Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.4 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the third largest in the European Union after London and Paris. The city spans a total of 604.3 km² (233.3 sq mi). Madrid urban agglomeration has the 3rd largest GDP in the European Union and its influences in politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. Due to its economic output, high standard of living, and market size, Madrid is considered the major financial centre of Southern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula; it hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies. Madrid is the most touristic city of Spain, the fourth-most touristic of the continent, and is the 10th most livable city in the world according to Monocle magazine, in its 2010 index. Madrid also ranks among the 12 greenest European cities in 2010. The city is located on the Manzanares river in the centre of both the country and the Community of Madrid (which comprises the city of Madrid, its conurbation and extended suburbs and villages); this community is bordered by the autonomous communities of Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha. As the capital city of Spain, seat of government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political center of Spain. The current mayor is Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón from the People's Party (PP).Top 5 sights
1. Madrid royal palace
The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is Madrid's largest building and possibly its most beautiful. It is located next to the equally beautiful Plaza de Oriente square. It may come as surpirse to our readers to learn that Madrid's Royal Palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. It was built on the site of the old Alcázar, the Moorish castle destroyed by fire in 1734, but the site has been occupied since the 10th century by the Moors, who having named the city's Manzanares river al-Magrit ("source of water"), referred to the area as Mayrit which became Magerit, then Madrid. The old city walls around this area may still be seen.
The palace was initially designed by Filippo Juvarra to accommodate the court of Felipe V, a total of more than 3000 courtiers. Juan Bautista Sacchetti initiated the building project in 1737 and Francisco Sabatini and Ventura Rodríguez terminated the works. It is surrounded by the beautiful Sabatini and Campo del Moro parks.
Tourist Accommodation Near the Royal Palace, Madrid
The palace itself contains furniture, tapestries, paintings and ceramics as well as other important works of art and frescos by Tiépolo. Velázquez, Goya, Giordano and Mengs are all represented here amongst the dozens of valuable tapestries and paintings, making the palace one of Europe's most important museums and receiving more than 880,000 visitors in 2006.
It remains open to the public almost year round except on the days of official ceremonies and receptions, although the public can only access certain areas. It is located on Bailén street, and the nearest Metro station is Opera.
Opening hours are as follows:-
- October to March: Monday to Saturday from 9,30am to 5pm, Sundays and holidays, 9am to 2pm
- April to September: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sundays and holidays, 9am to 3pm
- Closed for official acts, 1st & 6th January, 1st & 15th May, 12th October, 9th November and 25th December.
Entrance to this monument is free with the Madrid Card.
It is possible to take a guided tour of this magnificent monument.
The palace gardens, called the Campo del Moro, are also worth visiting, as is the square nearby. The Plaza de Oriente takes its name from its location - to the east of the palace, and contains several sculptures of the precious Spanish monarchs. Just across this beautiful plaza stands the Royal Theatre.
2.La Puerta del Sol
This is Madrid's most famous and most central square, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Originally it was the site of one of the city's gates, which faced the east and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square's name. The square is actually almost semi-circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation work carried out between 1854 and 1860.
Since this is now Madrid's most central location, it is an excellent area to in which to stay and there are many hotels, hostals (smaller, often family-run hotels) and tourist apartments nearby. The following links will show you only those properties within 1000 metres of the square ...
Tourist Accommodation Near the Puerta del Sol, Madrid
If you look to the "flat" south side of the semi circle you will see a clock tower, part of a building known as the "Real Casa de Correos". This was originally built in the 18th century as part of the Post Office, and now functions as the headquarters of the President of Madrid's Autonomous Community.
The clock is the famous clock all Spaniards turn their eyes to on New Year's Eve, guzzling down a grape to each of it's twelve chimes at midnight. Millions watch on TV and what sometimes seems like millions more brave the cold here in the square. If you're here on New Year's Eve this is a marvellous experience
Outside the Casa de Correos is a stone slab on the pavement marking Kilometre Zero - the official starting point for Spain's 6 National Roads. The photo below shoes the original stone (first placed here in 1950) in its deteriorated state, but in September 2009 it was replaced with a shiny bright new one.
Directly opposite this building is where until recently (and since 1984) we would expect to see the most important of the 3 statues to be seen in the square, "El Oso y El Madroño" (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). However, on 25th September 2009, this statue was returned to its original location at the East side of the square, below the famous "Tío Pepe" advert. This was the statue's location when it was placed here in 1967, so it has simply returned home.
The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear (osa). And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree (almez), which was once in abundance around Madrid.
Whatever the real history, this bronze statue is the work of the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe.
The other statues to be found in this square are a reproduction of the Mariblanca statue (the original is in the Municipal Museum) which is believed to be Venus or Diana the Hunter and which marks the spot where previously a fountain stood, and a statue of King Carlos III (placed here by popular demand, since he was called the "Mayor of Madrid" due to the improvements he ordered made to the city).
This is a vibrant part of the city - full of bars, restaurants and shops. Leading off the Puerta del Sol are several streets, amongst which we can name Arenal Street, Calle de Alcalá, Calle Mayor, and Calle Preciados, this last one a pedestrianised street on which large department stores such as El Corte Inglés and FNAC are located, together with international clothes shops such as Zara, H & M, Bershka and many more.
Many old and historic shops selling traditional goods may be found close to this historic square.
Smaller boutique type shops for shoes, clothes and other accessories can be found on the nearby Calle del Arenal, Calle Carretas and other surrounding streets.
3. The Debod Temple
Tourist Accommodation Near the Royal Palace, Madrid
The palace itself contains furniture, tapestries, paintings and ceramics as well as other important works of art and frescos by Tiépolo. Velázquez, Goya, Giordano and Mengs are all represented here amongst the dozens of valuable tapestries and paintings, making the palace one of Europe's most important museums and receiving more than 880,000 visitors in 2006.
It remains open to the public almost year round except on the days of official ceremonies and receptions, although the public can only access certain areas. It is located on Bailén street, and the nearest Metro station is Opera.
Opening hours are as follows:-
- October to March: Monday to Saturday from 9,30am to 5pm, Sundays and holidays, 9am to 2pm
- April to September: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sundays and holidays, 9am to 3pm
- Closed for official acts, 1st & 6th January, 1st & 15th May, 12th October, 9th November and 25th December.
Entrance to this monument is free with the Madrid Card.
It is possible to take a guided tour of this magnificent monument.
The palace gardens, called the Campo del Moro, are also worth visiting, as is the square nearby. The Plaza de Oriente takes its name from its location - to the east of the palace, and contains several sculptures of the precious Spanish monarchs. Just across this beautiful plaza stands the Royal Theatre.
2.La Puerta del Sol
This is Madrid's most famous and most central square, located just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Originally it was the site of one of the city's gates, which faced the east and was adorned with an image of the sun, hence the square's name. The square is actually almost semi-circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation work carried out between 1854 and 1860.
Since this is now Madrid's most central location, it is an excellent area to in which to stay and there are many hotels, hostals (smaller, often family-run hotels) and tourist apartments nearby. The following links will show you only those properties within 1000 metres of the square ...
Tourist Accommodation Near the Puerta del Sol, Madrid
If you look to the "flat" south side of the semi circle you will see a clock tower, part of a building known as the "Real Casa de Correos". This was originally built in the 18th century as part of the Post Office, and now functions as the headquarters of the President of Madrid's Autonomous Community.
Outside the Casa de Correos is a stone slab on the pavement marking Kilometre Zero - the official starting point for Spain's 6 National Roads. The photo below shoes the original stone (first placed here in 1950) in its deteriorated state, but in September 2009 it was replaced with a shiny bright new one.
Directly opposite this building is where until recently (and since 1984) we would expect to see the most important of the 3 statues to be seen in the square, "El Oso y El Madroño" (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). However, on 25th September 2009, this statue was returned to its original location at the East side of the square, below the famous "Tío Pepe" advert. This was the statue's location when it was placed here in 1967, so it has simply returned home. The Oso & Madroño is the official symbol of the city although with an unclear origin - it seems that there used to be many bears in the fields around Madrid although the original symbol was supposed to be a female bear (osa). And the strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hackberry tree (almez), which was once in abundance around Madrid.
Whatever the real history, this bronze statue is the work of the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe.
The other statues to be found in this square are a reproduction of the Mariblanca statue (the original is in the Municipal Museum) which is believed to be Venus or Diana the Hunter and which marks the spot where previously a fountain stood, and a statue of King Carlos III (placed here by popular demand, since he was called the "Mayor of Madrid" due to the improvements he ordered made to the city).
This is a vibrant part of the city - full of bars, restaurants and shops. Leading off the Puerta del Sol are several streets, amongst which we can name Arenal Street, Calle de Alcalá, Calle Mayor, and Calle Preciados, this last one a pedestrianised street on which large department stores such as El Corte Inglés and FNAC are located, together with international clothes shops such as Zara, H & M, Bershka and many more.
Many old and historic shops selling traditional goods may be found close to this historic square.
Smaller boutique type shops for shoes, clothes and other accessories can be found on the nearby Calle del Arenal, Calle Carretas and other surrounding streets.
3. The Debod Temple
Many people are surprised to learn that there is an authentic Egyptian temple dating from the 2nd Century BC in the middle of Madrid and dedicated to the gods Amon and Isis. So what's it doing here?
Well, due to the construction of the Aswan Dam in 1960, many valuable monuments and archaeological sites were in danger of being destroyed. The UNESCO made an appeal to countries to help save these monuments, and as thanks for the aid given by Spain, particularly in helping to save the sacred buildings of Abu Simbel, the Egyptian government donated this temple to the Spanish people in 1968.
The temple originally stood in Debod in the Nile Valley not too far from the city of Aswan, but the need for the new dam meant that it had to be moved elsewhere or it would have remained underwater forever.
So it was dismantled stone by stone in 1969 and shipped to the Spanish port city of Valencia, from where it was then taken by train to Madrid. That's where it was reconstructed and open to the public in 1972.
Lodging for tourists near the Templo de Debod:
Today it stands near Plaza de España, next to the Paseo del Pintor Rosales, with a surrounding park from where it is possible to admire the Guadarrama mountains and the Spanish capital's most outstanding sunset. Further below is an attractive rose garden, the Rosaleda.
On the temple itself you may admire some carved reliefs, and upstairs in the museum there are photographs depicting the monument's history. The temple is laid out in the same way as it was orientated in Egypt, from east to west.
This site is also historical, as it was the location of the former Montaña barracks, which were stormed by the populace during the Civil War in 1936.
Practical Information:
Address: Ferraz, 1 28008 Madrid, Parque del Cuartel de la Montaña
Telephone: +34 91 366 74 15 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +34 91 366 74 15 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Buses: 74
Metro: Plaza de España
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday, 1 April to 30 September: 10am to 2pm and 6-8pm. 1 October to 31 March: 9:45am to 1:45pm and 4:15-6:15pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 2pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Admission: free (obtain free access together with all the major museums, using the Madrid Tourist Card)Guided tours: every Saturday 11:30-12:30 with prior reservation
4.Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá stands at Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid. The original Puerta de Alcalá, which stood nearby, was built in 1599 as a welcome gesture to doña Margarita de Austria, who was the wife of King Felipe III. When Carlos III came to the throne of Spain one and a half centuries later, he entered Madrid in great style on December 9th, 1759. He was not at all pleased with this city gate, thinking it quite unsuitable for an important royal appearance.
He demanded that a much more flamboyant gate should be built, and called for architects to present their proposed plans. Although several great architects of the age, such as Ventura Rodríguez and José de Hermosilla presented their proposals, it was an Italian architect, Francisco Sabatini, who was finally granted the commission. In 1764 the original Puerta de Alcalá was demolished and work started on the grand new gate. The new Puerta de Alcalá was completed in 1769 and its official inauguration took place in 1778.
The Puerta de Alcalá stands in the east of the city. It is in the middle of Calle de Alcalá, one of the oldest streets in Madrid, and which runs from the Puerta del Sol in the city centre outwards to the town of Alcalá de Henares, lying to the northeast of the city. The gate has a large central semicircular topped arch, flanked by two similar arches. They are in turn flanked by two square lintelled gates, five in all.
There are six ornamental statues that adorn the top of the gate. These were the work of sculpture artists, Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. The raised central part at the gate's highest point has a plaque, which reads: "REGE CARLO III ANNO MDCCLXXVIII." This commemorates the date of the gate's inauguration by King Carlos III.
Because Calle de Alcalá is considered a cañada real, or a special route for moving livestock on a seasonal basis, flocks of sheep and other animals often used to pass through its portals. On July 30th, 1854, the Count of Villahermosa entered Madrid through the gate after losing a battle. The people of Madrid nicknamed him "Longinos" - likening him to the Roman soldier who was said to have pierced the side of Christ at the crucifixion - because of the enemy spear he was brandishing.
In 1985 the gate was immortalised in song when Ana Belén and Victor Manuel released a record called, "La Puerta de Alcalá," which went on to become a huge success in Spain and throughout South America.
The closest Metro station to Puerta de Alcalá is Retiro; the gate is within a few metres of the main entrance to the Retiro park. Metro station, Banco de España, lies slightly further away to the west, just past the Cibeles Fountain on Calle de Alcalá.
This is a very central location, close to the major museums, parks and major streets such as the Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via. As such, it is a good place to stay in the city
5. La Gran Vía
The temple originally stood in Debod in the Nile Valley not too far from the city of Aswan, but the need for the new dam meant that it had to be moved elsewhere or it would have remained underwater forever.
So it was dismantled stone by stone in 1969 and shipped to the Spanish port city of Valencia, from where it was then taken by train to Madrid. That's where it was reconstructed and open to the public in 1972.
Lodging for tourists near the Templo de Debod:
Today it stands near Plaza de España, next to the Paseo del Pintor Rosales, with a surrounding park from where it is possible to admire the Guadarrama mountains and the Spanish capital's most outstanding sunset. Further below is an attractive rose garden, the Rosaleda.
This site is also historical, as it was the location of the former Montaña barracks, which were stormed by the populace during the Civil War in 1936.
Practical Information:
Address: Ferraz, 1 28008 Madrid, Parque del Cuartel de la Montaña
Telephone: +34 91 366 74 15 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +34 91 366 74 15 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Buses: 74
Metro: Plaza de España
Opening times: Tuesday to Friday, 1 April to 30 September: 10am to 2pm and 6-8pm. 1 October to 31 March: 9:45am to 1:45pm and 4:15-6:15pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 2pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Admission: free (obtain free access together with all the major museums, using the Madrid Tourist Card)Guided tours: every Saturday 11:30-12:30 with prior reservation
4.Puerta de Alcalá
He demanded that a much more flamboyant gate should be built, and called for architects to present their proposed plans. Although several great architects of the age, such as Ventura Rodríguez and José de Hermosilla presented their proposals, it was an Italian architect, Francisco Sabatini, who was finally granted the commission. In 1764 the original Puerta de Alcalá was demolished and work started on the grand new gate. The new Puerta de Alcalá was completed in 1769 and its official inauguration took place in 1778.
The Puerta de Alcalá stands in the east of the city. It is in the middle of Calle de Alcalá, one of the oldest streets in Madrid, and which runs from the Puerta del Sol in the city centre outwards to the town of Alcalá de Henares, lying to the northeast of the city. The gate has a large central semicircular topped arch, flanked by two similar arches. They are in turn flanked by two square lintelled gates, five in all.
There are six ornamental statues that adorn the top of the gate. These were the work of sculpture artists, Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel. The raised central part at the gate's highest point has a plaque, which reads: "REGE CARLO III ANNO MDCCLXXVIII." This commemorates the date of the gate's inauguration by King Carlos III.
In 1985 the gate was immortalised in song when Ana Belén and Victor Manuel released a record called, "La Puerta de Alcalá," which went on to become a huge success in Spain and throughout South America.
The closest Metro station to Puerta de Alcalá is Retiro; the gate is within a few metres of the main entrance to the Retiro park. Metro station, Banco de España, lies slightly further away to the west, just past the Cibeles Fountain on Calle de Alcalá.
This is a very central location, close to the major museums, parks and major streets such as the Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via. As such, it is a good place to stay in the city
5. La Gran Vía
The Gran Vía, together with the Paseo de la Castellano, is Madrid's most famous street, mentioned in zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and books and shown many times in films. It starts at the Plaza de Alcalá square and leads across the city to the expansive Plaza de España. Along this Great Way, as its name translates, there are hundreds of businesses - shops, stores, hotels, banks, restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres - making this perhaps one of the most important commercial districts in the city.
Tourist Accommodation Near Gran Vía, Madrid
Several proposals for this Great Way across the city were presented, the definitive one being approved in 1901 and for which construction began in 1910. The project was divided into 3 distinct sections, and work was finally terminated in 1929.
The street, and even its different sections, has had several different names over the years, changing most frequently in the years leading up to and during the Civil War. The dictator Franco gave it its most enduring name of Avenida de José Antonio in remembrance of the founder of the Falange party.
The definitive name of Gran Vía was given, democracy re-established, in 1981 by the then Lord Mayor, Enrique Tierno Galván (said to be Madrid's most loved Mayor!). This name harks back to how the locals originally visualised and named the project back in the 19th century, as the Great Way across the city.
There are several important and interesting buildings located along the street, including the Edificio Metrópolis at the corner of Calle Alcalá and Gran Via - its grand columns holding decorative statues - and the Telefónica building at number 28 which is 88 metres tall and was Madrid's tallest skyscraper until 1953.
It is always interesting to walk along the street and look to the rooftops of these impressive buildings, since many of them are lavishly decorated and often possess large statues, sometimes precariously perching on the ledge of the roof.
Top 10 thing to do
Tourist Accommodation Near Gran Vía, Madrid
- Hotels in Gran Via area
- Apartments in Gran Via area
- Hostals (small hotels) & Youth Hostels in Gran Via area
Several proposals for this Great Way across the city were presented, the definitive one being approved in 1901 and for which construction began in 1910. The project was divided into 3 distinct sections, and work was finally terminated in 1929. The street, and even its different sections, has had several different names over the years, changing most frequently in the years leading up to and during the Civil War. The dictator Franco gave it its most enduring name of Avenida de José Antonio in remembrance of the founder of the Falange party.
The definitive name of Gran Vía was given, democracy re-established, in 1981 by the then Lord Mayor, Enrique Tierno Galván (said to be Madrid's most loved Mayor!). This name harks back to how the locals originally visualised and named the project back in the 19th century, as the Great Way across the city.
There are several important and interesting buildings located along the street, including the Edificio Metrópolis at the corner of Calle Alcalá and Gran Via - its grand columns holding decorative statues - and the Telefónica building at number 28 which is 88 metres tall and was Madrid's tallest skyscraper until 1953.
It is always interesting to walk along the street and look to the rooftops of these impressive buildings, since many of them are lavishly decorated and often possess large statues, sometimes precariously perching on the ledge of the roof.
Top 10 thing to do
- Watch flamenco. Madrid is a stage for some of the best flamenco dancers in the world. Visit a flamenco restaurant for the perfect night-out. See a bullfight. The best bullfighters show off their skills in Spain's capital.
- Watch Real Madrid play. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium plays host to one of the best football teams in the world. Take an open-topped bus tour. See the most important sights and monuments in under 2 hours, enabling you to choose which to visit later. Eat at the world's oldest restaurant. Botin is recognised as such in the Guinness Book of Records. Try some tapas. The quintessential and ubiquitous Spanish food.
- Take a ride on Madrid's cable car. The Teleférico gives visitors wonderful panoramic views of many of the capital's best sights & attractions.
- Walk in the Park. Enjoy the wide open spaces, rose-garden, boating lake, and the wonderful street theatre at the Retiro Park. Go to the Rastro. Madrid's weekly flea market allows you to buy almost anything under the sun! Try chocolate con churros. After all the activity above, you'll need to restore your energy with some chocolate con churros.
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