Travel Guide to Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the capital and the biggest city of Spain. It's both the capital and the autonomic province. The city has the population of 5.5 million of people. Though Madrid has a rich and interesting history, nowadays it's first of all associated with challenging and busy life. Madrid is often called 'the city of festivals' and 'the city of exhibitions'.

The Puetra del Sol Square. The Puetra del Sol Square is the main square in Madrid. In the 15th century, when the city was walled in, the square was one of the city gates. The square is decorated with various fountains and sculptures. There also takes place the building of post – Casa de Correos. It's the place, from which the ruling of the province of Madrid is organized. The Puetra del Sol Square is the starting point for all the roads in the country.

The Major Square. The Major Square of the 15th century is one of the most famous squares in Madrid. Since the 15th century it's located inside the walls of the capital. It's a very cozy place with a lot of cafes and restaurants, which are located around. In summer the square becomes the concert place for many street actors and musicians. The Major square is especially popular with tourists, but not with all the natives.

The Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza is one of the best museums in Madrid. It's based on the private collection of Baron Hans Henry Thyssen-Bornemisza. Time passes and a great part of the collection went to the Spanish government. The exposition contains the works of the 13th – 20th centuries, among which there are paintings by Goya, Rembrandt, Pieter Mondriaan and Picasso. Together with the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia the Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza creates so-called 'Golden Triangle'.

The Prado Museum. The Prado Museum, which is nowadays one of the most famous museums in the world, basically wasn't a museum of art. In 1785 King Carlos III ordered to create a museum of natural history. The building works lasted for a long time (for almost 35 years) and when everything was finished, there started to be kept the collection of art that belonged to the Spanish Royal family. They exhibited the works by such great Spanish painters as Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. In Prado one can look at the well-known works by Goya, among which there are some early porters of Carlos's IV family. In the museum you can also find 'The 2nd of May' and 'The 3rd of May' that are devoted to the insurrection against the French. On the first painting you'll see the insurrection itself and on the second one – the punishment of the rebels. The last years of his life the artist spent absolutely on his own, which cased depression and it surely can be noticed in his works.

But the best-known painting of the Prado Museum belongs to Velazquez, it's 'The Meninas', the self-portrait with the members of the Royal Family. The Royal Family is described as the reflection in the mirror behind the artist. Picasso admired this work very much and even made some copies of it. Of course, it's not in the least even a part of what the Prado can offer you. In the museum you can also enjoy the painting by Flemish, German and Italian masters, collected when these countries were under the Spanish influence.

The Basilica of St Francisco. The Basilica of St Francisco is the largest church in Madrid. There one can look at the richest art collection that contains works by Goya and Zurbaran, and also sculptures by Bellver and Benliur. All the art objects are divided among the seven chapels. Besides that, you should also visit the great cathedral. It has the diameter of 33 m and will please you with wonderful stained-glass windows and painted vaulted ceilings. The basilica itself was created in the classic style, which is traditional for the 18th century. The basilica is opened from Tuesday till Saturday from 11 to 13 and from 16 till 19 o'clock, the admission is free.

The Cathedral of Almudena. The building works of the cathedral in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Almudena was planned in the 16th century. But the building works started only in 1879. The project was made by architect Francisco de Kubas. During the Civil War the work was stopped for a while. Only in 1993, when everything was finished, the cathedral was consecrated to God by Pope John-Paul Il. The inside decoration has modern style.

The Casa de Campo Park. The Casa de Campo Park is situated on the right bank of the Mansanares to the west of Madrid. Its total square is 17,5 km2. The park used to be the Royal hunting zone and nowadays it's popular not only with tourists, but with the natives as well. There one can hire a boat, play tennis or have a swim in the pool. In the south side of the park you may find the Zoo and the entertainment park. In summer the Casa de Campo Park often becomes the place of various concerts.

The Castle de los Mendoza. In a small town Mansanares el Real at the foot of the mountain chain not far from Madrid takes place picturesque and well-restored castle of the 1th century in the Castille style. There is also a church of the 16th century nearby. The whole territory of the Castle de los Mendoza is opened for visitors. The highlands around the castle, La Pedriza, are a very nice place for foot walks.

Read more about Madrid:
Restaurants and cuisine in Madrid
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Madrid
Nightlife and attractions in Madrid
Preparing for Madrid: Advices
Madrid photogallery