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.
very helpful
very helpful
very helpful
helpful
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
