Madrid, a route to heaven
Welcome to a city where any stranger feels at home and its main slogan is “De Madrid al Cielo” (From Madrid to heaven). Welcome to Madrid.
During the 9th century, Muhammed I, Emir of Córdoba, built a fortress on the banks of the Manzanares River and called it “Mayrit”, which was the foundation of Madrid. It became the capital when King Philip II moved it from Valladolid in 1561.
Walking is the best way to explore the city, so make sure you pack your comfy walking shoes. The starting point is going along its main artery which seamlessly runs from North to South and comprises el Paseo del Prado, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana.
The magnificent monuments and historic buildings such as the Puerta de Alcalá, the National Library, Cibeles fountain and El Retiro Park among others are all conveniently located along ‘the artery’. If you are short of time, you can cheat and take one of many busses along Paseos.
Continue with the historic old city deviating from the ‘artery’ through the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the Plaza de Oriente where you can admire The Royal Palace. A huge baroque palace with 3,418 rooms which houses rich collections. Nearby is The Teatro Real, the main opera house.
Madrid is considered one of the top European destinations for art museums and home to the Golden Triangle of Art: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, (together they are considered to have the best collection in the world). The Prado Museum has the best collection of artworks including by Goya and Velázquez. Its main attraction is Las Meninas by Velazquez. The Reina Sofía National Museum is the museum of modern art and home to Picasso’s Guernica. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, once the second largest private collection in the world, includes works from Dutch and German schools and Impressionists like Wassily Kandinsky.
True to its culture and traditions, Madrid has the largest and world renown bullrings in Spain, Las Ventas. The main bullfights are held during the festivities of San Isidro (Madrid’s patron) from mid-May to early June.
The Gran Via, Calle Preciados and Calle Serrano are the main shopping streets for all budgets and tastes.
Madrid’s food scene is unique and diverse combining traditional dishes with more experimental modern fusion. It is rightly considered one of the best in Spain (San Sebastian may disagree). The cocido madrileño and callos are one of the more traditional dishes with huevos rotos (eggs and fries) at Casa Lucio is a must.
When the sun sets, Madrid’s nightlife comes to life. Head to Plaza de Santa Ana, Malasaña, Chueca and La Latina to embrace it.
Football fans would not be disappointed and can watching the most successful club in history, Real Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
My final thought – immerse yourself in this beautiful city, explore its beautiful streets like a local and I bet you will be back for more!!!!!
To get there: London airports run schedule flights every day.
To get around: Buses and underground.
For more information: www.esmadrid.com/en
Article by Bernardo Calero / [email protected]
