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 Continue north of Gran Vía |
Plaza de Espana Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
The continuation of Gran Vía that links Plaza de España to Moncloa offers something for shoppers, cinema fans and art lovers. The Renoir cinema is here on pretty Plaza de los Cubos. A little further along, on the other side of the street, you come to Liria Palace and its fine art collection. Beyond the intersection with Calle Quintana, you'll find lots of good shops including the Corte Inglés department store. Take a break at one of the many tapas bars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alberto Alvarez-Pere  |
 Photo: Cesar Tardaguila |
 Photo: Héctor Castañón |
 Photo: Laura Phelps |
 Photo: Nelly McCausland |
 Photo: Quique García |
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From barracks to a cultural centre |
Travesía Del Conde Duque Madrid 28015 Spain +34 91 588 5834 |
A focal point for industrious students, teachers and researchers, this old barracks complex now contains the city's historical archives, the newspaper and periodical library, a video library, two concerts halls and six exhibition spaces. In summer, there's always an interesting programme of live concerts held outdoors in the beautiful courtyard. You can enjoy the music and a relaxing drink in the wonderful surroundings. Pedro de Ribera designed the building, with its attractive baroque façade, during the reign of Felipe V in the 18th century to house the King's Royal Guard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Huge park with a rose garden |
Paseo del Pintor Rosales, s/n Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 5888790 |
This is a park popular among madrileños and tourists alike due to its central location, close to several historic sights. You will find lots of people taking a stroll through here during the day, although it's best to avoid the place at night. You'll enjoy the carefully tended gardens that display a wide range of different plants and a series of monumental sculptures. The most outstanding feature is the beautiful Rosaleda, or rose garden, which hosts an annual international competition. It's also worth visiting the National School of Ceramics and Templo de Debod, while you're here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ángel - zempt |
 Photo: Celeste Layne |
 Photo: Fides*yeruti |
 Photo: Nathalie Rubio v. |
 Photo: Leandro Marinelli |
 Photo: Ben Krammer |
 Photo: Fernando del Valle |
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Oasis in the leisure zone |
Calle Princessa Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
You just have to look at the number of people lying on the grass alongside the fountains or resting on the park benches to know this is a popular spot. The most prominent feature is the statue dedicated to Spain's most famous writer, Miguel de Cervantes, that depicts his two principal characters - Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. At Christmas time, the area towards Calle Princesa fills with stalls selling all types of gifts and decorative objects. You can't help but notice the two enormous mid-20th century skyscrapers here: El Edificio España and La Torre de Madrid. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guillermo Castro Dur |
 Photo: Ana Mª Ramos |
 Photo: Kristin Halloran |
 Photo: Andreas Marx |
 Photo: Stefano Buliani |
 Photo: choche |
 Photo: Tcalo |
 Photo: tamara mambelli |
 Photo: Dave Hayes |
 Photo: fernando.martinm |
 Photo: valerius25 |
 Photo: Mateo Klaric |
 Photo: dr_cooke7 |
 Photo: Andrew Brown |
 Photo: Guismooo |
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Historic events and popular bars |
Plaza del Dos de Mayo Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 (0)91 366 5477 (Tourist Information) |
This popular square was the scene of glorious historical events during the War of Independence agaist France in the early 19th century. The central arch was the entrance to the Monteleón barracks where the city's defenders rose to arms. The two captains, Daoiz and Velarde, who led the troops are commemorated here with statues. Other heroes of the same war, like Ruiz and Manuela Malasaña, have nearby streets named after them. The square became famous again in the 1980s as part of the movida madrileña (the name given to the explosion of creativity in fashion, theatre, movies and nightlife at that time). Today, it's still full of lively bars, clubs and sidewalk cafés. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pepa Belarra |
 Photo: Yann Droneaud |
 Photo: La Niña Graphics |
 Photo: Greg Leibowitz |
 Photo: ++Naho++ |
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Hidden gardens |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 588 2900 (Tourism Office) |
You can enjoy a little peace and natural beauty in this beautiful little garden full of trees, statues and fountains. It's located alongside the north wing of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) where the stables used to be. It's usually quiet in here because not many people know where it is. The garden was built in the mid-20th century to honour Sabatini, the famous Italian architect who designed many important buildings during Carlos III's reign. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ard van der Leeuw |
 Photo: Chris Lalich |
 Photo: Brian Fountain |
 Photo: Justin Metz |
 Photo: Keith Kellett |
 Photo: Tony Wasserman |
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A gift from Egypt |
Jardines del Paseo del Pintor Rosales Madrid, Madrid 28008 Spain +34 91 366 7415 http://www.munimadrid.es/templ... templodebod@munimadrid.es |
Dating from the second century BC, this small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics and religious inscriptions was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in 1970 in recognition of Spain's assistance in saving historical remains during the construction of the Aswan Dam. You will find it located in a peaceful and pleasant park, but you are advised not to come here after dark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Gómez |
 Photo: Cesar Tardaguila |
 Photo: Tarrask |
 Photo: Carlos |
 Photo: maytevidri |
 Photo: Pete Gibson |
 Photo: Catherine Farman |
 Photo: clouddreamer |
 Photo: pdmbamford |
 Photo: Jessica Dooley |
 Photo: madriguera |
 Photo: Shahnaz Kimi |
 Photo: ALBERTO GIRON |
 Photo: Chuck Stewart |
 Photo: D. Taylor Hendrixson |
 Photo: Markus Bina |
 Photo: Marc Svenby |
 Photo: C. Mario del Río |
 Photo: Michaelangelo CRG |