Madrid View all hotels in city
The capital of Spain located in the middle of the country, known especially by rich architecture, arts and very exciting nightlife. Architectural dominating features of the city consists of a wide range of buildings, from the pompous to the most modern one. Madrid is a commercial center and the seat of the Government and Parliament. It plays an important role in the industrial and banking sector, too.
The festival Fiesta de Otoño is an event of the year in the city. It is the festival of music, dance and theater. Every day, or more precisely night, you can listen to live music in the square or visit the night bars, clubs and discos. Square Plaza de Santa Ana and Calle de las Huertas are much-frequented places by tourists. There are also bullfights which take place in Las Ventas Arena from mid May to the end of October.
History
History of Madrid dates from 9 century, when Arab ameer Muhammad I. ordered the construction of a small palace Alcazar, that was named Mayrit. In 11. century, the palace was conquered by christian kings and it was used as their hunting lodge. The name of the city Madrid was creating from its name. Madrid became the capital city of Spain in 1561. At this time, the palace Alcazar was used as a royal seat. Nowadays, there is the Palacio Real at his place. The Palacio Real was built after its burning up. The fact that it is even ten times bigger than Buckingham Palace in London gives evidence that Palacio Real is a magnificent building.
The 20th century was the worst time period for Madrid. It was connected with civil wars and Franc Fascist regime. At present, Madrid is constantly growing and renewing.
Transport
Transport in the city is providing by underground, buses or taxis. You can also rent a car. Madrid metro is the second largest in Europe. Currently has 12 lines plus one branch.
Airports
Madrid Barajas International Airport MAD
Districts
Plaza de España
Square with a park and statues of Don Quijot and Sancho Panza - novelistic characters of the most famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes.
Plaza Mayor
The most famous and most beautiful square. At one time, it was a setting for executions, bullfighting and burning of heretics. The statue of Philip III. is a dominating feature here. It is surrounded by three-floor`s houses with high arcades. There is a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants and bars. Theater performances and shows of music group take place here.
Plaza Puerta del Sol
One of the most significant and most important square in Barcelona. There is a zero kilometer of Spanish roads - Kilómetro cero, which is the center of Madrid and Spain at all. You will find the statue of Charles III. and a statue of bear eating the fruit of madroň tree here. The bear is the symbol of Madrid. Another important building is Old Post Office, the seat of the Spanish Government.
Paseo del Prado
Boulevard of Madrid. It is a place that would certainly not be missed by art lovers, because of the famous picture gallery Museo del Prado with the best collection of Spanish masters in the world or gallery Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Calle de Alcala
This street is ranked among the center of boulevard. With the length of 10 km it is the longest street and belongs to the oldest streets in Barcelona.
El Rastro
Market in the area of La Latina and Lavapiés quarter with traditional family and social rituals, indigenous crafts, small shops, festivals and pubs, where various local specialties are offered.There is held a flea market every Sunday where you can buy a wide selection of useful and vain things, various curiosities and beautiful antique pieces.
Gallery
Prado Art Gallery
Reina Sofia Art Gallery
Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Gallery
Museo de las Bellas Artes de San Fernando
Sorolla Art Gallery
Rafael Lozano Art Gallery
Museums
The Royal Palace
The Prado National Museum
National Archaeological Museum
Museum Lázaro Galdiano
Museum of Madrid
Museum of America
Army Museum
Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art
Romantic Museum
Monastery De Las Descalzas Reales
Monastery de El Escorial
Foundation Casa de Alba
Church San Antonio de La Florida Hermitag
Museum of Funeral Carriages
Traje Museum
Naval Museum Madrid
Real Madrid Museum
Culture - other
Theatro Real
Theatro de la Zarzuela
Theatro La Abadía
Theatro de Madrid
Theatro Albéniz
Sport - stadions
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Sport - other
golf club Real Club de Puerta de Hierro
golf club De Campo Villa de Madrid
golf club Jarama Race
golf club Lomas-Bosque in Villaviciosa de Odon
golf club Nuevo Club de Golf de Madrid in Las Matas
golf club Campo de Golf of Somosaguas
riding-hall Hipódromo de La Zarzuela
racing cars in the Jarama track
Tourist curiosities
Royal Palace
Royal Armory
Cathedral Virgen de la Almudena
Toledo Archway
Basilica of St. Francis the Great
Palace of the Duke of Uceda
Palace of Velázquez
Crystal Palace
Carriage Museum
Bridge of Toledo
Bullring Las Ventas
Bridge of Segovia
The Gate of Alcala
Casa y Torre de Los Lujanes
The Tower of Madrid
Fuente de Cibeles
Metropolis
Nature
Park Retiro
Park Casa de Campo
Sabatini Gardens
Park de Atracciones
Park Campo del Moro
Park Quinta Funte del Berro
Park Rosales
West Park
Views
Park Las Vistillas


