... But Madrid, the capital of Spain, is an exception. The town had fewer than 10,000 inhabitants in 1561 when it suddenly rose to prominence.
The reason was simple. Phillip II, King of Spain and of a vast overseas empire, had grown weary of moving his court from one city of Castile to another. ... Read review
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...from his favourite hunting grounds. Madrid met that requirement admirably, and the town also had good water, room for expansion and fertile farmland in the vicinity.
Once the decision was made, Philip initiated a building program to make Madrid a suitable capital.
Later Spanish kings also embellished the city, creating a unique connection between Madrid and the monarchy. By the 17th century, Madrid has become the largest city ... ...of the city is called Madrid of the Austrias, dating from the Austrian or Hasburg, dynasty of the 16th and 17th centuries. Subsequent additions became known as the Madrid of the Bourbons, the present dynasty that dates from 1700.
Over the centuries, Spanish kings promoted or financed the construction of many of the capitals stately buildings. This priceless collection of paintings now forms the nucleus of Madrid national art gallery. And extensive ... more
Some capital cities of the world sprang up near natural harbours and have long served as bustling ports. Others are situated at well-used river crossings and grew to prominence almost inevitably. Many European capitals have been important cities since Roman times. But Madrid, the capital of Spain, is an exception. The town had fewer than 10,000 inhabitants in 1561 when it suddenly rose to prominence. The reason was simple. Phillip II, King of Spain and of a vast overseas empire, had grown weary of moving his court from one city of Castile to another. A keen hunter, he wanted to have his permanent court located at a convenient distance from his favourite hunting grounds. Madrid met that requirement admirably, and the town also had good water, room for expansion and fertile farmland in the vicinity. Once the decision was made, Philip initiated a building program to make Madrid a suitable capital.
Later Spanish kings also embellished the city, creating a unique connection between Madrid and the monarchy. By the 17th century, Madrid has become the largest city in Spain. Today it is a thriving modern metropolis of over three million people. Because of Madrids close connection with Spain's royalty, many of its historic building are related to the two main dynasties. The oldest part of the city is called Madrid of the Austrias, dating from the Austrian or Hasburg, dynasty of the 16th and 17th centuries. Subsequent additions became known as the Madrid of the Bourbons, the present dynasty that dates from 1700. Over the centuries, Spanish kings promoted or financed the construction of many of the capitals stately buildings. This priceless collection of paintings now forms the nucleus of Madrid national art gallery. And extensive royal property in the Madrid area eventually became the city's principal parks and leisure areas.
***A Green City*** ******************** Because of the royal interest in hunting and gardens, an ample greenbelt was already conserved when Madrid began its modern expansion. Despite rapid urban growth in recent decades, huge wedge of parkland extends southward from the sierra practically to the gates of the city centre. One of Madrids parklands, a former royal hunting ground called the Casa de Campo is located near the royal palace and it now houses a modern zoo. To the north of Madrid lies a vast area of indigenous oak forest known as the hill of El Pardo, which reaches to within six miles of the city centre.
Philip II established the limits of this game park not long after making Madrid his capital. A royal hunting lodge, first erected by his father, still graces the park. Now this forested area has become a regional park that offers protection to two of Europe's most endangered species, the Spanish imperial eagle and the European black vulture. Retiro Park was formerly a spacious royal garden in the centre of Madrid, where the royal family staged bullfights and even naval battles. The public were allowed access to the park in the 18th century, provided they suitably attired. Now of course the dress code has been relaxed and Madrilenos ( means citizens of Madrid) throng this popular retreat every weekend. Crystal palace built wrought iron and glass and a semicircular colonnade overlooking a boating lake are just two if it's attractive features.
Charles III, an 18th century king who took a keen interest in art and science, established the Royal Botanic Gardens alongside Retiro Park. For the last two and half centuries, the gardens have specialized in the flora of central and South America.
***Madrid's Famous Monuments*** *************************************** Plaza Mayor; For over three centuries, this square has served as a marketplace and as the principal site for such public events as bullfights, coronations and executions of so called heretics.
Prado Museum; A painting in the Prado Museum depicts a vivid panorama of the plaza Mayor during a large auto-da-fe, or public trial of heretics, held in Madrid in 1680.
The town hall stands in the Plaza de la Villa, the charming ancient square where the first official town meetings were held. The square is ringed by ancient buildings and still preserves the flavour of 16th century Madrid. Not far away the visitor can see the Puerta Del Sol, roads radiating from Madrid to the provinces. Such landmarks belong to the oldest part of the city.
As Madrid expanded, kings of the Bourbon dynasty - notably Charles III - built or promoted other monuments' often following the architectural styles of the Bourbons native France. Some examples are the Royal Palace, the National Library, the Municipal Museum, the Fountain of Cybele, the fountain of Neptune and the Puerta de Alcala.
***The Avenue of Art*** ************************* Thanks to the generosity of the Spanish royalty, Madrid also houses one of the most important art galleries in the world. The Prado Museum was erected on the orders of Charles III, known to history as a notable mayor of Madrid. The art collection is essentially that of the Spanish monarchs, who began collecting artwork over four centuries ago.
In the 17th century, the court painter Velazquez not only painted masterpieces himself but also scoured Europe to buy fine paintings for his royal patron, Philip IV. In the following century, Francisco de Goya became the official court painter. Not surprisingly, the Prado owns many masterpieces painted by these two renowned artists. Two other highly regarded art collections - the Thyssen - Bornemisza Museum and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia National Museum - stand on the same tree - lined avenue as the Prado. This elegant street, dubbed the Avenue of Art, is also studded with many of Madrid's famous statues.
Like many cities, Madrid has seen its ups and downs. The capital was under siege for most of the Spanish Civil War (1936-390) and some of the bullet marks of that conflict can still be seen on the monumental arch known as the Puerta de Alcala. Nevertheless from the outset the city's founders wanted Madrid to be a cultured town where people could get along together.
Madrids charter, dating back to 1202, stipulated among other things that citizens could not engage in duels, bear arms or utter profanities or insults. They were also expected to keep the town cleaned to avoid defrauding fellow citizens and to keep wedding expenses reasonable. In line with such wishes, Madrid today is clean city - although wedding feasts have become somewhat costly! Visitors who want to try some typical tapas, small morsels of tasty food that are served with a cold drink (yeah get it down ya!) in many establishments. In recent years Madrid has expanded considerably. It now has an efficient transportation system and the entire necessary infrastructure to take care of the millions of tourist who visit each year.
Advantages: Lots to do, everything's cheaper Disadvantages: None that I can think of
...Balearics. However I found that Madrid has plenty to do as well
I visited La Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art. This was my preferred museum There are some really cool exhibitions, even if you are not too keen on art. Also there is Del Prado is one of the most famous art museums in the world. There are mainly “old fashioned” renaissance style paintings in here, but it is interesting to walk around and see them. If it’s a nice day, ... ...visit. You can look over Madrid from the Courtyard or go on a tour of the Royal Rooms, some of which are incredible. You’ll need about 2 hours at least to do this. Afterwards walk down to Plaza de Isabel II to east at one of the many cafes there. Eating in Madrid s fairly easy, even if you hate Spanish food. Like in any city there is a MacDonald’s or a Burger King on each corner. If you do like Spanish food, find a small family restaurant. ...
girlstar 01.07.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Madrid in general
Advantages: Lots to do, food,drink, accom is cheap, metro is great Disadvantages: Crime, few speak English/German/French,
...2001
My trip to Madrid coincided with seeing a v.important football match, but rather than stay in the pubs all day, we got out and about, so here goes.
Flights to Madrid
Offered by many companies. Main operators are
Easyjet - flights from £35 rtn (from London Luton & Liverpool)
Go - flights from £60 rtn
Iberia £??????
and others, but you may find the above the cheapest.
The airport is massive, it'll take approx 1.5-2hrs to fly there from ... ...off.
Metro
The Madrid metro is superb, quick, clean and v.v.cheap. You can buy a 1- ticket pass for 750 pts (about £3!) and the ticket is valid for one
journet, however long. A single ticket costs 145pts so the 10 ticket option is more sensible.
Car
I wouldn't advise driving in Madrid. It's slow, busy and the drivers are v.aggressive. Still, if you're gonna travel, then all the usual rental firms are at the airport. Hotels
A good range, loads ...
sjl02 11.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Madrid in general
Advantages: Great night life Disadvantages: people with attitude
Madrid is great for a short city break, there is plenty to see and do and an absolutly fantastic nightlife. Madrid is home to the world famous Prado art gallery as well as many museums and Parks gardens and the Royal palace. Most of the tourist attractions including the flea market are central and within walking distance of each other. (But beware many tourist attractions are closed on a Monday). The night life in Madrid is excellent and I would ... ...cheap hostals and hotels. Madrid is full of budget Accomodation we stayed in hostals that ranged from £20 per night (B&B) to £4 per night (room only) I would recomend staying in this area as it is cheap and a great base for shopping, sight seeing and Nightlife.
We used the 'TIME OUT' city guide to Madrid which had excelent information on things to see and do, but I would advise getting your own map as the one in the back is difficult to read. the ...
EarthGirl 14.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Madrid in general
Advantages: Hot, Beautiful Disadvantages: Not a lot of public transport
Madrid is a beautiful city with interests for everyone. If you are interested in History or architector then you should visit the King's Palace. There are many parks and they are beautifully arranged. If you want to go out for a meal, then you could go to The Rock Cafe. Ok, so all the menus are in English and the waitresses and waiters try their best to talk to you but the food is really good. I warn you though, in Madrid, when it rains in really ...
katiefletcher 10.11.2000
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If you are intending to visit the Royal Palace, and it is both impressive and interesting, try and go on a Wednesday when there is free entry for European citizens on production of your passport.
Be prepared for this attraction to be closed from time to time as it is used for private functions. The view from the terrace over the city is good and some of the rooms are sumptuously decorated. The gardens beneath require a fairly long walk to gain access ...
tomox 11.11.2000
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Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
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Advantages: no expensive,alive city,delightfull city,people Disadvantages: maybe annarchical,traffic.
","teatro de la comedia","tetro dela Zarzuela"..)
InMadrid,in Spain ingeneral the nights are with animation in week-end;people go out in until high hours by night.We have the fame of be a little "night walker".
Some of the most populars zones to go in night is in the center of town:Tribunal,Huertas,Bilbao and for gays,Chueca
The city has got a modern metropolitan;well i don,t know how is in other citys of europe so i think its much better than the metro of Paris.(but i have to recognize that Paris is more beautiful than Madrid even).
Well maybe i will add something more in a future.Sorry ,it,s my first review and it,s not easy to me write in english:If i could write in spanish ..i propose you to write a review in spanish jeje (it,s a joke) ...
Advantages: Cheap, punctual Disadvantages: inconvenient times for cheaper flights
filling the flight. Of course the cheapest flights do tend to be at very inconvenient times.
As we had seen cases on the TV documentary featuring Easy Jet where passengers had not been allowed on flights if they arrived late (even if the flight had not yet boarded) we made sure that we arrived in good time.
We flew from Luton airport and were pleasantly surprised with the service provided considering the price we had paid. The flight was comfortable and, although food was not included in the ticket price, snacks and drinks were available on board at reasonable prices. The flight was punctual and the cabin crew were polite and helpful.
We would be happy to fly again with easyJet at the right price - we hope to go to Malaga later this year, although the flights seem to be generally more expensive than Madrid, especially around half term ...
unclealan 07.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of EasyJet - EZU
Advantages: Beauty, Luxury and Class Disadvantages: too expensive
F1, the Grand Prix takes place (since 1929) every year in May. This year (65th) starts May 27th.
The best spot to see it (if you want to see the whole race) is sitting relax in front of your TV screen. But if you want to be there the best spot is the Ste Devote bend which are 200 metres from departure and arrival it's generally where the best action takes place.
Personally I saw all the Grand Prix until I left to live inMadrid and the last few years, as well as Monegasques I would go as far as possible from the noise and the demented crowds. My grand dad put me in one of the racing cars at the age of 3 and until I reached 22 years old I never missed one = so I feel I had an overdose!
☼?≈?≈?≈?≈?≈?≈?☼ ; TRANSPORTS ☼ ...
Jossland 02.03.2007
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