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Madrid Guide
Situated exactly in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid,
Europe's
highest capital, is a place well worth visiting when you travel Spain.
Since it was established the country’s capital in 1561,
Madrid
has been Spain’s political core, with the Parliament, Senate
and
Royal Family residing here, while the unmatched art collections of
museums making up the ‘Golden Triangle’ put the
city in
line with the world’s most important cultural centers.
When you travel Spain, one of the issues to be considered is weather conditions,
so we believe that the best time to visit Madrid is spring and the
first summer month or early autumn: the temperatures won’t be
too
high to impede you from enjoying best places of Spain’s
largest
city, and the rainfall will be scarce. On the other hand, as July and
August bring unbearable heat to Madrid, locals tend to leave the city
towards the end of summer, so crowds may be avoided at this time.
Start exploring Madrid with its oldest square, the impressive Plaza
Mayor, where coronation ceremonies and public executions used to take
place. A number of symbolic items – monuments and plaques
–
are situated here; for example, the Gate of the Sun is considered to be
the spiritual hearth of the country. The Royal Palace presents a
perfect baroque sample, and the town wall situated nearby contains
remnants of Moorish architecture. The narrow streets that ray from the
square are lined with churches and palaces still preserving the
atmosphere of those days when Mayrit (or Magerit, as the city was once
called) saw bitter fighting of Christians and Arabs, while the numerous
shops and cafes let relax and taste the contemporary Spain!
When in Madrid, don’t miss the chance to visit the Prado,
museum
housing a richest collection of Spanish and International art
–
including masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya – to
name
just a few. Art-lovers could also treat themselves to a guided tour
around Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza Museums where works from the
Italian Renaissance to the 20th century masters’ as Picasso
and
Dali are exhibited.
Tired with the colorful impressions of Madrid's cultural life, you
could have a rest in the Parque de Buen Retiro, the picturesque gardens
of which make it a popular place among locals to spend weekends at.
Here, you can not only admire the natural scenes and man-made
constructions like various fountains and statues, but also have lunch
in a cozy outdoor cafe, go boating on the lake or watch a performance
on the stage of a summer theatre. The Parque de Atracciones and the
Parque Biológico are also among Madrid’s main
attractions
that both kids and adults will enjoy!
When you travel Spain’s capital, do not forget that the city
is famous for its bustling nightlife, cuisine delights and joyful festivals
as well, so step off the beaten path and get to know Madrid at your own
pace!
Travel Spain with us!
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