Madrid - A Guide To The Key Sites And Monuments

Spain's capital has enjoyed a significant boom as a city break destination on the last decade. The proliferation of cheap flights has made increasingly more European cities accessible to weekend travellers. Often overshadowed by the Catalan capital, Barcelona, Madrid is currently showing what it provides and, moreover, sharing it with foreign visitors.

"Los Austrias" is really as good a location as any to start out; the oldest part of the location but still bearing the stamp of the Hapsburg dynasty that had such a dominating influence on Madrid until 1700. The "Plaza Mayor" is the center point of the region; built by Phillip III between 1617 and 1619, it's a stylish square with a rich and varied history. That's where the fantastic festivals and celebrations of imperial Madrid occurred. Visitors nowadays won't see quite so much excitement however the square hosts a coin and stamp collectors market on Sundays and hosts live bands and performers during festivals. Be prepared to pay through the nose in the cafés and restaurants which line the square; some however, will be willing to spend the a little supplemental income just to have the ability to absorb the atmosphere of 1 of Madrid's most well-known sites.

Next stop is the "Palacio Real"; Madrid's royal palace is a monument to the classical Italian baroque style. Charles III was the first king to consider residence within 1714. The grand building has a, seemingly absurd, count of 3,000 rooms. The most well-known of the is the Throne Room using its sumptuous decorations. Visitors also needs to pay heed to the gardens, specifically the "Jardine de Sabatini", that was put into the Palace complex in the 1930's and provides a lttle bit of peaceful seclusion from the bustle of the location centre.

A different one of the city's most celebrated landmarks is the "Puerto Del Sol" - formerly the place for just one of the gates marking the eastern access to the town. The gate is reported to get been erected around 1440 to regulate the comings and goings of merchandise in the Spanish capital. Nowadays the gate is over however the square behind it has taken on the name. From the lively place, equal to Times Square and Trafalgar Square in america and England respectively, as on new year's eve Madrilenõs come within their thousands to listen to the clock chime midnight and find out in the new year. Additionally it is the centre point of Spain, kilometre zero is at the heart of the square and the six main highways of Spain radiate out of this point.

For a lttle bit of greenery and a shaded stroll then there is no better place than the magnificent "Parque del Buen Retiro"; Madrid's most central park. This verdant expanse covers 350 acres and includes formal gardens, fountains, playgrounds and cafes. There is certainly a good lake where locals and tourists can clash oars on the water. Overall, the perfect place for a picnic or for the youngsters to let off some steam - be aware that the park closes at 10.30pm each night.

The "Panteon de Goya" is a tiny chapel that serves as the ultimate resting location to the celebrated artist. The person himself decorated the intricate dome and cupola depicting the miracles of St Anthony which is one among the city's less popular attractions that is really worth a visit.

One final stop on our tour takes us just a little way to avoid it of Madrid's centre to the house of 1 of the world's most well-known football teams. The Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been home to Real Madrid CF since 1947 and the 80,000 seater stadium can be an impressive site whether you're a fan of Football or not. The stadium houses and excellent museum and it is open most days for tours where you get the opportunity to start to see the stadium from the key stand and enter the playing tunnel and even the changing rooms.