Next to it, at Paseo del Prado number 5, we find the Museo Naval(39) (Naval Museum) which displays interesting documents and relics along with ancient and modern model-ships of the Spanish Navy. The plaza is rounded out with the head office of the Banco de Espa–a(40) (Bank of Spain) standing impassively on the Southwest corner. Started in 1891, it reflects neorenaissance tendencies. Continuing along the Calle Alcalá, we reach the impressive Puerta de Alcalá(41) (Alcalá Gateway) in the Plaza de la Independencia, which used to be the gateway to the city by the Arag—n road. It was designed by the Italian architect Francisco Sabatini in 1778.

Nearby on the Calle Montalbán, we reach the Museo de Artes Decorativas(42) (Decorative Arts Museum). On Calle MŽndez Nu–ez, the Museo del EjŽrcito(43) (Army Museum) and on Calle Felipe IV, we can find the Real Academia Real de la Lengua(44) (Royal Academia of the Spanish Language).
There are several entrances to the Parque del Retiro(45) (Retiro Park): Calle Alfonso XII, Calle Alcalá, Plaza de la Independencia and Avenida MenŽndez Pelayo. What we know today as the Retiro Park partly formed by gardens, palaces and dwelling houses constructed for royal use by order of Felipe IV, inaugurated in the fall of 1632. Inside the park, we can admire the Palacio de Cristal(46) (Crystal Palace), a large greenhouse made out of iron and glass and the Palacio Velázquez(47) (Velázquez Palace), both built at the end of the 19th century and currently used for exhibitions.
Start of Itinerary 4: Plaza of Cibeles
Metro: Banco de Espa–a

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