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 A classical writer's home |
Calle de Cervantes 11 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 9216 |
Lope de Vega was born in Madrid in 1562 and became one of the 17th century's major dramatists, along with Calderón de la Barca. This is the house where he lived from 1610 until his death in 1635. Those 25 years were a troubled period in the writer's adventurous life. He was banished from Madrid for eight years because he wrote insulting poems about Elena Osorio (the daughter of an important theatrical impresario) with whom he had a five-year relationship. She eventually abandoned him for a wealthy lover. The two-story house is ironically located in Calle Cervantes and has been arranged to represent the historical period in which the writer lived. It first opened to the public in 1935. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: K Friedman |
 Spanish Parliament |
Carrera de San Jerónimo, Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 390 6296 http://www.congreso.es servicio.informacion@sgral.congreso.es |
Spain's democratically elected Diputados (MPs) meet here to discuss matters of state and formulate legislation. Individuals can visit on Saturdays between 10.30a and 12.30p. 50 people are allowed in every 30 minutes. You must bring your DNI (national identification card) or passport. Group visits can be organized by writing to the Protocol Department on Carrera de San Jerónimo with the organization's name, address, phone number, contact person and number of visitors (55 persons maximum). Plenary sessions can also be visited by reserving a place in the Chamber on the Friday before the session at the Calle Zorilla door (6p-8p with your DNI or passport). Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cuca  |
 Photo: Courtney S. |
 Photo: Antonio Casas |
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Romantic-style palace in Retiro park |
Paseo Duque de Fernán Núñez, s/n Parque del Retiro Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 91 574 6614 |
Madrid hosted an exhibition on the Philippine Islands in 1887 and the same architect who created the nearby Palacio de Velázquez was hired to design this greenhouse to hold all the flowers brought over from the islands. It's an attractive steel and glass design that now houses temporary exhibitions of contemporary art organized by the Museo Reina Sofía. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miguel |
 Photo: Nick |
 Photo: Will Vaughan |
 Photo: Steve Silverman |
 Photo: Jose Manuel Cruz |
 Photo: Jack Christfield |
 Photo: Benjamin Spencer |
 Photo: will roberts |
 Photo: Michael Leftwich |
 Photo: Dawn McGalliard |
 Photo: Paul Mason |
 Photo: Filippo Rosa |
 Photo: Donna Long |
 Photo: Markus Gabriel |
 Photo: Opal in the sky with diamonds |
 Photo: Bill Hansen |
 Photo: Amy Rooimans |
 Photo: Thomas Stellmach |
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Unique masterpiece |
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Madrid, Madrid 28200 Spain +34 91 890 5902 http://www.patrimonionacional.es/ info@patrimonionacional.es |
This historic complex is divided into three parts: the monastery (with Lucas Jordán's frescoes), the royal mausoleum, and the palace. The palace's magnificent rooms are decorated with paintings by Titian, El Greco, and Claudio Coello, as well as wonderful 18th-century furniture. The library contains a fascinating collection of manuscripts and the Museum of Painting and Architecture is worth a look. Felipe II commissioned Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera to build everything between 1563 and 1584 to commemorate Spanish victory in the battle of San Quintín (1557). Transport: 50km by car from Madrid on N-VI then M-505 roads. Regular trains every day from Madrid's railway stations and buses from Moncloa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Johannes Marosi |
 Photo: Maradentro_ |
 Photo: Dirk Auerbach |
 Photo: herman VANDEWIELE |
 Photo: individuart |
 Photo: Miguel Angel Alvarez |
 Photo: William Heaven |
 Photo: Nils Appel |
 Photo: Renato Saavedra |
 Photo: Leandro López |
 Photo: filiperspoa |
 Photo: Iñigo López Díez |
 Photo: Marco Masip |
 Photo: jose_miguel |
 Photo: Sid Wray |
 Photo: besia |
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Promoting Latin American culture |
Paseo de Recoletos, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 595 4800 http://www.casamerica.es/insti... |
Headquarters to an organization responsible for improving relations between Spain and South America, this lovely old palace acts as a venue for numerous cultural events throughout the year. It contains a newspaper and magazine library, a video library, several exhibition rooms and an auditorium, as well as a restaurant, shop, museum and bookshop. It's one of the finest examples of neo-baroque design in Spain and was built at the end of the 19th century for the Marquis of Linares. You'll find it amongst all the other architectural masterpieces surrounding Cibeles Fountain. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Sanz |
 Photo: Israel Antonio |
 Photo: FRANCISCO TERRON |
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Majestic central post office |
Calle de Montalbán Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 521 4260 / +34 91 522 2046 |
The post office headquarters was built in an eclectic style that displays Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance features with a pinch of French detail, American sky-scraper and Spanish Modernism. The result is magical. The Postal and Telegraphic Museum is located inside and describes the development of the Spanish communication system starting with the 18th-century postal service and ending with today's sophisticated reality. There are sections showing the evolution of telegraphy, telephones and new technology as well as historical examples of postmen's transport and equipment and a model of the Hispasat satellite. The collection of Spanish and foreign stamps dating from 1850 is magnificent. Admission: free. Guided visits are available for school groups and clubs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joel |
 Photo: Paul & David Litvak |
 Photo: Kelly Vance |
 Photo: Marcello Brivio |
 Photo: coneybeare |
 Photo: Lisa Robbins |
 Photo: shuma.rani |
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Combine sightseeing with disco dancing |
Calle del Arenal 9 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 526 6069 http://www.palaciogaviria.com/ info@palaciogaviria.com |
Once a mid-19th century meeting place for Madrid's high society, this beautiful palace is now a luxurious disco, open to the general public. There is a different special theme every night: Tuesday nights it is salsa, Wednesdays are for tango, and Thursday nights you can enjoy the International Fiesta. Manuel Gaviria, a prominent banker, hired an Italian architect to create the Renaissance-style palace in 1846. Sadly, the neon signs and tacky shops and bars on the busy street level detract more than a little from what must have been a magnificent external appearance. Admission: Su-Th EUR 10, F-Sa EUR 15. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Old Madrid's prison |
Plaza de la Provincia, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain |
The building most representative of the architectural style popular during the Hapsburg reign has an attractive façade, main entrance, towers and interior patios. It was built as the royal jailhouse in the 17th century and famous personalities like playwright Lope de Vega, bandit Luis Candelas and General Riego were imprisoned here. You'll find it in one of the most characteristic areas of old Madrid close to Plaza Mayor. It's now used as headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is not open the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fernando Hoyos |
 Photo: Jose Manuel Rodriguez |
 Photo: cachocenso |
 Photo: Toni Corretge |
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Presidential palace |
Avenida de Puerta de Hierro Complejo de la Moncloa Madrid, Madrid 28071 Spain http://www.la-moncloa.es/ |
Moncloa Palace was built in the 18th century and had to be completely restored as a result of all the damage caused during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Today, it is the official residence of the Spanish President and is located on the outskirts of the city, on the road to La Coruña. Caja Madrid Foundation has published an interesting book called El Real Sitio de la Florida y la Moncloa all about this palace. It's well worth reading and you can get a copy by calling +34 91 379 1073 and asking to speak with the program director. Moncloa Palace is not open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Atmospheric medieval square |
La Casa de Cisneros Madrid, Madrid 28005 Spain |
It's surprising to find such a quiet spot in Madrid. This square doesn't seem to have been affected by the passage of time and it's easy to imagine yourself in a by-gone era. It's surrounded by 15th to 17th-century aristocratic mansions that have been taken over by the Town Hall. The Lujanes tower is one of the oldest buildings in the city and features impressive stone and brickwork and three coats-of-arms decorating the doorway. Benlliure's statue of Álvaro de Bazán, commander of the Spanish Armada, graces the centre of the square. You can take a walk from here through the old town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Overton |
 Photo: E Spry-C Corsten |
 Photo: Igor Clark |
 Photo: Alessio Corazza |
 Photo: Thiane |
 Photo: Francesco Lucconi |
 Photo: dswroth |
 Photo: DANIELA PROFETA |
 Photo: Hans Larnhof |
 Photo: Alejandro Llanes |
 Photo: Ilya Klebanov |
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Middle-class customs in 19th-century Madrid |
San Mateo, 13 Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 4481045 http://museoromantico.mcu.es/ Romántico@museo.mec.es |
This characteristic 18th-century palace has been converted into a museum that captures the essence of middle-class life in the city during the 19th century. You'll see an interesting collection of household objects like lamps, furniture, china and pianos, laid out in different rooms decorated with portraits of the Royal Family and important politicians and military leaders of the era. The walls are also hung with portraits of popular artists of the time, like Salvador Gutiérrez, Ribera, Madrazo, Alenza and Esquivel. You can even wander through the ballroom where famous writers, such as Béquer, Campoamor and Martínez Campos used to gather for literary evenings. There's a room entirely given over to the life of Romantic period novelist, Mariano José de Larra. Admission: EUR2.40; students: EUR1.20; under-18s, senior citizens, unemployed: free. Free admission on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Impressive collection of furniture and paintings |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 547 5350 http://www.patrimonionacional.... info@patrimonionacional.es |
This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armoury. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and work was carried out betwween 1738-1770. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill Foster, Blue Mo |
 Photo: Ruth Lozano |
 Photo: Leon Wong |
 Photo: Daniel Cyr |
 Photo: Wendi Brown |
 Photo: Tina Modesto |
 Photo: Hernan Gonzalez |
 Photo: ruben lopez-pulido |
 Photo: Craig Stephen |
 Photo: Cannnela |
 Photo: Tim Sargent |
 Photo: Ruben Seabra |
 Photo: King Coyote |
 Photo: Nikki Smith |
 Photo: Mardee Sherman |
 Photo: John Paasonen |
 Photo: ubierno |
 Photo: Janko Bosch |
 Photo: Louis Parks |