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 Stylishly restored old railway station |
Emperador Carlos V 3 Madrid, Madrid 28012 Spain +34 90 224 0202/ +34 90 224 3402 (National rail company, Spain)/ +34 91 506 6846 |
Made of steel and glass, this fine old railway station building was designed by the Basque architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, who was also responsible for the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park. It has been stylishly converted into tropical gardens under glass with an elegant first-floor restaurant. There's a permanent display of sculpture in the hall that leads to the new station. In summer you can visit the popular terrace-bar that's set up outside. It was built in 1892 for the Rothschilds who controlled the development of the railways at that time. Unfortunately, the Atocha Station was one of the locations of the 11-M islamist terrorist attack that took place the 11th of March of 2004. In 2007 a big glass memorial monument was inaugurated outside of the station. This monument contains the names of all the victims and the condolence messages of Madrid´s population. Admission: free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michele |
 Photo: Romano Brasser  |
 Photo: Karl Deede |
 Photo: Paola Guastella |
 Photo: Lindsay Davignon |
 Photo: semawebdude |
 Photo: Barry Hoggard |
 Photo: Geoffrey Dicker |
 Photo: Betty Demonte |
 Photo: Kellie |
 Photo: Florent Naurois |
 Photo: Spin L |
 Photo: Hemant Jalan |
 Photo: Emily Bowerman |
 Photo: Daniel Fontoura |
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 Photo: Maximilian Robers |
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 Photo: Miguel Gómez Gonzalo |
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 Photo: Sigurd66 |
 Photo: yozz2008 |
 Photo: Joel Kehle |
 Photo: Erwin Morales |
 Photo: Markus Huber |
 Little-known gem of a museum |
Calle de Alcalá 48 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 338 5000 http://www.bde.es/ |
The Spanish Central Bank headquarters house a valuable art collection that includes the work of artists like Goya, Salvador Maella, Sorolla and Zuloaga, as well as luxurious wall-hangings and antique furniture. The interior patio is used as a library and the beautiful staircase is made of Carrera marble. It occupies one of the best locations in Madrid, at major crossroads linking Plaza de Cibeles with Calle Alcalá, Gran Vía and the Paseo del Prado. After opening in 1889, it had to be expanded in 1936 and then again in 1975. The three distinct façades display diverse architectural styles. For admission, write to the Servicio de Protocolo (+34 91 338 5365) at the bank's address. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Miguel Acedo |
 Photo: Oscar Moreno Perez |
 Photo: Alejandro Crivellari |
 Photo: César Gómez Antonio |
 Photo: Liz Arnold |
 Photo: Ben Ferguson |
 Photo: Micaela Maza |
 Photo: Oleg Dolya |
 Photo: Karina Frabetti |
 Photo: deucours |
 Photo: Antonio Elena |
 Photo: Montse Buendía |
 Photo: Nathalie Tran |
 Photo: tigertigertigers |
 Photo: Liren Chen |
 Photo: Kevin Driver |
 Photo: ARP |
 Photo: raullconraull |
 Photo: Giampiero Bonifazi |
 Photo: Marlon James Sales |
 Photo: Nathalie Figueroa |
 Photo: Pupa ƒ |
 Photo: Alejandro Jaramillo |
 Photo: Gesine Rohrbeck |
 Photo: ivan.pertica |
 Photo: julencin2000 |
 Photo: Manuel Barranco |
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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 |
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Spanish Parliament |
Carrera de San Jerónimo, Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 91 390 6296 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Fred Kass |
 Photo: L. & M. Phillips |
 Photo: Amelia Baker |
 Photo: Phil Busch |
 Photo: Laney H. |
 Photo: PJ Librojo |
 Photo: Gary Sawchuk |
 Photo: jamie walvisch |
 Photo: Chris Pruitt |
 Photo: Amy Sample Ward |
 Photo: Mark Huser |
 Photo: iconeb |
 Photo: Mrs. Belk |
 Photo: martin_john_green |
 Photo: (^_-) -~º cat º~ |
 Photo: melchor acevedo |
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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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Famous gateway to Madrid |
Plaza de la Independencia Madrid, Madrid 28001 Spain |
One of Madrid's enduring symbols, it's made entirely of granite with one central arch and two smaller passageways on each side. Carlos III had his Court architect Sabatini build the gate in 1778 as a monument to himself and to show visiting merchants from Aragon how important the city had become. The ornamental statues are the work of Roberto Michel and Francisco Gutiérrez. It's location is spectacular, as it stands on raised ground opposite another symbol of the city, Cibeles Fountain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juan Fco Rodríguez Hervella |
 Photo: Koldo Oteo Orellana |
 Photo: menemadrid |
 Photo: David Alcala |
 Photo: Juan Carlos Monge |
 Photo: orocain |
 Photo: Sobrasado |
 Photo: Allan de la Rosa |
 Photo: claudio poblete |
 Photo: Polo BR |
 Photo: N. McKinney |
 Photo: mauricio andrés oliv |
 Photo: Steve Robinson |
 Photo: Lorena Guadalupe Gonzalez Juarez |
 Photo: alair2525 (Millán) |
 Photo: willy sifones |
 Photo: Jose Antonio Fuentes |
 Photo: Albini22 |
 Photo: gekkox |
 Photo: Gregorio Amorrich |
 Photo: Felipe Gabaldón |
 Photo: Ashley Lynn Millay |
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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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Fountain in a noble square |
Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain |
Neptune's Fountain stands in green and peaceful Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, a totally different atmosphere from the hurly-burly surrounding its sister fountain up the road, Cibeles. Carlos III had it built by Ventura Rodríguez in 1780 as part of his continuous quest to beautify the city. You'll find two upmarket hotels in the same square - Ritz and Palace - as well as the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Atlético de Madrid football fans meet here to celebrate their team's victories with rowdy high spirits. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bethany Mosca |
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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 |
 Photo: Ricardo Durand Ramos |
 Photo: mikezollinger |
 Photo: Craig Herreman |
 Photo: Bert2510 |
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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 |
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 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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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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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 |
 Live like a king |
Plaza de las Cortes, 7 Madrid, Madrid 28014 Spain +34 (0)91 360 8000 http://www.westinpalacemadrid.... |
The rich and famous have always been attracted to this elegant and exclusive hotel. The large and luxuriously furnished bedrooms are comfortably decorated. There are even extra-luxurious suites for the most demanding clients. Join the jet set for drinks or dinner in the bar, the restaurant or the glass-domed rotunda. The building itself is an example of classical French design that opened as a hotel in 1912, located in between the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Danzig |
 Photo: Russell Feldman |
 Photo: Doug Bost |
 Photo: Thom C. |
 Photo: Eric Lin |
 Photo: Samuel Gaw |