The Casón del Buen Retiro, King Felipe IV's summer residence, houses Spanish paintings from the XIX century. Originally it served as the Ballroom of a great palace, used for leisure activities by Spanish king Philip IV. The ceiling paintings by Lucas Jordan, which constitute a tribute to the Spanish monarchy, still remain from that room. This museum now houses a collection of 19th century Spanish paintings and sculpture.

Inside the Prado Museum there is a large collection of Dutch works, some fine sculptures, and an underground vault showing the beautiful "Tesoros del Dauphin" (Treasures of the Dauphin). In fact, its basement houses this Treasure of the Dauphin, which is part of the collection of jewels that belonged to the Grand Dauphin Louis, son of Louis XIV and father of Felipe V, Spain's first Bourbon king. This ancient and beautiful collection includes many pieces richly decorated with emeralds, rubies and other precious stones, such as glasses, goblets, trays, and so on.

Entry is included in the admission price to the Prado, but be sure to remember to retain your ticket. To get there by public transport, take the subway to Banco de España y Atocha. Bus lines 9, 14, 19, 27, 37 and 45 will take you to the Casón del Buen Retiro as well. The nearest public parking is at Plaza de las Cortes.

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