonne, 13-metre-high bronze and steel sculpture, created by Valencian artist Manolo Valdés in 2003, sits atop a pyramid-shaped artificial hill providing one of the best viewpoints in Madrid. Although La Dama del Manzanares has no face, I still find her beautiful. Her wild hair kind of reminds me of Caravaggio’s Medusa, although she’s far less intimidating. She faces north, towards the urban centre of Madrid and keeps watch over the city and the Manzanares River, to which she is dedicated.

Sunset is the perfect time to come and visit La Dama del Manzanares. Not only will you get a natural light show in the sky, but she will come alive as well. In 2005, projectors were installed and her lights change colour with the season. Although La Dama del Manzanares is located at the top of a hill, it’s an easy walk to get up close to her. Take a seat and keep her company while she guards the city and enjoy the amazing, unobstructed views of Madrid, day or night.

Art & culture

Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Madrid Spotter Catherine

About me I am from beautiful Vancouver, Canada, but am now an English teacher in Spain. I have been a passionate solo traveler for nearly two decades and love everything food, art, and travel related. I also enjoy photography and writing about my travels. Nothing brings me more joy than to wander around a new city meeting people and embracing the local culture. It has brought so much to my life to step out of my comfort zone and experience all of the wonderful things the world has to offer. I have traveled throughout North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East and there are still...

About this spot

Parque Lineal del Manzanares

€

free

Website

Sep 20, 2025

Our Madrid City Guide

Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Decorative Arts Museum

National design in Madrid

The "Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas" in Madrid is full of beautiful design items from the 15th to the 20th century. What a jewel of a museum!

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Miel El Colmenero

Honey in Madrid old-style

"Miel El Colmenero" in Madrid is a small, local, traditional business selling all sorts of honey, incl. orange blossoms, thyme... even avocado!

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Mercado de la Cebada

Madrid’s next big thing!

"Mercado de la Cebada" is one of Madrid's oldest food markets and it's currently having a renaissance. Old meets new and hip here. Catch it in its ascent!

Restaurants

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Cervecería Alonso

Tapas and raciónes in Madrid

"Cervecería Alonso" is a wonderful traditional bar in Madrid that's off the tourist trail. Go with an appetite and share all the Spanish goodies!

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Taberna Antonio Sanchez

Drink Madrid’s history

"Taberna Antonio Sanchez" is one of the oldest, if not the oldest bar in Madrid. Come here to try some classic Madrileño dishes, it's a good place to start

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Salamat

A sweet taste of Syria

"Salamat" Madrid is where I go to satisfy my Middle-Eastern sweet tooth cravings. It's also my favourite shop to buy spicy & exotic ingredients!

Shopping

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Casa de Diego

Be prepared for Madrid's climate

"Casa de Diego" in Madrid is a specialty shop for fans and umbrellas. They make the fans themselves and have been doing so since the 1800s...

Shopping

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

La Carbonera

Cheese, wine - divine!

"La Carbonera" is an exceptional cheese bar in Madrid which places importance both on the interior design and the cheese selection. What a delicious smell!

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Casa Labra

Madrid’s aperitif spot since 1860

"Casa Labra" is just off Plaza del Sol in Madrid and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. I like getting a vermut de grifo and a couple of croquetas.

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

La Cazorla Castelló

Andaluz food in Madrid

"La Cazorla Castelló" is one of the best Andalucian tapas (plus-sized!) & wine bar in Madrid, and my family's favourite restaurant for a celebration!

Bars

Restaurants

Snacks

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Torres Blancas

Most interesting building in town

The unmissable "Torres Blancas" is definitely one of Madrid's most interesting buildings. Love it or hate it, it was very modern back in 1968...

Art & culture

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 15, 2025

Casa Alvarez

Cocido, Madrid's best loved lunch

"Casa Alvarez" serves cocido completo, Madrid's most typical dish. Eating it involves some ceremony & you should come discover it if only to tell the tale!

Restaurants