Casino de la Reina Guide and Review
Casino de la Reina in Madrid presents itself as a location with a surprising and varied identity, according to recent user reviews. While its name might suggest a gambling establishment, the collective feedback paints a picture of a historical site that currently serves as a cultural and senior center, and is also recognized for its surrounding public spaces and community services.
What the Reviews Reveal About Casino de la Reina
Contrary to the typical association with the word "casino," none of the provided reviews mention gambling, slot machines, or table games. Instead, the general consensus points to a place deeply involved in community welfare and historical preservation.
Support for Foreigners and Expats 🤝
- One highly positive review highlights the staff as "very good and nice persons" who "help for foreigners, in different work," and organize "events also to help all people." This suggests a strong community-oriented focus.
- Another five-star review specifically praises the "Spanish classes for expats" and the "great and humble teachers," indicating its role as a welcoming and educational hub for international residents.
Historical Significance and Cultural Hub 🏰
- A detailed review provides extensive historical context, describing Casino de la Reina as a 19th-century holiday home for Queen Isabella of Braganza. It details its evolution through various institutions like the Cervantes Institute and the National Archaeological Museum.
- Currently, the building "houses a cultural and senior center," reinforcing its public and non-gambling nature. This historical depth adds a significant layer of interest to the location.
Park Environment and Considerations 🌳
- While largely positive about the services, one review offers a more nuanced perspective on the surrounding park area. It describes it as "a relatively quiet place" but notes the presence of a "huge canine area."
- Concerns were raised about "many owners let[ting] them [dogs] play in the children's areas," and the presence of "a lot of junkies early in the morning," although it also mentions that "the police come by every now and then." This indicates that visitors should be aware of their surroundings, particularly in the public park sections.
Overall Impression
Casino de la Reina appears to be a unique and historically rich location in Madrid. It functions primarily as a cultural and community center, offering valuable services like language classes and general assistance for expatriates. While the immediate vicinity, specifically the public park, might have some minor issues, the overall sentiment regarding the facility itself and its staff is overwhelmingly positive. It's a place that seems to prioritize community support and cultural engagement over any form of entertainment typically associated with the word "casino."
They are very good and nice person. They help for foreigners, in different work , they have events also to help all people.
A relatively quiet place, although there is a huge canine area divided into two for dogs. Many owners let them play in the children's areas. There are also a lot of junkies early in the morning, although the police come by every now and then.
Built in the 19th century as a holiday home or country house for Queen Isabella of Braganza. The land originally belonged to the clergy of the Church of San Cayetano until, following the French occupation in 1808, it passed into the hands of Manuel Romero, minister of Joseph Bonaparte, who built the first mansion. After the War of Independence, the Madrid City Council ceded the land to Queen Isabella of Braganza, who was responsible for adding gardens, sculptures, fountains, waterwheels, and carrying out various renovations to the building. During the reign of Isabella II, the site was donated again to the State, and various institutions were established on its site, including the Cervantes Institute, the Veterinary School, the Cigarreras Asylum, and the National Archaeological Museum. It currently houses a cultural and senior center.