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 All you need to know about beer |
Calle de Génova 21 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 319 5134 http://www.lafabricamuseodelac... |
These three venues are called museums but they still function normally as bars and restaurants. In that sense, they are truly interactive. The one on Calle Génova displays a collection of bottles, cans, labels and other beer-related paraphernalia. The Parquesur outlet displays an advert from the suppliers of beer to the Spanish Royal Family, an iron mug that William I of Prussia drank from and an interesting collection of bottles from the US Prohibition period, amongst other things. The third venue is in Heron City leisure park (Las Rozas), 20 kms from Madrid. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Famous religious sculptures & paintings |
Calle de Alcalá 43 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 522 6784 |
This huge church with an ornamental facade has the best collection of religious imagery in Madrid, including works by Michel, Salvador Carmona, Alonso de Mena, Sánchez Barba, González Velázquez, and Bautista Peña. The 19th-century neoclassical-romantic style altarpieces are outstanding. The Santa Teresa chapel is a good example of rococo style with ornate features and frescoes on the dome. It was designed by Pedro de Ribera and built in 1773. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Beautiful altarpieces, frescoes & paintings |
Calle de la Puebla 22 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 522 3774 |
This church contains a magnificent collection of frescoes by Lucas Jordán (Luca Giordano), outstanding paintings by Ricci and some beautiful altarpieces. The building has an elliptic base and a classical façade with a vaulted niche to hold the image of San Antonio. The interior is full of light and there's a wonderful spire. It was designed by Pedro Sánchez to serve as a hospital-chapel for the Portuguese passing through Madrid. After Portugal gained its independence, the church was donated to the German members (Alemanes, hence the name) of Mariana Neoburg's entourage. She was Carlos II's second wife. Mass: 9:45a, noon & 7:30p Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A symbol of Madrid |
Plaza de Cibeles Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
Another majestic work of art commissioned by King Carlos III to ennoble the city. This time his architects chose to create an image in white stone of the goddess Cibeles driving a carriage drawn by lions. Ventura Rodríguez came up with the design while Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez carried out the work. It's surrounded by some of the city's most important historic buildings and it has become a favourite symbolic landmark for madrileños. The fans of Real Madrid football club gather here to celebrate their team's victories. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roy Beneyto |
 Photo: Jonan Basterra |
 Photo: Jonan Basterra |
 Photo: Fergus |
 Photo: Lorenzo Pérez Gamayo  |
 Photo: xoseanton |
 Photo: sansan9999 |
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The most famous street in town |
Calle Gran Via Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain |
This is Madrid's busiest and best-known street. Wide sidewalks, impressive buildings and proximity to the centre make it a most desirable residential neighbourhood. Some of the most historic buildings include Telefónica HQ, the Central bank, Callao cinema (art deco interior) and Prensa palace. For shoppers, there's a music store, Madrid Rock, and a bookstore, Casa del Libro. For entertainment, there's Lope de Vega theatre and for drinks after the show, try Chicote cocktail bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Antonio García |
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House with a history |
Plaza del Rey, 1 Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 7017000 |
One of Madrid's famous legends surrounds this Renaissance-style house with seven chimneys. Apparently, the woman who owned it had a relationship with King Felipe II. After she died, people claimed to see her ghost walking around on the rooftop every night. When the building was converted into a bank in 1880, workmen found the remains of a woman dating from the 16th century along with several coins of the period. It's said that Felipe II himself had the seven chimneys built to represent the seven cardinal sins. The building is now the Ministry of Culture. Benlliure's statue depicting War of Independence hero, lieutenant Ruiz, stands in the square outside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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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Modernist style palace |
Calle de Fernando VI 4 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 349 9550 / +34 91 349 9500 http://www.sgae.es/ jnebreda@sgae.es |
Longoria Palace, as it's also known, is Madrid's finest example of modernist architecture. Take a look at the sinuous forms of its balconies, its windows shaped like leaves, its lovely wrought-iron work and the strikingly original structure itself. It belongs to Spain's General Society of Authors and is normally closed to the public. However, you can gain access on the first Monday in October every year (World Architecture Day) when every building in Madrid opens for free. Once inside you can appreciate the spectacular staircase, its balustrade and the glass-domed ceiling. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: himawaridoll |
 Photo: Bill Eadie |
 Photo: MnGyver |
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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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Boulevard Madrid |
Paseo de Recoletos (Between the Plaza de Cibeles and the Plaza de Colón and Jardines del Descubrimiento) Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain |
This is the stretch of Paseo de la Castellana that connects Plaza de Colón to Cibeles Fountain. It's spacious and attractive with garden boulevards between the sidewalks. On your way, you'll pass by some famous landmarks worth visiting, like the Banco Hipotecario building (number 10), El Espejo Café and Café Gijón. During Christmas holidays, craft stalls are set up here selling all sorts of authentic work. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jaime Perez |
 Photo: Jose M. Mendez Magan |
 Photo: OriginalTebas |
 Photo: Pablo Garcia |
 Photo: Eiki Usagi |
 Photo: Mírian Bruckschen |
 Photo: Michaela Poppe |
 Photo: ferminadaza1964 |
 Photo: Alejandra |
 Madrid's Gay Hot Spot |
Plaza de Chueca Madrid 28004 Spain http://www.softguides.com/madr... |
This hip square is the place to be and be seen by the hot gay community in Madrid. Surrounding restaurants set up tables in the square when the weather is nice. Cafes in the area serve various cuisines in various price ranges. Situated in the happening Chueca district, you can also take a stroll for some high end shopping. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great tapas |
Plaza de Santa Bárbara Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 (0)91 588 1636 (Tourist Information) |
This central square has a lovely tree-lined boulevard, where bars set up their sidewalk tables in summer. It has become one of the liveliest tapas areas in Madrid, full of locals and office workers at all times of day. The most popular bar, called Santa Bárbara serves great beer and prawns here. In the square, you'll also see the attractive classical French style Villagonzalo Palace and the unusual Casa de los Lagartos (House of Lizards), named after the stone carved lizards that decorate its upper storey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Peace and quiet |
Plaza Villa de París Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 (0)91 588 1636 (Tourist Information) |
A quiet, elegant square that's always peaceful and traffic-free because it's next door to the High Court where there's a constant police presence. Its statues depict Fernando VI and his wife Bárbara de Braganza the two people who were most influential in making this area of the city important. The busiest place on the square is El Timón, the corner bar that serves excellent tapas and shellfish. The most important buildings are the law courts. You'll find it in between Plaza de Colón and the Glorieta de Alonso Martínez. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Moty Bakalu (C) |
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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++ |
 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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Importance of telephones |
Calle de Fuencarral 3 Madrid, Madrid 28004 Spain +34 91 522 6645 http://www.telefonica.es/ |
It's a bit like a pop art museum and has some real collector's items on display, like the Ericsson models made between 1895 and 1910 as well as telephones made by Siemens and General Electric. It aims to trace the evolution of telecommunications from the early days until the 1960s. You can find out about the history of the Spanish telephone industry and its Telefónica company in particular. Don't miss room five and its replica telephone operator's switchboard. There are regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists who work with new technology and the museum owns a collection of contemporary art including names like Picasso, Chillida, Juan Gris, Tàpies and Luis Fernández on show in the Reina Sofía Gallery. Review © 2007, Wcities |