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 Remains from pre-history to the 19th century |
Serrano, 13 Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain +34 91 577 7912 |
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 |
 The best nougat in town |
Carrera de San Jerónimo 30 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 429 8895 |
This is a truly unique store: all its traditional Spanish products are handmade, and, moreover, elaborated using the finest ingredients and following traditional recipes. You'll find delicacies that don't exist anywhere else. Everything you buy will be cut and weighed and packaged in front of you, so you can be sure it's fresh. The lovely old store opened in 1842 and continues to sell traditional Christmas Turrón (nougat) all year round. Some of the other specialities include their marzipan, the Polvorones (flaky biscuits), Yemas de Nuez (walnut and egg-yolk pastries), Candied Fruit and Marrón Glacé. At Christmas time you can take advantage of the home delivery service and even have the store send items abroad for you. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.deramaenrama.net |
 Photo: frank wouters |
 Photo: www.deramaenrama.net |
 1800 hectares of parkland |
Calle del Campo Madrid, Madrid 28041 Spain |
The capital's largest parkland area attracts thousands of madrileños during sunny weather. It's the nearest some of them get to a day out in the country and a great picnic spot. As for entertainment, there's the Zoo Aquarium, an amusement park, a boating lake and a cable car. You'll find some good restaurants here, and the trade centre usually has some sort of exhibition going on. To get to the park, head down Cuesta San Vicente from Plaza de España and cross Puente del Rey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: WonderFool |
 Photo: jmtomasena |
 Photo: Juan Diego Bueno |
 Photo: fayu |
 Photo: Javier Sánchez |
 Photo: Fernando Prado |
 Photo: Calacarbon |
 Photo: jacqueline steck |
 Photo: Javier Cuervo |
 Photo: Oscar Ballabriga |
 Photo: David Colado Gutiérrez |
 Photo: Ismael Viejo |
 Photo: José María Flores |
 Photo: Laurent Phélep |
 Photo: Karine Charbonneau |
 Photo: Anlene Souza |
 Photo: Marina Tellechea |
 Photo: Ervin Sarkisov/SPA |
 Photo: Jorge Benayas |
 Photo: Ruben M. Ruiz Caja |
 Photo: Lina Ardila |
 Photo: Rubén Algarra |
 Photo: Nicolas Born |
 Patron saint of Madrid |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 542 2200 http://www.archimadrid.es/prin... |
Madrid's cathedral took over 100 years to build, due to political conflicts, wars and a lack of financial resources. According to legend, it's named after the Virgen de la Almudena, whose icon was found during the Reconquest hidden in a house that the Arabs called al mudena. The building's exterior is an example of eclectic 19th-century design. The doors are bronze and there's an image of the Virgen (now Madrid's patron saint) on the façade. The interior is full of light, benefitting from the stained-glass windows and multi-coloured ceiling. Its grand Grezing organ gets played on Sundays, holidays and the day before holidays. Mass: 10am & midday Mon-Fri; 6pm & 7pm Sat & days preceding public holidays; 10.30am, midday, 1.30pm, 6pm & 7pm Sun & hols. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: duimdog |
 Photo: Robert Reichle |
 Photo: Maximiliano Corredor |
 Photo: José María Sotomayor |
 Photo: Dani Toscano |
 Photo: Saúl Trabanca |
 Photo: David Rodriguez Vega |
 Photo: Tomomi Sasaki |
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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 |
 Photo: Rita |
 Photo: Francisco Rosal |
 Photo: Antonio D. Fernández |
 Photo: Luigi Balestriere |
 Photo: Jaume Pujol |
 Photo: Guillaume Cattiaux |
 Photo: Carolina Ardila |
 Photo: Israel |
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Historically valuable works of art |
Calle Moreto 4 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
A church, popularly known as Los Jerónimos, that's full of history - kings and queens sought refuge here, Spanish parliaments were sworn in here, Alfonso XIII was married here and King Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain in this very building. It dates back to the 16th century, but has been restored several times and only a few external features remain from its early days. Inside, you'll see famous paintings by Carducho and José Méndez along with valuable sculptures like Juan de Mena´s 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, neo-Gothic lamps and stained-glass windows. It's close to the following museums: Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Ejército (Army), as well as the Ritz and Palace hotels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Bilbrey |
 Spain's national department store |
Preciados, 1 Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 750 2476 / +34 91 379 8000 / +34 91901 12122 http://www.elcorteingles.es/ |
Spain's most important department store chain has several branches in Madrid. In them, you can find just about everything you could possibly want, from the rarest gourmet delicacy to the latest designer outfit. The stores sell PCs, TVs, music systems, cameras, jewellery, souvenirs and pottery, amongst everything else. You pay a little more, but you can be sure that the goods are of the highest quality and you can take them back if you have any problems. The customer service number is indicated above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Nikodemus |
 Photo: Jon Lea |
 Photo: Pedro Solis |
 Photo: mabarroso |
 Photo: Margaret |
 Photo: Roberto Garcia |
 Photo: dave li jen cheng |
 Photo: José Sánchez-Blanco |
 Photo: Fabian De Simone |
 Photo: Jone Miskowicz |
 Photo: Jasper Houtman |
 Photo: Yael Beeri |
 Photo: Jefferson Bandeira de Mello |
 Photo: joslnleo |
 Photo: Fernando Segura |
 Photo: Anne Cong-Huyen |
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Unique masterpiece |
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Madrid, Madrid 28200 Spain +34 91 890 5902 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Alvaro Oporto |
 Photo: Rafael Zurita |
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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 |
 Photo: Giorgio Zambrini |
 Photo: TAL TE VIGILA |
 Photo: Idris Castiñeira |
 Photo: Paco Soler |
 Photo: Ferminius |
 Photo: Alberto Gaiga |
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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 |
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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Madrid's playground |
Plaza de la Independencia, s/n Madrid 28001 Spain +1 34 91 5888790 |
It's known as the "lungs of Madrid" and few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares) in such a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries (Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th century, and until 1868 it was the exclusive reserve of the aristocracy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathie Sierra |
 Photo: Ana Gutierrez |
 Photo: Alejandro Pareja |
 Photo: LOS MARQUETEROS |
 Photo: David Dennis |
 Photo: Vincent Bifrare |
 Photo: Pelayo Gonzalez |
 Photo: .Atenta.Mira.Dispara. |
 Photo: Jessica Toyota |
 Photo: yorugua |
 Photo: Franna |
 Photo: kemptonslim1 |
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The medieval heart of a modern city |
Southwest of the Puerta del Sol Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain |
There are many ways to spend your time and money at this attractive central square: stroll around and admire the architecture and the murals or even buy an original watercolor from one of the many pavement artists. During the Middle Ages, merchants congregated here to live and sell their wares. When Felipe II established the Court in Madrid, he decided that this square should be reserved for special occasions, and it started to take its present shape from 1790 onwards. The statue in the centre is that of Felipe III. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Coralie De Visscher |
 Photo: Carlos Gotay |
 Photo: Carlos Gotay |
 Photo: Ard van der Leeuw |
 Photo: David L. Damon |
 Photo: Guerretto |
 Photo: fred lopes |
 Photo: jpuigpelat |
 Photo: Romina Berardi |
 Photo: Scott Venvertloh |
 Photo: Jamie Poirier |
 Photo: Joe Green |
 Photo: jandiano |
 Photo: David Curtis |
 Photo: Ignacio azocar |
 Photo: Adolfo |
 Photo: Dougal Strachan |
 Photo: thedra |
 Photo: Marco Maiellaro |
 Photo: Christian Baudet |
 Photo: Carolina Pedro |
 Photo: agmvigoes |
 Photo: Emiliano Di Rosa |
 Photo: Vanessa |
 Photo: Mike Gollub |
 Photo: Los viajes de Gulliver |
 Photo: Manuel Marín |
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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 |
 Photo: clgg |
 Photo: Daniel Fernández Villanueva |
 Photo: Didier Raboud |
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European masterpieces |
Paseo del Prado Madrid 28014 Spain +1 34 91 330 2800 http://www.museoprado.mcu.es |
Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. In July of 2005 the Council of Ministers approved a EUR44.6 million expansion plan which adds 50% more of the museums total space, and allows for 500 more works of the permanent collection to be showcased. On October 30th 2007 the annex opened with a collection of 19th century Spanish artwork which enabled the Prado to reclaim its glory as a crown jewel of Europe. Come for the art; stay for the architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Janene K. Gorham |
 Photo: Marcelo Teson |
 Photo: Michael Bezzina |
 Photo: Carmen Gonzalez |
 Photo: van Ort |
 Photo: loufi |
 Photo: jwang9 |
 Photo: chriskzoo |
 Photo: Jose Mesa |
 Photo: bradwheeler |
 Photo: Darrin Henderson |
 Photo: Valia Reinsalu |
 Photo: Jennifer Otto |
 Photo: Todd and Haley Campbell |
 Photo: Jason Beatty |
 Photo: Thomas |
 Photo: Cassie David |
 Photo: doris silbernagl |
 Photo: Becky |
 Photo: flower.stephanie |
 Photo: ooshnew |
 Photo: johnthedorf |
 Photo: 3A1Winckelmans_Kristof |
 Photo: Rori DuBoff |
 Photo: Sarah Stout |
 Photo: kelly quinn |
 Photo: Heidi Lee |
 Photo: Catherine A. Garland |
 Photo: pkhua |
 Photo: worldachiever |
 Photo: brandygibbs |
 Photo: Susan Linden |
 Photo: ivettedeleon |
 Photo: John Catignas |
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20th-century masterpieces |
Plaza Santa Isabel, 52 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +1 34 91 774 1000 http://museoreinasofia.mcu.es |
This gallery of modern art features work by some of the 20th-century's most outstanding artists, including Picasso - Guernica has its own special space - Dalí, Tàpies, Chillida, Miró, Gris, Bacon, Le Cobursier, Lipchitz, Schnabel, Numan, and Roberto Matta. There is a library, research centre, bookshop, café, souvenir shop, and restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Bell |
 Photo: Mar Hernández |
 Photo: andrei laptev |
 Photo: ABPA |
 Photo: Kamcooler |
 Photo: Milky Joe |
 Photo: Kristin Carideo |
 Photo: Vif Montana |
 Photo: ~..tran..~ |
 Photo: claude05 |
 Photo: Luiza Osorio |
 Photo: Joan Torras |
 Photo: Pedro10 |
 Photo: CesRules |
 Photo: Miguel Roa |
 Photo: Mara |
 Photo: Laspliteuze |
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Superb collection of old paintings |
Alcalá, 13 Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 5321549 |
Undoubtedly among the oldest and best collections of paintings in Spain, the 17th-century examples stand out above all. The most interesting works include two self-portraits of Goya, canvasses by Ribera, Murillo and Velằuez along with those by foreign painters of the stature of Rubens, Van Dyck and Arcimboldo. There's a room dedicated to Picasso, a room especially for decorative arts, a section for drawings and prints and a valuable series of sculptures by Joselin Regular temporary exhibitions are organized. Access to the research library is restricted. Admission: (EUR 2.40); students, under-18s & over-65s: free. Wed & Dec 6, Oct 12 & May 18: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Plants from around the world |
Plaza de Murillo, 2 Madrid, Madrid 28028 Spain +34 91 420 3017 / +34 91 420 0438 http://www.rjb.csic.es/ |
It is a real pleasure to wander around these attractively landscaped gardens. You will see examples of a wide variety of plants from all five continents - 30000 different species in total. They are all labeled with their Latin and Spanish names. Among them are medicinal herbs, sweet-smelling plants and flowers, food-bearing plants, and a collection of roses. There is also a greenhouse with tropical, subtropical and desert plants. The gardens have been open since 1791. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karim Ameur |
 Photo: Michael Seidel |
 Photo: Colleen Kerney |
 Photo: Elizabeth Willson |
 Photo: Dan Caporale |
 Photo: Stuart Jeckel |
 Photo: Andi Cohen |
 Photo: Natalija Jovanovic |
 Photo: katoismike47 |
 Photo: lmjack |
 Photo: Patty Paine |
 Photo: Francis Tan |
 Photo: Haya Tassen |
 Photo: Sanne de Kluijver |
 Photo: Alexei Samimi |
 Photo: Philip B. Freyder |
 Photo: Ana Yogui |
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Impressive collection of furniture and paintings |
Calle de Bailén Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain +34 91 547 5350 http://www.patrimonionacional.... |
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 |
 Photo: fintanwest |
 Photo: ronald quitos |
 Photo: shuepingsun |
 Photo: Shawna Rice |
 Photo: Diana Sr. |
 Photo: Elisa Popi |
 Photo: Bruno Felício |
 Photo: Nazli Deniz Ödevoğlu |
 Photo: Juan Antonio Sánchez |
 Photo: Max Shevyakov |
 Photo: Honda Wang |
 Photo: DEJP |
 Photo: Cameron Boulton |
 Photo: Philippe Chandless |
 Photo: Fernando Belo |
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Literally the centre of Spain |
Plaza Puerta del Sol Madrid, Madrid 28013 Spain |
Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the most popular and commercial area in the old town. Five hundred years ago it was just another city gate with an image of the sun drawn on it, hence its name. Nowadays, the square is famous for being the center of the national road network. The plaque on the pavement outside the old Post Office building denotes 'kilometer 0'. The distance between Madrid and every other part of Spain is measured from here. Thousands of revelers gather in the square once a year to await the chimes of the clock that officially announces the New Year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luis |
 Photo: Dorian Cols |
 Photo: Jordi Motlló Borrella - Cien de Cine |
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Masterpieces of European painting |
Paseo del Prado, 8 Palacio de Villahermosa Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +1 34 91 369 0151 http://www.museothyssen.org |
The Thyssen-Bornemisza family collected what became one of the world's finest private art collection over a number of generations. The Spanish state bought it from them in 1993 for $350m and converted the early-19th-century neoclassical Villahermosa Palace into a fabulous art gallery. You will see masterpieces by Van Dyck, Durer, Caravaggio, Rubens, Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Kandinsky among others. The collection follows a chronological order running from the 13th to the 20th century. There is a cafeteria-restaurant, free cloakroom and a conference room. Admission: EUR6; students, senior citizens: EUR4; under-12s: free. Temporary Exhibitions: EUR5; students, senior citizens: EUR4. Combined Admission: EUR9; students, senior citizens: EUR5. Group bookings: taquilla@museothyssen.org, or call +34 91 369 0151. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dippingmytoes |
 Photo: Valentina De Luca |
 Photo: Max Boschini |
 Photo: Brian Veseling |
 Photo: Joe Villella |
 Photo: Jeff Givens |
 Photo: Meerhorn |
 Photo: francesca |
 Photo: Delphine Queme |
 Photo: Renata Albuquerque |
 Photo: Jeremy B |
 Photo: Stefan de Vries |
 Photo: Andrew Elvish |
 Photo: eleanor26 |
 Photo: Sergio Saldaña |
 Photo: Amber Lim |
 Photo: Elizabeth Porter |
 Photo: Shana Dahlin |