Tourism guide for annual inlingua congress Madrid 2012. Contents: INTRODUCTION 1 TOURIST TRAVEL PASS 2 WALKING ROUTES THROUGHOUT TOURISTY AREAS 3 OLD MADRID WALKING TOUR 3 DESIGNER BARRIO WALKING TOUR 5 TAPAS IN MEDIEVAL MADRID WALKING TOUR 6 BEYOND THE CENTRE 7 BICYCLE 7 TOURIST BUS. 8 MUSEUMS 11 PRADO MUSEUM 11 REINA SOFÍA MUSEUM 12 THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM. 13 MUSEUM OF AMERICA 14 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE DECORATIVE ARTS 14 ROMANTIC MUSEUM 15 CAIXA FORUM MADRID 15 TELECOMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM 15 MUSEUM AND BIRTH HOME OF CERVANTES IN ALCALÁ DE HENARES 15 PLAZA DE LAS VENTAS BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM 16 SANTIAGO BERNABEU MUSEUM 16 MUSEO SOROLLA 17 TEMPLO DE DEBOD 17 MUSEO LÁZARO GALDIANO 17 SHOPPING 18 EATING 18 DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE 19 GREEN AREAS IN MADRID 20 PARQUE DEL BUEN RETIRO 20 REAL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO 21 MADRID RÍO 22 LAS VISTILLAS, VIADUCT & CALLE DE SEGOVIA 22 SURROUNDING AREAS & DAY TRIPS 23 BEAUTIFUL CITIES 24 ROYAL PLAYGROUNDS 24 VILLAGES & MOUNTAINS 25 INTERNET RESOURCES 25 CREDITS AND SOURCES 26

1. Annual inlingua Congress 2012
Guide to the city & Recommended
Leisure Activities: Madrid, May 2012

2. INDEX
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1
TOURIST TRAVEL PASS ........................................................................................................ 2
WALKING ROUTES THROUGHOUT TOURISTY AREAS ....................................................... 3
OLD MADRID WALKING TOUR ............................................................................................. 3
DESIGNER BARRIO WALKING TOUR .................................................................................. 5
TAPAS IN MEDIEVAL MADRID WALKING TOUR ............................................................... 6
BEYOND THE CENTRE ............................................................................................................... 7
BICYCLE ....................................................................................................................................... 7
TOURIST BUS. ......................................................................................................................... 8
MUSEUMS .................................................................................................................................. 11
PRADO MUSEUM ................................................................................................................... 11
REINA SOFÍA MUSEUM ............................................................................................................ 12
THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA MUSEUM. ....................................................................................... 13
MUSEUM OF AMERICA ........................................................................................................ 14
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE DECORATIVE ARTS ......................................................... 14
ROMANTIC MUSEUM ............................................................................................................ 15
CAIXA FORUM MADRID ....................................................................................................... 15
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM ................................................................................... 15
MUSEUM AND BIRTH HOME OF CERVANTES IN ALCALÁ DE HENARES .................. 15
PLAZA DE LAS VENTAS BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM ........................................................ 16
SANTIAGO BERNABEU MUSEUM ...................................................................................... 16
MUSEO SOROLLA ................................................................................................................. 17
TEMPLO DE DEBOD ............................................................................................................. 17
MUSEO LÁZARO GALDIANO .............................................................................................. 17
SHOPPING .................................................................................................................................. 18
EATING ....................................................................................................................................... 18
DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE .......................................................................................................... 19
.
GREEN AREAS IN MADRID ..................................................................................................... 20
PARQUE DEL BUEN RETIRO .............................................................................................. 20
REAL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO .................................................................................................... 21
MADRID RÍO ........................................................................................................................... 22
LAS VISTILLAS, VIADUCT & CALLE DE SEGOVIA .......................................................... 22

3.
SURROUNDING AREAS & DAY TRIPS .................................................................................. 23
BEAUTIFUL CITIES ............................................................................................................... 24
.
ROYAL PLAYGROUNDS ...................................................................................................... 24
.
VILLAGES & MOUNTAINS .................................................................................................... 25
INTERNET RESOURCES .......................................................................................................... 25
CREDITS AND SOURCES ........................................................................................................ 26
ii

4.
Introduction
Madrid capital city is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsula,
646 meters above sea level. It is in the centre of one of the warmest countries in Europe, therefore
having a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced
temperatures. Here you can enjoy more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. It is no surprise, then,
that this is one of the warmest parts of Europe.
Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the
most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation
and services along with the most advanced Audio-visual and communication technology. Due to its
economic output, standard of living and market size, Madrid is considered the major financial centre of
Spain; it hosts the head offices of eminent Spanish companies and main subsidiaries of many
multinational ones.
Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of
human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest
art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and
tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avant-garde trends, and the Reina Sofía
National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan
Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in
Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish
Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of
Europe's greenest capitals. Madrid is also one of Europe's most attractive business centers. Its
international airport receives more than one thousand flights weekly from all over the world and it has
two main conference centers, as well as the modern Campo de las Naciones exhibition centre and a
capacity to hold more than 80,000 people in other varied conference and meeting facilities.
If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for
life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select
theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the
finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some
of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments
and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.
Madrid's happening nightlife is another major attraction. Its pubs, bars, discos and flamenco
clubs have a tremendous atmosphere, while by day there are traditional verbenas (open-air dances),
popular festivals or the San Isidro bullfighting festival - rated as the world's most important.
But the capital city is not everything: the surrounding area contains amazing monuments and
fragile ecosystems and protected areas, no less significant that the capital. A few examples are:
• Cultural places: San Lorenzo del Escorial, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, and more far away
the cities of Toledo, Ávila and Segovia.
• Natural places: Guadarrama Mountain Range with the Peñalara, the Cuenca Alta del
Manzanares or the Hayedo de Montejo, are good options as well as the Gredos Mountain
Range in the northwest.
All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time
warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.
1

5.
Madrid Public Transport Network (http://www.ctm-madrid.es) is renowned for its high quality and
state-of-the-art service which comprises different means of transport with the most convenient
connecting points and interchanges.
TOURIST TRAVEL PASS
When planning to stay in Madrid for only 7 or
less days, the best option is to have a Tourist
Travel Pass. It is a personalized transport pass,
which entitles the holder to make an unlimited
number of trips, using the public transport
system operating within a chosen zone, with the
indicated exceptions.
According to the validity, there are five types of
Tourist Travel Passes: for 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 natural days.
Two different zones have been established: zone A and zone T. Zone A passes have the same limits
as the regular fare zone A and correspond almost entirely with the Madrid city limits. Zone T covers
the entire area where Travel Passes are valid.
Zone A Tourist Travel Passes can be used on all Metro lines, EMT
lines, Suburban Train stations and Light Rain ML1 inside the zone.
Zone T Tourist Travel Passes, in the addition to the above, can also
be used on all lines of Regular Passenger Public Transport by road,
all RENFE¹, Suburban Train lines and Light Rail ML2 and ML3 and
Parla Tramway.
The fares are as follows:
TOURIST TRAVEL PASS
Zone 1 day 2 days 3 days 5 days 7 days
10,00 13,00 19,00 25,00
A 6,00 €
€ € € €
12,00 20,00 25,00 36,00 50,00
T
€ € € € €
2

6.
Walking routes throughout touristy areas
OLD MADRID Walking Tour Spain’s seat of royal power for centuries,
1 Plaza de Oriente the Royal Palace imposes itself upon the
Plaza de Oriente and stands as one of the
Begin in this splendid arc of greenery and capital’s most emblematic sights. Its
graceful architecture, which could be interior is lavish, crammed with the
Madrid’s most agreeable plaza . You’ll find accumulated extravagance of royal
yourself surrounded by gardens, the excess.
Palacio Real and the Teatro Real, in a
square peopled by an ever-changing cast
of madrileños at play.
3 Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la
2 Palacio Real Almudena
3

7.
Madrid’s modern cathedral may lack the 8 Iglesia de San Ginés
old-world gravitas of other Spanish
cathedrals, but it’s a beautiful part of the The pedestrianised Calle del Arenal, which
skyline when combined with the adjacent leads northwest from the plaza, takes you
Palacio Real. Climb to the summit, and past the pleasing brick-and-stone Iglesia
then take a quick look within. de San Ginés , one of the longest-standing
relics of Christian Madrid. If you’re able to
4 Plaza de la Villa peek inside, make straight for the El Greco
masterpiece in the Santísimo Chapel.
From the cathedral, climb gently up Calle
Mayor, pausing to admire the last 9 Chocolatería de San Ginés
remaining ruins of Madrid’s first cathedral,
Santa María de la Almudena, then on to Tucked away in the lane behind the
Plaza de la Villa, a cosy square church, this bar-cafe is justifiably famous
surrounded on three sides by some of the for its churros y chocolate (Spanish donuts
best examples of Madrid baroque fresh from the oven with a large cup of hot
architecture. chocolate), the ideal Madrid hangover cure
or a delicious indulgence at any hour of
5 Mercado de San Miguel the day.
One of Madrid’s oldest markets (dating 10 Convento de las Descalzas Reales
from 1616) has become one of the coolest
places to eat and mingle with locals in Across the other side of Calle del Arenal,
downtown Madrid. The recently in Plaza de San Martín, this austere
refurbished Mercado de San Miguel is just convent has an extraordinarily rich interior
off Calle Mayor, between Plaza de la Villa behind the high brick walls, loaded with
and Plaza Mayor. tapestries, master paintings and a jaw-
dropping Renaissance stairway.
6 Plaza Mayor
11 PLAZA DE LA VILLA & AROUND
Head down the hill along Calle de la Cava
de San Miguel, then climb up through the There are grander plazas, but this intimate
Arco de Cuchilleros to Plaza Mayor, one of little square is one of Madrid’s prettiest.
Spain’s grandest and most beautiful Enclosed on three sides by wonderfully
plazas. The frescoes on the north side preserved examples of 17th-century
perfectly complement the slate spires and Madrid-style baroque architecture (barroco
ochre tones that surround a square that madrileño), it was the permanent seat of
has witnessed many of the grand events – Madrid’s city government from the Middle
as well as some distasteful ones – of the Ages until recent years when Madrid’s city
city’s history. council relocated to the grand Palacio de
Comunicaciones on Plaza de la Cibeles.
7 Plaza de la Puerta del Sol
WALK FACTS
Leave Plaza Mayor via the northeast
corner, down Calle de Postas to Puerta Start: Plaza de Oriente. End: Plaza de
del Sol. This is Madrid’s heartbeat, a España. Distance: 3km. Time: Two to
clamorous wedge of activity and pretty three hours
architecture dead in the centre of Madrid.
4

8.
DESIGNER BARRIO Walking Tour Paris. This street is glamour central, the most
1 Plaza de la Independencia prestigious shopping street in Spain.
From this roundabout crowned with the 3 Museo Arqueológico Nacional
monumental Puerta de Alcalá, you’ve many of
Madrid’s highlights on your doorstep. Just before you reach Plaza de Colón (it’s the
Southeast is the Parque del Buen Retiro, down one with the largest Spanish flag you’ll ever
the hill to the west is the glorious Plaza de la see) is the grand Museo Arqueológico
Cibeles and, beyond, the city centre. But Nacional. If the renovations have finished, take
you’re headed north, into the distinguished the time to wander through this fascinating
Salamanca barrio. journey spanning Spanish prehistory through
to the glories of Muslim Spain.
4 Calle de Serrano Part Two
Back on Calle de Serrano, stop in at Loewe
Thus initiated into the world of classy Spanish
fashion, continue north to the cheerful, bright
colours of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (before
toning things down a little in the boutique of
Roberto Verino.
5 Calle de José Ortega y Gasset
Shopping in Salamanca can give you a newly
acquired Spanish look, but Calle de José
Ortega y Gasset is all about international
glamour, with just about every mainstream
luxury clothes designer having a shop front
here. To treat yourself, head east as far as
Oriol Balaguer , where chocolate becomes art.
6 Museo de la Escultura Abstracta
Retrace your steps to Calle de Serrano, turn
right, then left on Calle de Juan Bravo.
Beneath the bridge where the street starts to
cross the Paseo de la Castellana, the openair
Museo de la Escultura Abstracta is about
Spanish design of a more enduring kind, with
the works of big-name Spanish sculptors on
permanent display.
WALK FACTS
Start Plaza de la Independencia
End Museo de la Escultura Abstracta
2 Calle de Serrano Distance 4km
Sweeping away to the north is C/ de Serrano Time Two hours, plus shopping time
which is to Madrid what Blvd Haussmann is to
5

9.
TAPAS IN MEDIEVAL MADRID 3 Juana La Loca
Walking Tour You haven’t come very far, but walking La
1 Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Buen Latina means regular tapas pit stops.
Consejo If it’s not Sunday and time for El Purple-clad Juana La Loca, just off the
Rastro, begin at what once served as southwestern end of Calle de la Cava
Madrid’s interim cathedral and last resting Baja, is the place for what’s possibly
place of the city’s patron saint. At once Madrid’s best tortilla de patatas (Spanish
austere and gilded in gold leaf, this potato omelette) and fine wines.
imposing basilica has much greater
resonance for most madrileños than the 4 Basílica de San Francisco El Grande
cathedral that replaced it.
All the way down the bottom of Carrera de
2 Calle de la Cava Baja San Francisco, this formidable basilica
looms over southwestern Madrid. Inside,
Head across Plaza de Segovia Nueva and note the extraordinary dome and Goya
turn left into Calle de la Cava Baja, a fresco and consider how far this patch of
winding medieval street along the site of land has come since St Francis of Assisi
Madrid’s old city walls. This is Madrid’s passed through in the 13th century. 5 Las
tapas central, with wonderful bars like Vistillas Calle de Bailén runs north to Las
Txacolina, Casa Lucas and the Vistillas, with its sweeping views out over
extravagantly tiled La Chata. Madrid’s sprawl, and the viaduct from
where there are even better views back
6

10.
towards the spires and terracotta roofs of 8 Museo de los Orígenes
Los Austrias. You’re now looking at the
morería (Moorish quarter) from medieval Time for a history lesson. Along the Plaza
times, and it’s here that you’re headed. de San Andrés, this fine museum takes
you on a journey through Madrid’s history
6 Plaza de la Paja with maps, old photos and memorabilia
from San Isidro.
Take Calle de la Morería as far as Calle de
Segovia, then climb back up to Plaza de la 9 Almendro 13
Paja, which is unlike any other Madrid
square. Feeling for all the world like you’ve Rest your weary legs perched atop one of
stumbled upon a plaza del pueblo (village the wooden stools at Almendro 13 and
square) in the heart of the city, Plaza de la cast a lingering look over the extensive
Paja is one of our favourite corners of menu. And hold on to your seat – this is
medieval Madrid. among the most celebrated tapas bars in
Madrid and tables are at a premium.
7 Iglesia de San Andrés
Overlooking the plaza (although entry is
from the southern side), this imposing WALK FACTS
church is glorious when floodlit at night Start: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del
and filled with baroque flourishes within, Buen Consejo End: Almendro 13
especially the altar and the sculpted Distance: 2.5km Time: Three to four hours
columns.
BEYOND THE CENTRE
In general the attractions beyond Madrid’s central barrios are spread pretty far and wide and,
in most cases, there’s little reason to do anything other than see the sight and come back.
There are, however, exceptions. The Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, which on no
account should be missed, lies just beyond the Argüelles district and is easily reached by
public transport. The Real Fábrica de Tapices and Casa de la Moneda are similarly close,
away to the east and southeast.
BICYCLE
Lots of people zip around town on motos (mopeds), but little has been done to encourage
cyclists in Madrid and bike lanes are almost as rare as drivers who keep an eye out for
cyclists. You can transport your bicycle on the metro from 10am to 12.30pm and after 9pm
Mondays to Fridays and all day on weekends and holidays. You can also take your bike
aboard cercanías (local trains serving big cities and nearby towns) from 10am onwards
Monday to Friday and all day on weekends. A good option is the recently built “Madrid Río”,
around the Manzanares River (<M> Príncipe Pío) or the modern “Juan Carlos I” Park (<M>
Campo de las Naciones) where you can rent a bike.
Cycling ring and map: www.anilloverdeciclista.es
7

11.
- Tourist Bus
8

12.
Madrid is a privileged cultural destination. This is not simply on account of the Prado Museum, one
of the world’s finest art galleries. This capital city is a living reflection of the diversity and variety that
are so characteristic of Spain. It is happy and dynamic, and the vitality of its streets, by day and night,
is infectious. It is an open, welcoming city, where no one is a stranger.
Madrid is located in the heart of Spain, in the geographical centre of the country. A lot can be said
about Madrid, because in this city, everything goes. It is modern yet traditional, majestic yet popular,
lively yet peaceful. More than anything else it is a haven of culture. Madrid is one of the world capitals
for art. Its museums, headed by the Prado, and its rich, diverse heritage and monuments, make it a
unique cultural destination.
If you enjoy art, you will find that Madrid is an essential location to know. You can have a “walk with
the great artistic geniuses” where you can admire the great names and masterpieces of universal art,
together on one unique itinerary: The "Paseo del Arte" (Art Route). The Prado Museum, Thyssen-
Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía National Museum are all located close together. Their
collections will enable you to explore different artistic movements and styles from the 16th to the 20th
centuries: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, Kandinsky… The
great works on display in these museums offer the visitor a magical, unforgettable encounter.
Besides those three main galleries, Madrid offers many other art centers and special exhibitions to
be found around the city. Their quality is sure to satisfy all tastes. Caixa Forum Madrid, the San
Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Art and the Casa de Alba Foundation have collections with works of
incalculable value; the Museum of the Americas and the Armory at the Royal Palace, considered as
one of the world’s most outstanding, are just a few examples worth discovering.
Another outstanding attraction of the city of Madrid is its historic monuments and architecture to be
enjoyed in the open air. Strolling around the city you will have the sensation of being in an open-air
museum which reflects Madrid’s evolution towards the modern capital it is today.
The central area is one of the favorites among locals on account of its bohemian character and
historic flavor. It is called “old Madrid” and the best way to explore it is on foot, wandering around its
streets and squares, packed with taverns, restaurants and traditional shops. Soon you feel immersed
9

13.
in the unusual atmosphere of the busy Puerta del Sol Square and enjoy its most beautiful spots, such
as the famous Plaza Mayor Square with its summer terrace bars.
Madrid’s most emblematic places are also those best loved by the local people. This city is not just
monuments and famous historic sites, however. There is much more to do, with places to have fun, go
shopping, sample different foods from around the world, or simply relax. The Royal Palace, Casa de
la Villa House, Plaza de Cibeles Square, the Teatro Real Theatre, the Gran Vía, Puerta de Alcalá
Gate, Retiro Park, Plaza de España Square… These are all places where the visitor feels the city’s
rhythm and intensity to the full.
Madrid’s famous regional gastronomy is another important feature worth knowing. There is a broad
choice of dishes, including huevos estrellados (fried eggs and potatoes mixed together), cocido
(chickpea casserole), patatas bravas (potatoes with spicy sauce), potato omelet and all kinds of fish
dishes. Madrid boasts Europe’s best fish market. Apart from the food itself, the best thing is the price,
available to suit every budget. You can choose restaurants from the most avant-garde to those
specializing in traditional cuisine. There are also bars and taverns where the tapas are not to be
missed – this is a typical Spanish social custom which means you can sample a huge range of
different delicacies.
10

14.
MUSEUMS
Art Route (map).
Mark a route that travels through the past, present and future of painting. The result is Madrid's "Art
Route". Spain's capital has three of the world's most important collections: the Prado Museum, the
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía National Museum. All three have recently
expanded, so now is a better time than ever to come and see them.
Madrid is not only the capital of Spain; it is also the country's art capital. This is the impression you
will inevitably have when you discover its famous "Art Route". There is nowhere else in the world with
as many masterpieces in such a small area. The Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the
Reina Sofía National Museum are the stars of this unique route, which will take you on a complete
tour of the history and evolution of painting. Now there is yet another reason to visit them: the new
additions built to expand their facilities, truly architectural gems. Inside and out, you will find these
museums a delight.
The three museums are located just a few meters from each other and are connected by one of the
city's main avenues: the Paseo del Prado. Along this route, shaded by leafy trees, you can enjoy such
emblematic landmarks as the 18th-century Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, the Royal Botanical
Gardens and the Astronomical Observatory.
Prado Museum
The Museo del Prado features one of the world's finest
collections of European art, from the 12th century to the
early 19th century, based on the former Spanish Royal
Collection. Founded as a museum of paintings and
sculpture, it also contains important collections of more
than 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins and
medals, and almost 2,000 decorative objects and works
of art. Sculpture is represented by more than 700 works
and by a smaller number of sculptural fragments. The
painting collection comprises about 7,800 paintings, of which only about 900 are at public display,
mainly because of the museum's lack of space for it. A new, recently opened wing enlarged the
display area by about 400 paintings, and it is currently used mainly for temporary expositions. El Prado
is one of the most visited sites in Madrid, and it is considered to be among the greatest museums of
art in the world.
With about 1,300 paintings on display in the museum,[3] the
museum's world class status is secured. The Prado has easily
the world's finest collection of Spanish painting, with large
numbers of the finest works of Diego Velázquez and
Francisco Goya, as well El Greco, Bartolomé Estéban Murillo,
Jusepe de Ribera, Francisco de Zurbarán, and most other
leading Spanish old masters. There are also large groups of
important works by the Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch (a
personal favorite of King Philip II of Spain), Titian, Peter Paul
Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Raphael, and Joachim Patiner.
Fine examples of the works of Andrea Mantegna, Botticelli,
Caravaggio, Guido Reni, Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt, Orazio
Gentileschi, Artemisia Gentileschi, Veronese, Hans Baldung
Grien, Fra Angelico, Antonello da Messina, Van der Weyden,
Nicolas Poussin, Claude Gellée, Thomas Gainsborough,
Thomas Lawrence, and many other notable artists are also on
display in the museum.
11

15.
The best known work on display at the museum is Las Meninas by Velázquez. Velázquez not only
provided the Prado with his own works, but his keen eye and sensibility was also responsible for
bringing much of the museum's fine collection of Italian masters to Spain.
Pablo Picasso's renowned work Guernica was exhibited in the Prado upon its return to Spain after the
restoration of democracy, but was moved to the Museo Reina Sofía in 1992 as part of a transfer of all
works later than the early 19th century to other buildings for space reasons.
The Museo del Prado is one of the buildings constructed during the reign of Charles III (Carlos III) as
part of a grandiose building scheme designed to bestow upon Madrid a monumental urban space. The
building that lodges the Museum of the Prado was initially conceived by José Moñino y Redondo,
Floridablanca Count and was commissioned in 1785 by Charles III for the re-urbanization of the Paseo
del Prado. To this end, Charles III called on one of its favorite architects, Juan de Villanueva, author
also of the nearby Botanical Garden and the City Hall of Madrid.The prado ("meadow") that was where
the museum now stands gave its name to the area, the Salón del Prado (later Paseo del Prado), and
to the museum itself upon nationalization. Work on the building stopped at the conclusion of Charles
III's reign and throughout the Peninsular War and was only initiated again during the reign of Charles
III's grandson, Ferdinand VII. The structure was used as headquarters for the cavalry and a
gunpowder-store for the Napoleonic troops based in Madrid during the War of Independence.
Reina Sofía Museum
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is
the official name of Spain's national museum of
20th century art (informally shortened to the
Museo Reina Sofía, Queen Sofia Museum, El
Reina Sofia, or simply The Sofia). The museum
was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992
and is named after Queen Sofia of Spain. It is
located in Madrid, near the Atocha train and metro
stations, at the southern end of the so-called
Golden Triangle of Art (located along the Paseo
del Prado and also comprising the Museo del
Prado and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza).
12

16.
The museum is mainly dedicated to Spanish art. Highlights of the museum include excellent
collections of Spain's two greatest 20th century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Certainly
the most famous masterpiece in the museum is Picasso's great painting Guernica. The Reina Sofía
also has fine collections of the works of Juan Gris, Joan Miró, Julio González, Eduardo Chillida, Antoni
Tàpies, Pablo Gargallo, Lucio Muñoz, Luis Gordillo, Jorge Oteiza, José Gutiérrez Solana and many
other significant artists.
Foreign artists are few, but there are works by Robert Delaunay, Yves Tanguy, Man Ray, Jacques
Lipchitz, Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, cubist still-lifes by Georges Braque and a large work by Francis
Bacon. It also hosts a free-access library specializing in art, with a collection of over 100,000 books,
over 3,500 sound recordings and almost 1,000 videos.
The central building of the museum was an 18th century hospital. Extensive modern renovations and
additions to the old building were made starting in 1980. In 1988 portions of the new museum were
opened to the public, mostly in temporary configurations; that same year it was decreed a national
museum. An 8000 m2 (86,000 ft2) expansion costing €92 million designed by French architect Jean
Nouvel opened October 2005.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, or in Spanish Museo Thyssen-
Bornemisza, is an art museum near the Prado Museum. It is known
as a part of the "Golden Triangle of Art", which also includes the
Prado and the Reina Sofia galleries. The Thyssen-Bornemisza fills
the historical gaps in its counterparts' collections: in the Prado's
case this includes Italian primitives and works from the
English, Dutch and German schools, while in the case of the Reina
Sofia the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, once the second largest
private collection in the world after the British Royal Collection,
includes Impressionists, Expressionists, and European and
American paintings from the second half of the 20th century, with
over 1,600 paintings. The competition was won after in 1986 Baron
Thyssen having tried to enlarge his Museum in Villa Favorita and
searched for a location in Europe.
The Old Masters were mainly bought by the elder Baron,
while Hans focused more on the 19th and 20th century,
resulting in a collection that spans eight centuries of European
painting, without claiming to give an all-encompassing view
but rather a series of highlights.
One of the focal points is the early European painting, with a
major collection of 14th and 15th century Italian paintings by
Duccio, and his contemporaries, and works of the early
Flemish and Dutch painters like Jan Van Eyck, Albrecht
Dürer, and Hans Holbein. Other highlights include works by
the most famous Renaissance and Baroque painters,
including Titian, Sebastiano del Piombo, Caravaggio, Rubens,
Van Dyck, Murillo, Rembrandt and Frans Hals and wonderful
portraits by Domenico Ghirlandaio and Vittore Carpaccio. Also
important for the Museum's collection are Impressionist and
Post-Impressionist works by artists like Claude Monet,
Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh, as well
as twentieth century masterpieces, like a Cubist work by
Picasso or late works by Piet Mondrian and Edward Hopper.
A collection of works from the museum is housed in Barcelona
in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
13

17.
Museums Guide
Besides the three major museums included in the Art Route, Madrid has many more museums and
exhibition spaces spread throughout its region. Such museums cover not only art from the Ancient
times to the most avant-garde works of Contemporary Art, but also Science, Technology,
Anthropology or History and customs. In the lines below you will find a selection which can be
extended with the Museums Guide enclosed in the Addends.
National Archeological Museum
Closed due to improvements. Next to the National
Library. <M> Colón or Banco de España.
Museum of America
The Museum of America was founded in 1941,
with collections from the Royal Museum of Natural
History. It is a colonial-style building, with an arch
on the façade, a tower reminiscent of American
Baroque churches and a convent layout,
constructed between 1943 and 1954 by the architects Luis Moya and Luis Martínez Feduchi, located
in Avenida de los Reyes Católicos.
Its subject matter covers an extended period, ranging from American pre-historical times to the
present day, with particular emphasis on pre-Columbian archaeology, ethnography and colonial art.
The permanent collection is arranged into five large sections that exhibit the complexity of American
history: knowledge of America; American reality; society; religion and communication.
In 1875 King Alfonso XII of Spain inaugurated the “Anatomical Museum”, which was founded further to
the initiative of Pedro González Velasco in an eclectic-style building constructed by the architect
Marqués de Cubas.
The National Anthropology Museum is the first anthropological museum to be created in Spain. It
offers visitors a global view of the culture of various peoples in the world and points out their cultural
similarities and differences in order to reveal their cultural diversity.
It holds documentary collections and objects that have gradually been incorporated into its assets over
time, providing samples of the material culture of various peoples in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and
Oceania. It also offers fine examples of physical Anthropology.
National Museum of the Decorative Arts
It was one of the first institutions dedicated to
industrial arts in Spain, created by Royal Decree on 5
May 1871 as the Industrial Museum. In 1932 it was
transferred to its current location, the small palace
constructed by the architect José María González.
Its collections consist of close to 65,000 pieces,
depicting various periods of history of art and the
assimilation of daily and luxury objects over the
centuries. The Museum hosts fine examples of
ceramic and porcelain, tapestries, carpets, furniture,
silver objects, jewellery, glassworks and glass, leather
goods, etc. The oldest items of the collection date back to the fourth century but the chronological
sequence start off in the fourteenth century and continue until the first half of the 20th century.
14

18.
Romantic Museum
This Museum was created by Mr. Benigno de la
Vega-Inclán y Flaquer, II Marqués de la Vega Inclán
(1858-1942), through a donation to the State in
1921, after presenting a fine collection of paintings,
furniture and personal objects at an exhibition held
in the former Friends of the Arts Society, in
anticipation of what would be the future museum.
The assets were installed from the very start in its
current location, San Mateo 13 (Madrid), in a
building constructed in 1776 under the management
of the architect Manuel Rodríguez and
commissioned by the lieutenant general Marqués de
Matallana.
Caixa Forum Madrid
Located in the heart of the city, occupying the former
“Mediodía” Electrical Plant, it is a new cultural forum
designed by the Swiss architects Herzog and De Meuron.
The building is supported by a single column included in
the internal space, used as exhibition rooms.
Inside, an outstanding vertical garden more than twenty
meters high offers more than fifteen thousand types of
plants belonging to 250 different species.
Telecommunications Museum
The collection’s origin lies in the initiative by a group of
Telefónica employees in the seventies and is currently
managed by the Art and Technology Foundation
dependent upon Telefónica. It has gathered the full
collection into this museum opened in 1992.
Preserved within its halls are the pieces of equipment
which made it possible to provide telephone services
throughout the company’s history, as well as various
materials devoted to telecommunications, telegraphs,
telephones and radio.
Museum and Birth Home of Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares
Monographic museum located in the house where writer Miguel
de Cervantes is believed to have been born. Through a
recreation, it shows the different rooms in a wealthy home from
the sixteenth to seventeenth centuries. The space is designed
around a two-story central courtyard which preserves the
home’s original well.
The lower floor shows the rooms where social and family life took place: the living room, the botica
(room of Rodrigo de Cervantes), the kitchen, the dining room and the dais. The upper floor displays
the rooms devoted to the family’s private life: the gentlemen’s alcove and the ladies’, proprietresses’
and children’s chambers. Located on this same floor is the room which exhibits a collection of editions
of Cervantes’ works. The former wine cellar has been recovered in the basement and is used to show
an audio-visual life of Cervantes.
15

19.
Plaza de las Ventas Bullfighting Museum
Museum specifically dedicated to the world of bullfighting. The collection is arranged into six thematic
areas with access from the entrance hall, where there is a collection of bullfighting signs, the most
notable of which is the sign for the original opening of the Ventas Bullfighting Ring. The first thematic
area is devoted to the nineteenth century, with common scenes from the era and documents on
bullfighting rings and tickets.
The second section takes us to the
eighteenth century and mythical
figures in the bullfighting world such
as Paquiro, Costillares and Pedro
Romero, founders of the science of
bullfighting and the first heroes of
bullfighting on foot.
The third area is dedicated to
bullfighting clothes and the historical
changes in bullfighters’ garments.
You will find their capes, suits of light
and accessories belonging to the
most important figures in bullfighting.
After a sculpture collection, the fifth area is devoted to the bulls themselves and there is an exhibition
on bullfighting tools.
Santiago Bernabeu Museum
The Real Madrid Museum contains a wealth of treasures that will interest all fans. Even if you can't get
there in person, this page will serve as a guide as to what can be found there. The museum has lots of
written history about the team, and a wall full of photos as well as hundreds of trophies. There is also
essential information about How To Travel To the museum.
The Real Madrid museum is crammed full of all the cups that the team have ever won. There are
detailed histories written on the walls next to each section of the display. The Real Madrid museum
gives you the chance to travel back in time with the team and learn about their earliest victories.
16

20.
MUSEO SOROLLA
(http://museosorolla.mcu.es), in
Spanish; Paseo del General Martínez
Campos 37; adult/child under 18yr &
senior/student €3/ free/1.50, free Sun;
h9.30am-8pm Tue-Sat, 10am-3pm
Sun & holidays; <M> Gregorio
Marañón or Rubén Darío. The
Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla
immortalised the clear Mediterranean
lightn of the Valencian coast. His
Madrid house, a quiet mansion
surrounded by lush gardens that he
designed himself, was inspired by
what he had seen in Andalucía and
now contains the most complete
collection of the artist’s works. On the
ground floor there’s a cool patio
cordobés, an Andalucian courtyard
off which is a room containing
collections of Sorolla’s drawings. The 1st floor, with the main salon and dining areas, was mostly
decorated by the artist himself. On the same floor are three separate rooms that Sorolla used as
studios. In the second one is a collection of his Valencian beach scenes. The third was where he
usually worked. Upstairs, works spanning Sorolla’s career are organised across four adjoining rooms.
Templo de Debod
With your feet back on the ground, the Paseo del Pintor Rosales leads to the Templo de Debod, a
4200-year-old Egyptian temple transplanted into the heart of Madrid. It’s an intriguing apparition. Don’t
neglect to wander in the gardens behind the temple for fine views (especially at sunset) towards the
Palacio Real.
MUSEO LÁZARO GALDIANO
91 561 60 84; www.flg.es, in Spanish; Calle de
Serrano 122; adult/student €4/2, free Sun;
h10am-4.30pm Wed-Mon; mGregorio Marañón
104 NEIGHBOURHOODS SALAMANCA This
is just the sort of place you expect to find along
Calle de Serrano, with an imposing early-20th-
century Italianate stone mansion set discreetly
back from the street. And Don José Lázaro
Galdiano (1862–1947), a successful and
cultivated businessman, was just the sort of
person you’d expect to find in Salamanca. A
patron of the arts, he built up an astonishing
lived, with hundreds of curios from all around
private collection that he bequeathed to the city
the world on show. The lovely 1st floor is
upon his death. It was no mean inheritance,
dominated by Spanish artworks arrayed
with some 13,000 works of art and objets d’art,
around the centrepiece of the former ballroom
a quarter of which are on show at any time.
and beneath lavishly frescoed ceilings. The
The highlights are the works by Zurbarán,
2nd floor contains numerous minor
Claudio Coello, Hieronymus Bosch, Esteban
masterpieces from Italian, Flemish, English
Murillo, El Greco, Lucas Cranach, Constable
and French painters, while the top floor is
and there’s even a painting in room 11
jammed with all sorts of ephemera, including
attributed to Velázquez. But the undoubted star
some exquisite textiles in room 24. The
of the show is Goya, who dominates room 13,
labelling throughout the museum is excellent,
while the ceiling of the adjoining room 14
appearing in both English and Spanish, and is
features a collage from some of Goya’s more
accompanied by photos of each room as it
famous works in honour of the genius. The
appeared in Galdiano’s prime.
ground floor is largely given over to a display
setting the social context in which Galdiano
17

21.
- Shopping
Shopping in the Spanish capital is about so much more than Zara, bull postcards and tacky
flamenco posters. If we had to identify our favourite aspect of shopping here, it would have to
be the small boutiques and quirky shops that you find all across the city and which enable
you to escape the over-commercialisation of mass-produced Spanish culture. Often run by
the same family for generations, these engaging little outposts of traditional Spanish culture
sell everything from handcrafted abanicos (Spanish fans) and old-style ceramics to rope-
soled espadrilles, and from guitars favoured by the Beatles, Eric Clapton and numerous
flamenco greats to corner shops specialising in Spanish wines and food delicacies. Madrid is
also Spain’s fashion capital and the streets are lined with shops that showcase all the colour
and creativity of Spanish and international designers, from haute couture to earthy street
wear.
The key to shopping Madrid-style is knowing where to look. Salamanca and parts of Chueca
are the home of upmarket fashions. Malasaña, Salamanca’s alter ego, is all about fashion
that’s as funky as it is offbeat and ideal for that studied underground look that will fit right in
with Madrid’s after-dark crowd. Huertas and Chamberí defy easy categorisation with their
engaging, often old-style little boutiques, while La Latina has become a magnet for some of
Spain’s most imaginative jewellery designers. The downtown area close to the Puerta del Sol
throws up plenty of individual surprises but, in keeping with the character of central Madrid,
there’s a little bit of everything on offer. That sense is multiplied a hundredfold in El Rastro
market, where madrilènes converge in epic numbers on Sunday to pick through the junk in
search of treasure.
 For a shopping route, check page #5
- Eating
After holding fast to its rather unexciting local cuisine for centuries (aided, it must be said,
by loyal locals who never saw the need for anything else), Madrid has finally become one of
Europe’s culinary capitals.
This is a city that grew and became great because of immigrants from all over Spain who
made Madrid their home. On their journey to the capital, these immigrants carried with them
recipes and ingredients from their villages, thereby bequeathing to the city an astonishing
variety of regional flavours that you just don’t find anywhere else. Travel from one Spanish
village to the next and you’ll quickly learn that each has its own speciality; travel to Madrid
and you’ll find them all. Throw in some outstanding restaurants serving international cuisine
and the choice of where to eat well is almost endless.
There’s not a barrio where you can’t find a great meal. Restaurants in Malasaña, Chueca
and Huertas range from glorious old tabernas (taverns) to boutique eateries across all price
ranges. For more classically elegant surrounds, Paseo del Prado, El Retiro, Salamanca and
northern Madrid are generally pricey but of the highest standard and are ideal for spotting
royalty and celebrities. In the central barrios of Los Austrias, Sol and Centro, as is their wont,
there’s a little bit of everything. Splendid tapas bars abound everywhere, but La Latina is the
undoubted king.
18

22.
Aside from the myriad tastes on offer, it’s the buzz that accompanies eating that defines the
city as a memorable gastronomic experience. Here, eating is not a functional pastime to be
squeezed in between other more important tasks; instead, it is one of life’s great pleasures, a
social event always taken seriously enough to allocate hours for the purpose and to be
savoured like all good things in life.
 For a TAPAS route, check page #6
- Drinking & Nightlife
Nights in the Spanish capital are the stuff of legend and what Hemingway wrote of the city in
the 1930s remains true to this day: ‘Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the
night.’
Madrid has more bars than any other city in the world, six, in fact, for every 100 inhabitants,
and, wherever you are in town, there’ll be a bar close by. But bars are only half the story. On
any night in Madrid, excellent flamenco venues, funky jazz clubs and an otherwise
outstanding live music scene keep you going beyond midnight, then segue easily into
cocktail bars and the nightclubs that have brought such renown to Madrid as the unrivalled
scene of all-night fiestas.
Although you could spend your night criss-crossing the city in search of the perfect vibe,
most madrileños take a fairly localised approach to a night out – once they’ve begun to drink
and otherwise settle into the night, they tend to move from one place to the next within the
same barrio.
These are intended to serve as a guide only – you could, for example, easily pass an entire
night in a live music venue where pre-performance cocktails are served and DJs take up
when the live performers head home, or combine first and last drinks in the same place.
Every barrio in the city (with the exception of Paseo del Prado and El Retiro) makes its
contribution to the pulsating after-dark marcha (action), but some barrios definitely offer more
than others. Los Austrias, Sol and Centro have a small selection of venues across a range of
genres, while Huertas attracts a local and international crowd most nights of the week.
Chueca is exuberantly and extravagantly gay, although everyone’s welcome. Neighbouring
Malasaña, the spiritual home of la movida madrileña, has never really grown up and is the
barrio of choice for grunge rockers, sideburns and an eclectic crowd; it’s the antithesis of
Salamanca, where it’s all about hair gel and designer clothing. La Latina and, to a lesser
extent, Lavapiés are gritty, groovy and cool all at once, and definitely among night-time
Madrid’s bestkept secrets, while Chamberí and Argüelles don’t have many venues, but
they’re worth checking out. And northern Madrid has a handful of outstanding bars and live
venues.
A final piece of advice: If you plan to stay out the whole night, sleeping the siesta the
afternoon before will be the key to your staying power.
19

23.
- Green Areas in Madrid
PARQUE DEL BUEN RETIRO
<M> Retiro, Príncipe de Vergara, Ibiza or
On the southern end of the lake, the odd
Atocha The glorious gardens of El Retiro
structure decorated with sphinxes is the
are as beautiful as any you’ll find in a
Fuente Egipcia (Egyptian Fountain) and
European city. Littered with marble
legend has it that an enormous fortune
monuments, landscaped lawns, the
buried in the park by Felipe IV in the mid-
occasional elegant building and abundant
18th century rests here. Park authorities
greenery, it’s quiet and contemplative
assured us that we could put away our
during the week but comes to life on
spade and that the legend is rot.
weekends. Put simply, this is one of our
favourite places in Madrid. Hidden among the trees south of the lake
is the Palacio de Cristal, a magnificent
Laid out in the 17th century by Felipe IV as
metal and glass structure that is arguably
the preserve of kings, queens and their
El Retiro’s most beautiful architectural
intimates, the park was opened to the
monument. It was built in 1887 as a winter
public in 1868 and ever since, whenever
garden for exotic flowers and is now used
the weather’s fine and on weekends in
for temporary exhibitions organised by the
particular, madrileños from all across the
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Just north of
city gather here to stroll, read the Sunday
here, the 1883 Palacio de Velázquez is
papers in the shade, take a boat ride or
generally used for temporary exhibitions,
nurse a cool drink at the numerous
although it was closed for renovations at
outdoor terrazas. Weekend buskers,
the time of writing. Another building
Chinese masseurs and tarot readers ply
occasionally used for temporary
their trades, while art and photo
exhibitions is the Casa de Vacas (x91 409
exhibitions are sometimes held at the
58 19; h11am-10pm), on the north side of
various sites around the park, but it’s so
the lake.
big that even on weekends there are
plenty of quiet corners away from the At the southern end of the park, near La
crowds (apart from the lovers under trees Rosaleda (Rose Garden) with its more
locked in seemingly eternal embraces). than 4000 roses, is a statue of El Ángel
Caído (the Fallen Angel, aka Lucifer), one
The focal point for so much of El Retiro’s
of the few statues to the devil anywhere in
life is the artificial lake (estanque), which
the world. Strangely, it sits 666m above
is watched over by the massive
sea level… In the same vein, the Puerta
ornamental structure of the Monument to
de Dante, in the extreme southeastern
Alfonso XII on the east side, complete with
corner of the park, is watched over by a
marble lions. If you want to catch the
carved mural of Dante’s Inferno.
essence of Madrid’s endless energy, come
here as sunset approaches on a Sunday Occupying much of the southwestern
afternoon in summer – as the crowd corner of the park is the Jardín de los
grows, bongos sound out across the park Planteles, one of the least-visited sections
and people start to dance. of El Retiro, where quiet pathways lead
beneath an overarching canopy of trees.
West of here is the moving Bosque del
20

24.
Recuerdo (Memorial Forest), an del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios (h8am-
understated memorial to the 191 victims of 5pm Mon-Fri).
the 11 March 2004 train bombings. For
each victim stands an olive or cypress With playgrounds dotted around the park
tree. About 200m north of the monument and plenty of child-friendly activities, El
is the Bosque del Recuerdo information Retiro should have more than enough
office (h10am-2pm & 4-7pm Sat, Sun & space and interest to keep children happy.
holidays). To the north, just inside the If they need something more, puppet
Puerta de Felipe IV, stands what is shows are a summertime feature (look for
thought to be Madrid’s oldest tree, a signs to Titirilandia – Puppet Land – in the
Mexican conifer (ahuehuete). Planted in park’s northwest). The Casa de Vacas
1633 and with a trunk circumference of also sometimes hosts children’s theatre
52m, it was used by French soldiers during (teatro infantil) on weekends. Ask at one of
the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th the information offices to see what’s on.
century as a cannon mount.
In the northeastern corner of the park,
there’s another information office (h10am-
2pm & 4-7pm Sat, Sun & holidays) in the
cute Casita del Pescador, a former royal
fishing lodge. Inquire here for the free
guided tours (x91 588 46 20;
inforetiro@munimadrid.es) of the Parque
del Buen Retiro, which cover bird and
plant life as well as history and
architecture; reservations are essential.
A stone’s throw from this information office REAL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO
are the pleasing ruins of the Ermita de San <M> Atocha Although not as expansive or
Isidro (cnr Calle de O’Donnell & Avenida as popular as the Parque del Buen Retiro,
de Menéndez Pelayo; mPríncipe de Madrid’s botanical gardens are another
Vergara), a small country chapel leafy oasis in the centre of town. With
noteworthy as one of the few, albeit some 30,000 species crammed into a
modest, examples of Romanesque relatively small 8-hectare area, it’s more a
architecture in Madrid. Parts of the wall, a place to wander at leisure than laze under
side entrance and part of the apse were a tree, although there are benches dotted
restored in 1999 and are all that remain of throughout the gardens where you can sit.
the 13th-century building. When it was
In the centre stands a statue of Carlos III,
built, Madrid was a small village more than
who in 1781 moved the gardens here from
2km away.
their original location at El Huerto de
Southeast of the hermitage, beyond the Migas Calientes, on the banks of the Río
children’s playgrounds and the Casa de Manzanares. In the Pabellón Villanueva,
Fieras – which served as Madrid’s zoo on the eastern flank of the gardens, art
until 1972 and was once home to camels exhibitions are frequently staged – the
that appeared in Lawrence of Arabia – are opening hours are the same as for the
the sculpted hedgerows, wandering park and the exhibitions are usually free.
peacocks and lily ponds of the Jardines
21

25.
MADRID RÍO LAS VISTILLAS, VIADUCT &
<M> Príncipe Pío. An impressive 10km- CALLE DE SEGOVIA
long park that runs along the banks of the <M> Ópera The leafy area around and
Manzanares River and offers a wide beneath the southern end of the viaduct
selection of sports and recreational that crosses Calle de Segovia, is an ideal
facilities for the whole family. spot to pause and ponder the curious
history of one of Madrid’s oldest barrios.
The waters of the Manzanares River flow
once again as a result of the ambitious Probably the best place to do this is just
plan to move the old M-30 motorway across Calle de Bailén where the terrazas
underground, creating over ten kilometres (open-air cafes) of Jardines de las Vistillas
of pedestrian and cycling routes. (Las Vistillas) offer one of the best vantage
points in Madrid for a drink, with views
The new park shows off gems such as the
towards the Sierra de Guadarrama. During
old Puente de Segovia and Puente de
the civil war, Las Vistillas was heavily
Toledo bridges, the Virgen del Puerto
bombarded by Nationalist troops from the
Chapel and new urban landmarks, like the
Casa de Campo, and they in turn were
Puente Monumental bridge in Arganzuela
shelled from a republican bunker here.
Park and the city beach. Madrid Río has
opened up new spaces and incorporated The adjacent viaduct was built in the 19th
existing areas into a project tackling three century and replaced by a newer version
aspects of city life: the environment, in 1942; the plastic barriers were erected
leisure and sport. Its most outstanding in the late 1990s to prevent suicide jumps.
achievement, however, is doing away with
the barrier hindering communication Before the viaduct was built, anyone
between the two river banks, which wanting to cross from one side of the road
separated one side of the city from the or river to the other was obliged to make
other. their way down to Calle de Segovia and
back up the other side.
22

26.
- Surrounding Areas & Day Trips
Located as it is in the geographical heart of Spain, Madrid is an ideal base for exploring the
country. Well-developed road and rail networks fan out across the peninsula, with a host of
beautiful historical towns and other sights within easy reach of the capital.
If you’re a city person, Toledo, Segovia and Ávila are an hour away from Madrid by train. A
visit to these cities takes you on a journey through the country’s polyglot history, from the
soaring Roman remains of Segovia, to the medieval defensive battlements of Ávila and the
grand monuments to religious enlightenment in Toledo.
If you’re needing a break from city life, villages like Chinchón and those of the Sierra de
Guadarrama or Sierra Pobre provide an antidote. In the sierras, you can also leave behind
the last outposts of civilisation and hike out into the wilderness and still be back in Madrid for
a late dinner. Alcalá de Henares straddles the two experiences, with all the life and energy of
an elegant university town and the intimacy of a large village.
The royals who have always made Madrid their capital also understood that a country retreat
was sometimes necessary from all the noise of the city. From a ledge in the mountains to the
west of the city, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one of the most extraordinary palace-
monasteries in Spain. South of Madrid, Aranjuez is equally eye-catching, with a stately
palace surrounded by monumental gardens. And on any of the day trips covered in this
chapter, you’ll find restaurants where you can eat like a king.
Although you could easily stray further and make it back to Madrid by nightfall, you’d be
rushing to do so. For this reason, we have restricted our coverage to places that require no
more than a two-hour round trip. We understand, however, that if you have more time, you
may wish to stay overnight in cities such as Toledo, Segovia and Ávila with their many
attractions.
23

27.
BEAUTIFUL CITIES ROYAL PLAYGROUNDS
Toledo is a grandly austere city that once The imposing 16th-century monastery and
rivalled Madrid for the role of capital. palace complex of San Lorenzo de El
Coming here is like stepping back into the Escorial guards the gateway to Madrid
Middle Ages, into a history when from the northwest and is a terrific
Christians, Muslims and Jews turned this excursion. Nearby the Valle de los Caídos
into one of Spain’s most enlightened cities. is a curious monument to General
Ávila, too, resonates with history, most Francisco Franco’s delusions of grandeur
notably in its imposing cathedral and – not royalty, but he would have liked to
encircling medieval walls. The Unesco have been. Graceful Aranjuez is home to
World Heritage-listed old city of Segovia a magnificent palace and expansive
has an entirely different, lightfilled charm gardens, and now serves as a fine retreat
as it surveys the surrounding mountains from the noise and bustle of Madrid just as
from its hill-top perch. The exceptional it did for Spanish royalty down through the
alcázar (Muslim-era fortress) and Roman- ages.
era aqueduct are its signature sights, but
it’s also a place where eating is an art
form.
24

28.
VILLAGES & MOUNTAINS and is still home to one of Spain’s oldest
Chinchón, southeast of Madrid, has a universities and distinguished architecture.
stunning, ramshackle charm; its uneven,
porticoed Plaza Mayor ranks among
Spain’s most enchanting plazas. Chinchón
is also a fine place for eating.
Protecting Madrid from the north, the
Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Pobre
shelter charming old villages, including
Manzanares El Real and Buitrago.
Alcalá de Henares, east of the capital,
has almost outgrown its village origins, but
is worth as much time as you can give it. It
was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.atapear.com. in Spanish. Customer reviews and rankings of tapas bars in Madrid (407
at the last count) and other Spanish cities under its 'Gufa de Bares de Tapas'.
www.tapaspormadrid.com. In Spanish- Occasional tapas routes (where you collect stamps in
a booklet) offering discounted prices and signature tapas dishes from a range of bars.
EsMadrid.com (www.esmadrid.com) The Ayuntamiento's revamped website is super-sexy,
although it can be a little tough to navigate (scroll down and try the 'Site Map' if you're having
trouble). Lots of info on upcoming events. It also has a section 'Donde corner en Madrid',
which gives an overview of emblematic restaurants and tapas bars.
www.lacuchara.es. in Spanish. Guide to restaurants and tapas bars.
25

29.
In Madrid (www.in-madrid.com) A direct line to Madrid's ex pat community with upcoming
events, nightlife reviews, articles, a forum, c1assifieds and some useful practical information.
La Netro (http://madrid.lanetro.com, in Spanish) Allows you to search for bars, restaurants,
nightclubs and just about any kind of Madrid business, and most have customer reviews. Its
'tops' section lists top 10s across a range of categories as voted by users. Le Cool
(www.lecool.com) Weekly updates on upcoming events in Madrid with an emphasis on the
alternative, offbeat and avant-garde. The name is pretty accurate.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) An overview of Madrid with hundreds of useful links,
including to the Thorn Tree, Lonely Planet's online bulletin board.
www.restaurantesmadrid.net.in Spanish. Rankings and reviews by the public.
Turismo Madrid (www.turismomadrid.es) Portal of the regional Comunidad de Madrid tourist
office that's especially good for areas outside the city but still within the Comunidad de
Madrid.
Vive Madrid (www.guiavivemadrid.com) A privately run site that has some moderately useful
info on bars, restaurants, hotels and transport, as well as a booking service.
- Credits and sources
 Beatriz Narbona Reina (Inlingua – Madrid)
 Inlingua Madrid Leisure Activities Department
 Juan Archanco (Tradyco – UAM)
 Lonely Planet
 www.madrid.es ; www.esmadrid.com ; www.google.es ; www.wordreference.com ;
www.zonu.com ; www.arteguias.com ; www.wikipedia.org (EN & SPA)
26