Madrid Travel Guide

The capital of Spain is the heart of the country from a geographical and administrative point of view as well as the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Founded by Mohammed I of Arabia in the late 9 th century, it has been subject to many medieval disputes, the city baring the markings of all major events it had witnessed. Its rich and various cultural, artistic and historical inheritance place Madrid in top of most visitor's favorite locations.

Madrid Landmarks

•  The Palacio Real - The Royal Palace is still available to the King and Royal Family although they do not reside here. The entire structure was built with bricks and stone and is surrounded by concrete. The Palace fascinates by its surrounding gardens and amazing interiors decorated with rare materials like Spanish marble, mahogany, and beautiful frescoes. Tourists can visit the Porcelain Room, the Throne Room and the Royal Armory that is thought to be one of the most complete collections of medieval weapons in the entire World.

•  Plaza de Cibeles together with the Fountain of Cibeles named after the Greek goddess it depicts have been adopted as the symbol of the city of Madrid. This is where you will find the Banco de Espana and the magnificent building if the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones - the General Post Office of Madrid.

•  Catedral de la Almudena is placed near the Royal Palace and is one of the most famous landmarks of Madrid . It houses the tomb of San Isidro and among other statues the statue of the patron of the city, Our Lady of La Almudena and is a building with a delightful combination of old and contemporary styles.

Madrid Museums

•  The Museo del Prado is probably the finest of Madrid 's museums, housing one of the most comprehensive and visited collections of fine arts in the World. Exhibits include works signed by great names like Velasquez, El Greco, Botticelli or Caravaggio.

•  Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art holds a marvelous collection of more than 800 items of painting, carving or tapestries from the Flemish period to the modern-day. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Renoir are just a few of the artists on display here.

•  The Museum of the City was firs built by the Arabs and now holds five stories of the city's history like architectural models like the Las Ventas bullring and Plaza de la Villa.

•  Real Madrid Museum is on top of Madrid 's attractions. The museum is housed by the famous football club's official stadium, Santiago Bernabeu and displays treasures priceless for any fan, different cups and trophies the team has won over the years. It also has a full written history of the team and a collection of photos from its earliest victories.

•  Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre is Madrid 's best modern art museum. Its main objective is to promote knowledge and information to the public regarding contemporary art and hosts different events related to plastic arts as well as temporary displays covering a variety of modern arts like photography, video, films etc .