Charles III of Spain, who lived between 1716 and 1788, is known as one of the “enlightened monarchs’’. Well-traveled and having initially reigned over Naples and Sicily, he found Madrid rather dirty and banal. He, thus, decided to transform the city into a modern capital and, to this end, he decided to convert Prado to a large promenade and a space for leisure. Fountains with sculptures adorned the tree-lined avenue and scientific institutions were established to promote education. Charles III benefited the city and the people to such extent that he was nicknamed the "best mayor of Madrid'' and his reign until today is remembered as a period of remarkable prosperity and political stability.