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 Sub-Saharan traditions |
Calle De Madrid 101 Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain +34 91 415 2412 http://www.combonianos.com/museo/ museoafricano@combonianos.com |
You can get a glimpse of what life is like in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Zaire, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and Cameroon through this museum's displays of everyday objects, including clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, wooden and ivory carvings, masks, weapons, charms and tools. The objects were collected over the years by missionaries led by Daniel Comboni, who was beatified in 1996. Documentary evidence like political and economical statistics, maps, photographs and scale-models are also exhibited in order to put the the collected objects in context. Admission: free (guided visit included) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Neo-mudéjar towers |
Alcalá, 62 Planta Baja Madrid, Madrid 28009 Spain bascunancmj@munimadrid.es |
A spectacular and unique example of architecture of its kind in Madrid, this neo-mudéjar building of red tiles, red brick and ironwork feautures wonderful Arabic geometrical flourishes that are reminiscent of medieval buildings all over old Castile. You'll find it in the modern district of Salamanca on the corner in which Alcalá and O'Donnell streets meet. It was designed by architect Rodríguez Ayuso to be a school for the intellectual Lucas Aguirre, and now houses council offices. It is not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Danzig  |
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Remains from pre-history to the 19th century |
Serrano, 13 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 577 7912 doc@man.es |
It contains thousands of pre-historic artefacts and remains from the ancient civilizations based in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. One of the highlights is the museum's reproduction of the Altamira caves in northern Spain with their fascinating pre-historic cave paintings (open 11a-midday & 5:30-6:30p). There's a research library as well as video and slide-show facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Recuerdos Desconcert |
 Photo: Allan Lam |
 Photo: Stephan Burn |
 Photo: Serenity Forbes |
 Photo: Alba Vallejo |
 Photo: Paul Blockley |
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Madrid's most elegant neighbourhood |
Near Maria de Molina and Serrano Streets Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain |
Now one of Madrid's most exclusive residential and commercial neighbourhoods, it's associated with wealth and good taste and is inhabited and frequented by the ultra-conservative upper classes. This is where you'll find the greatest concentration of haute couture outlets, private art galleries and prestigious restaurants. The Marquis of Salamanca invested his money in developing this area of the city between 1860 and 1920 as the capital's population grew significantly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: El Hombre de Tasmania |
 Photo: H.Calleja Kempin |
 Photo: Nacho Piédrola |
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The world of bullfighting |
Calle de Alcalá 237 Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain +34 91 725 1857 http://www.madrid.org/asuntos_... cat@madrid.org |
If you're in any way attracted to the exciting, complicated and colourful world of bullfighting, you'll love this museum, located in the world's most important bullring—Plaza Monumental de las Ventas. It contains a fabulous collection of trajes de luces (bullfighting suits) worn by the most famous bullfighters along with portraits of great toreros, like Belmonte and Vicente Pastor painted by Eugenio Lucas and Antonio Carnicero. You'll also see an eclectic selection of taurine memorabilia and the stuffed heads of brave bulls. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Consuelo Puchades |
 Photo: Michael Lange |
 Photo: Bitterroot |
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Shopping Street |
Calle Jose Ortega y Gasset Madrid 28006 Spain |
Calle José Ortega y Gasset is one of the main streets in the Salamanca district in Madrid. The street is named after the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955), but you don't have to practice philosophy to enjoy this street. Calle José Ortega y Gasset is lined with great stores, such as Boutique Giorgio Armani Madrid, Elena Benarroch and Damiani. This street is ideal for finding that perfect gift. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mass in English in the centre of town |
Núñez de Balboa, 43 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 576 5109 http://www.ciudadtudela.com/mo... stgeorgemadrid@telefonica.net |
Devoted English-speaking Catholics can attend Sunday mass in their own language in this parish church in the city centre. The neomudéjar-style building was built in this upmarket residential district in 1992, nextdoor to the Canadian Embassy and two blocks down from Calle Claudio Coello, where all the art galleries are. There are many car-parks and hotels nearby. Mass is held at 8.30a, 10a & 11.15a Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
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History of Madrid's urban planning |
Príncipe de Vergara, 140 Madrid, Madrid 28002 Spain +34 91 588 6599 http://www.murcia-museociudad.... museo.ciudad@ayto-murcia.es |
You'll get an overall view of the city's history from the very beginning through to the present day. The museum starts with the first pre-historic settlements and details the initial royal projects intended to found a capital. The illustrative models show Madrid's water, electricity, transport and telephone infrastructures in fascinating detail. The 19th and 20th centuries are represented through important historical events (like the May 2 uprising against the French) and important urban developments (like building the Campo de las Naciones, rebuilding Puerta del Sol, altering Gran Vía and constructing the suburbs). The museum organizes seminars, concerts, conferences and other educational events. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cutangus |
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Most prestigious bullfighting event |
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Madrid 28027 Spain +34 91 3562200 http://www.las-ventas.com/sani... redaccion@las-ventas.com |
Spain's most important bullfighting event of the season lasts for a month from mid-May onwards. It attracts all the star bullfighters and is so popular that you will be very lucky to get in. The ticket office (10am-6pm) opens five days before the fights start and there are re-sale booths outside the ring that charge 20% extra. Most aficionados have to content themselves to watching the spectacle on TV. The world's most important bullring—Plaza de toros de las Ventas is the venue. Admission: EUR3.50-EUR105 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 17th-century farm and country house |
Calle de Enrique de Almonte Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain |
The royal family's water supply used to come from the well by the old country house in these romantic gardens. This attractive park is an oasis of peace and tranquilty sandwiched between the welter of traffic on the M-30 and the huge television station tower, Torrespaña (or el Pirulí as the locals call it). There's a pretty viewpoint and you'll see statues dedicated to Pushkin (Russian writer) and Bécquer (Spanish poet). The latter is located in the Water Garden alongside little lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ana Alas |
 Photo: Pablo Sanz García |
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Plan your holiday |
Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I Ifema Madrid, Madrid 28067 Spain +34 91 722 5074 http://www.fitur.ifema.es fitur@ifema.es |
The world's second most important trade fair in tourism attracts thousands of companies (travel agents, hotel and tour operators, government bodies) from over 170 different countries who show off their best holiday ideas. The event is split into three sections: Fitur-Activo (active tourism) focuses on wilflife, adventure and cultural tourism; Know-how provides information to professionals in the sector, and Congresos is a forum for business discussions and public relations. The first three days are reserved for professionals only. The following two days are open to the public and feature a folklore festival in the concert hall with performances in the morning and afternoon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Largest mosque in Europe |
Salvador de Madariaga, 4 Madrid 28027 Spain +34 91 326 2610 http://www.ccislamico.org/ informacion@ccislamico.org |
The so-called "M-30 mosque" (because it stands beside the motorway) is the largest in Europe. It's a beautiful white marble building that contains a college, ritual bath house, gymnasium, cafe and an Arabic restaurant called Zahara. The complex was designed by three Polish architects and is financed by Saudi Arabia. King Juan Carlos I and Prince Salman ben Abdelaziz attended the opening ceremony in 1992. Religious services: Muslims pray five times a day. Consult the mosque´s prayer timetable for exact times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Interactive museum |
Paseo de Recoletos, 20-22 Biblioteca Nacional de Espana Madrid, Madrid 28071 Spain +34 91 580 7800 http://www.bne.es |
This museum aims to describe the history of human communication from the advent of writing to the end of the 20th century. All sorts of cutting edge technology is used to bring that history to life. Audiovisual displays, holograms, games and interactive videos show you how craftsmen developed engraving, printing and silkscreen techniques through the centuries. Twenty different multimedia systems are employed to bring the rich archives of the National Library to life for you, including its oldest (4th century) manuscript as well as recordings and diaries made by important figures like Unamuno, Picasso, Miró and Vicente Aleixandre. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An impressive national library |
Paseo de Recoletos, 20 Madrid, Madrid 28071 Spain +34 91 580 7800 / +34 91 580 7823 http://www.bne.es info@bne.es |
An impressive neoclassical building to one side of Plaza de Colón, it's spectacular façade features three entrance archways with wrought-iron gates and an upper gallery decorated with elaborate carvings and Corinthian columns. Statues of Alfonso X (The Wise) and San Isidoro stand on the grand main staircase. Alongside the main doors, you'll be welcomed by images of Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija and other famous Spanish writers like Santa Teresa, Quevedo and Fray Luis de León. It was built during the reign of Isabel II in the 19th century and contains more than five million books. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chriechers |
 Photo: Fernando Aurelio Ramírez Martínez |
 Photo: Ibontxo |
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The history of money and stamps |
Calle Doctor Esquerdo, 36 2 Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain +34 91 566 6544 http://www.fnmt.es/ museo@fnmt.es |
Coin and stamp collectors will love the National Mint's museum that describes the history of money and trade since the 7th century BC. There are some real gems among the vast collection of coins, stamps, notes, lottery tickets and franking equipment. In addition, there's a fascinating display of illustrations and drawings relating to the world of stamps and money, as well as a library and souvenir shop. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fascinating collection of animals and minerals |
José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain +34 91 411 1328 http://www.mncn.csic.es mcni121@mncn.csicc.es |
The main exhibition space displays close to four million different types of preserved animal life, including mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish and molluscs. Some of the stuffed large predatory animals are spectacular specimens. You'll be impressed by the 1.8 million-year-old Megatherium americanum skeleton found in Argentina in 1788, the reproduction dinosaurs and the fossil and mineral collections. The museum tells the story of the evolution of life on earth with the aid of audio-visual shows and organizes free educational workshops for adults and children on weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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City sculpture garden |
Paseo de la Castellana, 41 Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain +34 91 701 1863 http://www.munimadrid.es/museo... smuseosm@munimadrid.es |
These examples of Spanish 20th-century avant-garde art blend in so well with their surrounding urban landscape that most people walk past them without noticing. It's worth taking the time to stop and look though, and it's free. You'll see 15 sculptures by artists as famous as Chillida, Subirachs, Torner, Alfaro, Chirino and Miró. Manoeuvering Chillida's piece, Sirena varada (Stranded Siren), into place was a feat of engineering in itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Madrid's most famous avenue |
Paseo de la Castellana Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain |
Madrid's greatest and grandest avenue runs between Plaza de Colón and Plaza de Castilla. During the 1950s and 1960s this became an exclusive residential district when the aristocracy and wealthy upper-middle classes decided to move in. Today, their lovely palaces and mansions stand side by side with the headquarters of foreign and national banks. These skyscrapers - Europa, Windsor, Torre Picasso and Puerta de Europa - offer an overview of styles in contemporary architecture since the 1960s. Look out for the ABC building, which is decorated in fabulous ceramic tiles, and the Palacio de Congresos, with its murals designed by Miró. Come on October 12 and you'll see Spanish army's spectacular military parade pass by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stewin |
 Photo: Pedro Palmero |
 Photo: Ireth Tinúviel (spain) |
 Photo: Migraña |
 Photo: isdulcinea Turin, Italy |
 Photo: Rolando Carrillo |
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Tallest building in Madrid |
Paseo de la Castellana (Azca) Madrid, Madrid 28046 Spain http://www.per-gestora.com/ per@per-gestora.com |
The capital's tallest building was designed by Japanese architect Minoru Yamasaki, the creator of the Twin Towers in NYC. It's 157.25m tall, has 43 floors and a helipad on the roof. The entire building is controlled by an 'intelligent' computer system and the aluminium façade has been specially treated with fluorine. It's located in the AZCA complex, a financial district designed to imitate New York's 'Wall Street' or London's 'The City'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rafael Gil |
 Photo: cabezadeturco |
 Photo: Xabier Martínez |
 Photo: Andrea B. |
 Photo: Raul Luna |
 Photo: Ian |
 Photo: Simon Carrie |
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Honouring the "discovery" of America |
Calle de Puerto Serrano Madrid, Madrid 28045 Spain |
Two modern sculptures commemorate the discovery of the Americans in this central square. You'll see Joaquín Vaquero Turcios' chunky cement blocks decorated with inscriptions by philosophers and indigenous leaders on the Calle Serrano side,and a more traditional sculpture of Columbus himself on a pedestal surrounded by historical characters involved in the conquest on the Paseo de la Castellana side. The arts centre - Centro Cultural de la Villa - is hidden beneath the noisy cascading waterfall. The shuttle bus to the airport leaves from the garage below the square. On the other side of the road you'll find the Museo de Cera (Wax Museum). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sergio Rodríguez |
 Photo: Robin Nystrom |
 Photo: Alfonso Aguirre |
 Photo: Riccardo Mori |
 Photo: Vegan Warrior |
 Photo: peripecio -G.Casado- |
 Photo: Stefano Andreoli |
 Photo: fotos de manuela |
 Photo: Carlos Heredia |
 Photo: madspoon |
 Photo: Ian Dick |
 Photo: Rodrigo Prestes |
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Real Madrid Football Club's stadium |
Avenida de Concha Espina 1 Madrid, Madrid 28036 Spain +34 91 398 4300 http://www.realmadrid.com/elcl... realmadrid@club.realmadrid.com |
Founded in 1902, the club's teams had to play in a variety of venues throughout the city until this stadium was built in 1947. It holds a capacity crowd of 75342 and has become world famous due to Real's success in international competitions over the years. It is named after the chairman of the Board of Directors, Santiago Bernabéu, who had the vision to borrow the money to buy this plot of land and start building. At that time it was the most modern stadium in the country and it has since undergone various expansion and improvement projects. You can visit the club's museum that is open daily, except Monday, to find out about its history, see the trophy room and tread on the hallowed turf itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tym Altman |
 Photo: Adam Tinworth |
 Photo: lucam |
 Photo: Stewin |
 Photo: Vanessa Harmon |
 Photo: Steven Wong |
 Photo: Wellplastic |
 Photo: ra5her |
 Photo: dorina1c |
 Photo: Jorge Luna |
 Photo: Ian Davies |
 Photo: bronco_2112 |
 Photo: Pete Baugh |
 Photo: groobster |
 Photo: Jeremy Tucker |
 Photo: Mohmmad Anas |
 Photo: Olga Streibel |
 Photo: Dave Roberts |
 Photo: Denis K Gikunda |
 Photo: Jay |
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Student lodgings used by Dalí, Buñuel and Lorca |
Pinar, 23 Madrid, Madrid 28006 Spain +34 91 563 6411 http://www.csic.es/cbic/biblio... resid@bib.csic.es |
This student residence is best known because of the five students who lived here and later went on to become famous in different fields: the poets, Federico García Lorca and Miguel Hernández; the painter, Salvador Dalí; the film director, Luis Buñuel and the doctor, Severo Ochoa. Part of the building is now a residence for researchers and the rest belongs to a private foundation that organizes conferences, exhibitions, poetry readings and interdisciplinary forums that are open to the public. You'll find the neo-Mudéjar style building, built in 1911, behind the Natural Science Museum. The hours are 9:30a-2:30p & 4:30p-7p M-F for winter as well as summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous people and events immortalized in wax |
Recoletos, 41 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 319 2649 http://www.museoceramadrid.com/ info@museoceramadrid.com |
The most famous people and events in Spanish history are displayed in remarkably life-like wax models. The crime section shows gory scenes representing the Expreso de Andalucía train murders. The section devoted to monarchs and heads of state also contain a frightening reproduction of a torture chamber and all the methods of inflicting pain used during the Spanish Inquisition. You'll see scenes from life during the Roman, Visigoth and Arab periods of settlement on the peninsula. And of course, no waxworks would be complete without famous figures from the worlds of art, literature, sports and science. Bullfighters make a special appearance here, because of their importance for Spanish culture. Admission: EUR12; under-10s & over-60s: EUR8. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gavin Byrne |
 Photo: Gavin Byrne |