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One of Madrid's world-famous attractions is the 19th
century Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries,
with more than 7,000 paintings that include masterpieces by Fra
Angelico, Botticelli, El Bosco, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez.
The museum began as a Royal collection, which succeeding dynasties
have added to. The collection naturally focuses on the Spanish
masters, particularly Goya, whose exhibited works follow the
development of his painting from the sun-soaked early scenes of
joyful festivities to the grim madness characterising his 'black
period'. The Prado has few equals - whether you are an art lover or
not. see full details
The Prado
One of Madrid's world-famous attractions is the 19th
century Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries,
with more than 7,000 paintings that include masterpieces by Fra
Angelico, Botticelli, El Bosco, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez.
The museum began as a Royal collection, which succeeding dynasties
have added to. The collection naturally focuses on the Spanish
masters, particularly Goya, whose exhibited works follow the
development of his painting from the sun-soaked early scenes of
joyful festivities to the grim madness characterising his 'black
period'. The Prado has few equals - whether you are an art lover or
not. see full details
Top
The second gallery in Madrid's 'golden triangle' of
art museums is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Housing the former
private collection of the Thyssen family, the works were bought by
the city of Madrid to enrich its fund of art treasures. The
collection, in the restored 18th century Palacio de Villahermosa
near the Prado, contains more than 800 paintings, sculptures,
carvings and tapestries, ranging from primitive Flemish works to
contemporary pieces. Among the highlights are works by Renoir,
Durer and Van Eyck. The collection includes some major American
works as well. see full details
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The second gallery in Madrid's 'golden triangle' of
art museums is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Housing the former
private collection of the Thyssen family, the works were bought by
the city of Madrid to enrich its fund of art treasures. The
collection, in the restored 18th century Palacio de Villahermosa
near the Prado, contains more than 800 paintings, sculptures,
carvings and tapestries, ranging from primitive Flemish works to
contemporary pieces. Among the highlights are works by Renoir,
Durer and Van Eyck. The collection includes some major American
works as well. see full details
Top
The third of Madrid's famed art galleries, the Reina
Sofia, is dedicated to 20th century Spanish art, having been
designed to give Spain a museum to equal France's Pompidou Centre
and London's Tate Gallery. The museum was opened by Queen Sofia in
1986, and is housed in the former Hospital de San Carlos. The
artworks displayed here include those of Juan Gris, Salvador Dali,
Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. The star attraction of the museum is
Picasso's controversial Guernica, depicting the Nazi bombing of the
Basque town in 1937 in support of Franco's cause in the Spanish
Civil War. Until 1980 this painting hung in New York's Museum of
Modern Art. see full details
Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum
The third of Madrid's famed art galleries, the Reina
Sofia, is dedicated to 20th century Spanish art, having been
designed to give Spain a museum to equal France's Pompidou Centre
and London's Tate Gallery. The museum was opened by Queen Sofia in
1986, and is housed in the former Hospital de San Carlos. The
artworks displayed here include those of Juan Gris, Salvador Dali,
Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. The star attraction of the museum is
Picasso's controversial Guernica, depicting the Nazi bombing of the
Basque town in 1937 in support of Franco's cause in the Spanish
Civil War. Until 1980 this painting hung in New York's Museum of
Modern Art. see full details
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The massive bright-white Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
on the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid dates from 1734, when the
3,000-roomed royal residence was commissioned by Philip V. It was
last called 'home' by the royal family in 1931 - the present king,
Juan Carlos, lives in the more subdued Zarzuela Palace outside
Madrid. Most of the rooms are now open to the public, and others
are used for state business. English tours are run regularly,
lasting about two hours, taking visitors to the reception room and
state apartments, the impressive armoury and the royal pharmacy.
The grandiose state apartments are filled with art treasures,
antiques and opulent Rococo décor that could even rival
Versailles. see full details
Royal Palace
The massive bright-white Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
on the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid dates from 1734, when the
3,000-roomed royal residence was commissioned by Philip V. It was
last called 'home' by the royal family in 1931 - the present king,
Juan Carlos, lives in the more subdued Zarzuela Palace outside
Madrid. Most of the rooms are now open to the public, and others
are used for state business. English tours are run regularly,
lasting about two hours, taking visitors to the reception room and
state apartments, the impressive armoury and the royal pharmacy.
The grandiose state apartments are filled with art treasures,
antiques and opulent Rococo décor that could even rival
Versailles. see full details
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Madrid's famous central arcaded square dates from 1619
and was built by Philip III whose statue still stands in the centre
of the cobbled expanse. In medieval times the Plaza de Arrabal, as
it was then known, was the venue for numerous public spectacles,
ranging from knights' tournaments and festivals to the burning of
heretics at the stake. Today it remains a public gathering place,
but the majority of people who congregate in the sidewalk cafes to
sip sangria on summer nights are tourists, enjoying impromptu music
performances and watching the passing parade. see full details
Plaza Mayor
Madrid's famous central arcaded square dates from 1619
and was built by Philip III whose statue still stands in the centre
of the cobbled expanse. In medieval times the Plaza de Arrabal, as
it was then known, was the venue for numerous public spectacles,
ranging from knights' tournaments and festivals to the burning of
heretics at the stake. Today it remains a public gathering place,
but the majority of people who congregate in the sidewalk cafes to
sip sangria on summer nights are tourists, enjoying impromptu music
performances and watching the passing parade. see full details
Top
The Panteon de Goya is situated in the Glorieta de San
Antonio de la Florida and is known as Goya's Sistine Chapel. The
artist decorated the dome and cupola of the little chapel with a
fresco depicting the miracles of St Anthony, with the use of
sponges, a project that took six weeks to complete. Mirrors have
been placed in strategic places to provide better glimpses of the
art. The chapel also contains the artist's tomb. see full details
Goya's Tomb
The Panteon de Goya is situated in the Glorieta de San
Antonio de la Florida and is known as Goya's Sistine Chapel. The
artist decorated the dome and cupola of the little chapel with a
fresco depicting the miracles of St Anthony, with the use of
sponges, a project that took six weeks to complete. Mirrors have
been placed in strategic places to provide better glimpses of the
art. The chapel also contains the artist's tomb. see full details
Top
Madrid's lush central park, one of many green spaces
in the city, covers 350 acres (142 hectares) and was laid out
originally as the private garden of Philip IV. The vast park
features formal gardens, statuary, fountains, lakes, exhibition
halls, children's playgrounds and outdoor cafes. Visitors can
stroll among the trees, admire the rose garden, and take a boat
ride on the lake. At weekends the park comes alive with buskers,
clowns, fortune-tellers and sidewalk painters. see full details
Parque del Buen Retiro
Madrid's lush central park, one of many green spaces
in the city, covers 350 acres (142 hectares) and was laid out
originally as the private garden of Philip IV. The vast park
features formal gardens, statuary, fountains, lakes, exhibition
halls, children's playgrounds and outdoor cafes. Visitors can
stroll among the trees, admire the rose garden, and take a boat
ride on the lake. At weekends the park comes alive with buskers,
clowns, fortune-tellers and sidewalk painters. see full details
Top
The magnificent hilltop city of Toledo, about 43 miles
(70km) southwest of Madrid, was immortalised by Spain's renowned
artistic genius El Greco in a cityscape that currently hangs in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The city has changed little
since El Greco captured it on canvas in 1597, with its golden
spires and Gothic buildings spreading across the Tagus River Gorge,
overlooking the plains of New Castille. The ancient city was
capital of Visigoth Spain in the 5th and 6th centuries, and as time
passed Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities have all left their
mark on the city's rich architectural heritage - from the Moorish
gate (Puerta de Bisagrai) to the Gothic convent of San Juan de los
Reyes. Pride of place is held by the El Greco's 'Burial of the
Count of Orgaz' painted on the wall of the Santo Tome. The town's
attractions and main street are packed with tourists throughout the
summer, but it is easy to escape into one of the enchanting side
streets, which wind up and down the hillside. see full details
Toledo
The magnificent hilltop city of Toledo, about 43 miles
(70km) southwest of Madrid, was immortalised by Spain's renowned
artistic genius El Greco in a cityscape that currently hangs in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The city has changed little
since El Greco captured it on canvas in 1597, with its golden
spires and Gothic buildings spreading across the Tagus River Gorge,
overlooking the plains of New Castille. The ancient city was
capital of Visigoth Spain in the 5th and 6th centuries, and as time
passed Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities have all left their
mark on the city's rich architectural heritage - from the Moorish
gate (Puerta de Bisagrai) to the Gothic convent of San Juan de los
Reyes. Pride of place is held by the El Greco's 'Burial of the
Count of Orgaz' painted on the wall of the Santo Tome. The town's
attractions and main street are packed with tourists throughout the
summer, but it is easy to escape into one of the enchanting side
streets, which wind up and down the hillside. see full details
Top
The huge granite rectangular edifice, topped with four
spiral towers, is a forbidding sight in the town of San Lorenzo de
El Escorial about 30 miles (50km) northwest of Madrid. The
monastery/church/palace complex was built by Philip II as a
memorial to his father, Charles V, and contains some of El Greco's
and Hieronymus Bosch's artworks. A vaulted library contains a
priceless collection of more than 60,000 ancient books. The
monastery itself houses a wealth of paintings and tapestries, and
the mausoleum beneath the church's altar serves as a burial place
for Spanish kings. see full details
Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The huge granite rectangular edifice, topped with four
spiral towers, is a forbidding sight in the town of San Lorenzo de
El Escorial about 30 miles (50km) northwest of Madrid. The
monastery/church/palace complex was built by Philip II as a
memorial to his father, Charles V, and contains some of El Greco's
and Hieronymus Bosch's artworks. A vaulted library contains a
priceless collection of more than 60,000 ancient books. The
monastery itself houses a wealth of paintings and tapestries, and
the mausoleum beneath the church's altar serves as a burial place
for Spanish kings. see full details
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The ancient town of Segovia, lying on a slope of the
Guadarrama Mountains with the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores
Rivers below, is a delightful taste of the glorious past of the
area known as Castile in central Spain. Segovia is 54 miles (91km)
northwest of Madrid and is well worth visiting for its reputation
as being the most beautiful city in Spain, awarded a place on the
Unesco World Heritage list. The ancient Romans turned the town into
a military base, leaving behind Segovia's famous aqueduct which
begins nine miles from the city and until fairly recently still
supplied the town with water. The other main attraction in Segovia
is the fairytale Alcazar, a fortified citadel perched on the edge
of town that the Walt Disney castle is said to be modelled on. The
town overflows with Romanesque churches, 15th century palaces,
narrow streets and small fountain-splashed plazas and is best
explored on foot. see full details
Segovia
The ancient town of Segovia, lying on a slope of the
Guadarrama Mountains with the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores
Rivers below, is a delightful taste of the glorious past of the
area known as Castile in central Spain. Segovia is 54 miles (91km)
northwest of Madrid and is well worth visiting for its reputation
as being the most beautiful city in Spain, awarded a place on the
Unesco World Heritage list. The ancient Romans turned the town into
a military base, leaving behind Segovia's famous aqueduct which
begins nine miles from the city and until fairly recently still
supplied the town with water. The other main attraction in Segovia
is the fairytale Alcazar, a fortified citadel perched on the edge
of town that the Walt Disney castle is said to be modelled on. The
town overflows with Romanesque churches, 15th century palaces,
narrow streets and small fountain-splashed plazas and is best
explored on foot. see full details
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Listed as one of Madrid's top ten sights, the tablao
flamenco (flamenco show restaurant) is renowned as the oldest and
most famous show in the world. The establishment draws kings and
queens, international presidents, film stars, and well-known
artists and writers who come to witness the nightly performances of
top flamenco stars while receiving excellent service and dining on
exquisite meals prepared by some of the best chefs in
Madrid. see full details
Flamenco at Corral de la Moreria
Listed as one of Madrid's top ten sights, the tablao
flamenco (flamenco show restaurant) is renowned as the oldest and
most famous show in the world. The establishment draws kings and
queens, international presidents, film stars, and well-known
artists and writers who come to witness the nightly performances of
top flamenco stars while receiving excellent service and dining on
exquisite meals prepared by some of the best chefs in
Madrid. see full details
Top
One of the most well known plazas in the country,
Puerta del Sol is the historical and geographical heart of Spain.
Named after Madrid's eastern city gate of the same location, the
15th century entryway was bathed in the rays of the rising sun due
its eastern position. Littered with famous landmarks, Puerta del
Sol is home to the famous Spanish clock tower whose bell marks the
beginning of the New Year. The official symbol of Madrid, the El
Oso y El Madroño, a 20-ton statue of a bear eating fruits off a
Madrono tree, as well as a large equestrian statue of King Carlos
III are also on display. Unmistakable is the luminous Tio Pepe
sign, a longstanding hallmark of Puerta del Sol and more discreet
is the kilómetro cero marker on the pavement, which signals the
official starting point of six of Spain's major highways and
symbolically places Puerta del Sol as the centre of Spain,
cementing it as a site of many rallies and protests against
violence and war. see full details
Puerta del Sol
One of the most well known plazas in the country,
Puerta del Sol is the historical and geographical heart of Spain.
Named after Madrid's eastern city gate of the same location, the
15th century entryway was bathed in the rays of the rising sun due
its eastern position. Littered with famous landmarks, Puerta del
Sol is home to the famous Spanish clock tower whose bell marks the
beginning of the New Year. The official symbol of Madrid, the El
Oso y El Madroño, a 20-ton statue of a bear eating fruits off a
Madrono tree, as well as a large equestrian statue of King Carlos
III are also on display. Unmistakable is the luminous Tio Pepe
sign, a longstanding hallmark of Puerta del Sol and more discreet
is the kilómetro cero marker on the pavement, which signals the
official starting point of six of Spain's major highways and
symbolically places Puerta del Sol as the centre of Spain,
cementing it as a site of many rallies and protests against
violence and war. see full details
Top
Located nearby the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanic
Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. With the
foundation of the garden ordered by King Ferdinand VI in 1755, the
Royal Botanic Garden has been cataloguing and nurturing rare
species of flora for over 200 years. A welcomed break after hours
of art, architecture, and frenetic streets, the garden is a small
haven of natural splendour. Divided into three terraces and
extending only eight hectares, the garden boasts an array of 30,000
plants and flowers and 1,500 trees. Not only interested in
exhibiting plants, the gardens' initial aim was to teach botany,
promote expeditions to discover new plant species and
classification. Nowadays the Royal Botanic Garden houses a cutting
edge research centre, extensive herbarium and large library. Visit
the Classical Romantic Garden, Villanueva Pavilion, the Graells
Greenhouse and the Exhibition Greenhouse. see full details
Royal Botanic Garden
Located nearby the Prado Museum, the Royal Botanic
Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. With the
foundation of the garden ordered by King Ferdinand VI in 1755, the
Royal Botanic Garden has been cataloguing and nurturing rare
species of flora for over 200 years. A welcomed break after hours
of art, architecture, and frenetic streets, the garden is a small
haven of natural splendour. Divided into three terraces and
extending only eight hectares, the garden boasts an array of 30,000
plants and flowers and 1,500 trees. Not only interested in
exhibiting plants, the gardens' initial aim was to teach botany,
promote expeditions to discover new plant species and
classification. Nowadays the Royal Botanic Garden houses a cutting
edge research centre, extensive herbarium and large library. Visit
the Classical Romantic Garden, Villanueva Pavilion, the Graells
Greenhouse and the Exhibition Greenhouse. see full details
Top
A worthwhile visit in a country known for its rich
history, the National Archaeological Museum was founded in 1867
with the purpose of being a depository for the collection of
numismatic, archaeological, ethnographical and decorative art
collections compiled by the Spanish monarchs. Situated in a stately
neoclassical mansion alongside the National Library, the museum's
collection ranges from prehistoric times to the 19th century. One
of the major exhibits is the Iberian statue, The Lady of Elche, a
carving from the 4th century B.C. found on the southeastern coast
of Spain. Other intriguing exhibits are the Islamic collection,
outlining the long and influential history of the Moors in Spain
and the replica of Altamira Cave, inhabited over 18,000 years ago,
with rock paintings picturing bison, horses, boars and human
handprints. see full details
National Archaeological Museum of Spain
A worthwhile visit in a country known for its rich
history, the National Archaeological Museum was founded in 1867
with the purpose of being a depository for the collection of
numismatic, archaeological, ethnographical and decorative art
collections compiled by the Spanish monarchs. Situated in a stately
neoclassical mansion alongside the National Library, the museum's
collection ranges from prehistoric times to the 19th century. One
of the major exhibits is the Iberian statue, The Lady of Elche, a
carving from the 4th century B.C. found on the southeastern coast
of Spain. Other intriguing exhibits are the Islamic collection,
outlining the long and influential history of the Moors in Spain
and the replica of Altamira Cave, inhabited over 18,000 years ago,
with rock paintings picturing bison, horses, boars and human
handprints. see full details
Top
A hidden gem, Sorolla Museum was the home of renowned
Spanish Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla and his family.
Donated to the government in 1929 by Sorolla's widow, the house now
operates as a memorial and museum, displaying a large collection of
Sorolla's glowing works and other contemporary collections
including sculpture, ceramics, furniture and jewellery. A fine
example of a bourgeois Madrid home from the early 20th century, the
attractive museum has an intrinsic Spanish impression with brightly
painted walls and dark furniture. Much of the house remains as
Sorolla left it, right down to his stained paintbrushes and pipes.
Although known for his portraits of aristocrats, Sorolla's passion
lay in depicting the everyday lives of Spanish people, with many
paintings depicting Spaniards in their native dress, going to the
beach and engaging in work or leisure activities. see full details
Sorolla Museum
A hidden gem, Sorolla Museum was the home of renowned
Spanish Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla and his family.
Donated to the government in 1929 by Sorolla's widow, the house now
operates as a memorial and museum, displaying a large collection of
Sorolla's glowing works and other contemporary collections
including sculpture, ceramics, furniture and jewellery. A fine
example of a bourgeois Madrid home from the early 20th century, the
attractive museum has an intrinsic Spanish impression with brightly
painted walls and dark furniture. Much of the house remains as
Sorolla left it, right down to his stained paintbrushes and pipes.
Although known for his portraits of aristocrats, Sorolla's passion
lay in depicting the everyday lives of Spanish people, with many
paintings depicting Spaniards in their native dress, going to the
beach and engaging in work or leisure activities. see full details
Top
Cine Aventura Agüí, one of Madrid's charming old movie
theatres, has been converted into a play centre for children
featuring ball pools, slides and trampolines, as well as a maze and
an art area. There is also a small coffee shop in the building for
parents to relax at while their kids play. see full details
Cine Aventura Agüí
Cine Aventura Agüí, one of Madrid's charming old movie
theatres, has been converted into a play centre for children
featuring ball pools, slides and trampolines, as well as a maze and
an art area. There is also a small coffee shop in the building for
parents to relax at while their kids play. see full details
Top
A great day out for the kids is a trip to the Safari
Park, set in an African-style savannah landscape and home to
giraffe, camel, zebra and rhino, as well as some entertaining
monkeys. Not to be missed are the daily lion taming shows, and the
swimming pool and slide offer a welcome respite after a day of game
viewing. see full details
Safari Park
A great day out for the kids is a trip to the Safari
Park, set in an African-style savannah landscape and home to
giraffe, camel, zebra and rhino, as well as some entertaining
monkeys. Not to be missed are the daily lion taming shows, and the
swimming pool and slide offer a welcome respite after a day of game
viewing. see full details
Top
Home to nearly 3,000 animals from all over the world,
as well as an impressive aquarium, the Madrid Zoo is a great
attractions for kids on holiday in the city. Highlights of the zoo
include koala bears and giant pandas, as well as a few
ever-odd-looking, long-snouted anteaters - truly interesting and
unusual animals that children love to see. see full details
Madrid Zoo and Aquarium
Home to nearly 3,000 animals from all over the world,
as well as an impressive aquarium, the Madrid Zoo is a great
attractions for kids on holiday in the city. Highlights of the zoo
include koala bears and giant pandas, as well as a few
ever-odd-looking, long-snouted anteaters - truly interesting and
unusual animals that children love to see. see full details
Top
The Burrolandia donkey refuge, just a short way out of
the city, is a great place to take children while on holiday. With
upwards of 26 donkeys to take care of, there is always plenty of
loving, petting and feeding needed at Burrolandia - definitely a
favourite for kids! And the good, clean country air won't do any
harm either... see full details
Burrolandia
The Burrolandia donkey refuge, just a short way out of
the city, is a great place to take children while on holiday. With
upwards of 26 donkeys to take care of, there is always plenty of
loving, petting and feeding needed at Burrolandia - definitely a
favourite for kids! And the good, clean country air won't do any
harm either... see full details
Top
Parque de Atracciones is a fantastic amusement park in
Madrid for kids to visit, offering a number of rides and
attractions for all ages. The Virtual Cinema is a simulator with
moving chairs that kids will love, and the Spectacle of Sound,
Light and Water show's fireworks and lasers are also a
favourite. see full details
Parque de Atracciones
Parque de Atracciones is a fantastic amusement park in
Madrid for kids to visit, offering a number of rides and
attractions for all ages. The Virtual Cinema is a simulator with
moving chairs that kids will love, and the Spectacle of Sound,
Light and Water show's fireworks and lasers are also a
favourite. see full details
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