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Whether you are looking for culture, art, nightlife or food, Madrid has its all in abundance. After many years of totalitarism, Madrid has returned to the world stage with a modern vibrant city where many echoes of majestic past can still be found.
From its origin as a fortress town for the Moors in the 9Th century, Madrid was neglected until the Hapsburgs made it the capital in 1651. As the highest capital Europe, Madrid lies under clear blue skies most of the year round.
Around Madrid
The old town is situated between the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) and Parque del Retiro and from between Lavapies to the south and Glorieta de Bilboa in the north.
In the centre is Puerta del Sol where kilometre 0 is situated. This is the point from where all distances in Spain are measured.
Nearby is Plaza Mayor one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular squares which has been the site of autos-de-fe (public burnings), executions, royal marriages, balls and bullfights. Today is much quieter but still a place where fairs, bazaars and performances can be found. It’s a great place to watch the world go past while searching for the bars which run into caves below the square and where Hemmingway spent his time.
A more popular spot is Plaza Santa Ana is great for Tapas and to feel the vibrancy of this city.
Others things to do include seeing the place where Cervantes the writer lived, visiting an inquisition jail situated in the old Jewish quarter of Lavapies, going to the flea market at El Rastro or maybe just enjoying the beautiful architecture of the city.
If you are into sport there is always the opportunity to see a bullfight at Ventas. For the less squeamish you can watch Real Madrid play soccer with their team of superstars at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
You may even see Victoria and David Beckham out shopping between Puerto del Sol and Gran Via. However the more exclusive shopping can be found on Calle Serrano.
Art in Madrid
Fortunately for the visitor to the Spanish capital the majority of art museums are situated along the Paseo del Prado. So it’s a quick walk between sites. However each museum is so large that time will pass too quickly.
The Prado Museum which is free on Saturday afternoons and Sunday offers one of the best and most collections of art by Goya, Velázquez and El Greco as well as masterpieces by French, Dutch, German and Italian artists.
Further works by el Greco, Goya, Murillo and Bosch can be found at Lazaro Galdiano Museum which can be found on Calle Serrano.
Equally important is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum which traces the history of western art from 13th Italian gothic through to 20th American pop art. It includes works by Pissarro, Renoir, Monet, Degas, van Gogh, Cezanne, Dali and Lichtenstein.
More modern art can be found at Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which focuses on Spain modern masters with collections by Dali, Picasso and Miro.
Nightlife
This is the time when Madrid really comes to life. It has been said Madrilenos rarely sleep and it’s easy to see why. Old and young go out and the night doesn’t really start to midnight.
The best areas are Calle Huertas and Moratin near Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza de Anton Martin and La Latina.
For the younger and more adventurous there is Plaza Dos de Mayo and Calle San Vincente Ferrier.
For gays and lesbians the action is situated in Chueca.
Outside Madrid
If you are staying more than a few days in Madrid or just want to visit outside the city there are some great places to visit.
Toledo - founded by the Romans in 192 BC and captured by the moors in the 8th century - its magnificent alcazar (fortress) dominating the skyline. The maze of streets created by brick instead of stone according to Moorish taste provided for a famous centre of religion and learning. Its magnificent cathedral lies hidden amongst the houses and contains the most famous of El Greco works (who lived here) “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Situated 71 km southwest of Madrid.
Sergovia – a town famous for its preserved Roman aqueducts with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Situated 87 km north of Madrid.
El Escorial - built by Philip II. It is an austere granite monastery which is the resting place for all but three of the Spanish monarchs. It also contains the largest collection of saint’s relics (over 3000) anywhere in the world, as well as many historical manuscripts and ancient books. Situated 50 k northwest of Madrid.
Avila – With its distinctive medieval walls that are unique in Spanish architecture – it comprises nine gates and 88 cylindrical towers that were built in 9 years from 1090 using 1900 men daily. Avila is a sight to behold from afar. Situated 107km northwest of Madrid. |
