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www.turismomadrid.es
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ARCHITECTURAL MADRID
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about culture
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A CIT Y OF ARCHITECTURE
Madrid offers visitors a wealth of great art emerging from the different architectural styles that have left splendid examples in the region throughout the centuries. From old Moorish and medieval remains to works developed under the Catholic King and Queen. But the really powerful architecture and art of Madrid coincided with the new political dimension acquired as from Philip II’s reign. The coming of the Hapsburgs, as of the 16th century, saw the start of the construction of great buildings, which resulted in the so called Madrid of the Hapsburgs, with lots of palaces, churches and convents full of character and art. The 18th century also left its neoclassical imprint on palaces, churches and fountains, with some splendid examples of this style. The most modern and avant-garde Madrid is found in the areas where its two main axes – Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana – were further developed.
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P u e rta de l S ol Puerta del Sol is one of the most famous spaces in the capital city and a meeting point for madrileños. It is here that visitors will find two of the most characteristic symbols of Madrid. One is the bronze statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, placed on the square in 1967. This same image also appears on the coat of arms of Madrid and represents the abundance of both species in the natural environment surrounding the city. The square also has another statue, also in bronze, representing King Charles III riding his horse. Puerta de Sol used to be one way to access the town. The gateway as such was built under the reign of Charles I, who ordered a gate to be built for better access into the town. This gate stood between Alcalá street and Carrera de San Jerónimo. As it was oriented towards the east, the Levant, a sun ornamented it and gave it its name. The square is bordered with very beautiful buildings, although the most relevant is a large one that presides over the square and is known as Casa de Correos (Post House). It was built between 1766 and 1768 and it currently houses the headquarters of the President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid. The building, the first Post Office House in Madrid, has preserved on its façade the clock that used to be at the church of Buen Suceso. This is the clock from which practically all Spanish people hear the chimes at midnight on 31 December. In Spain, it is a popular custom to eat a grape each time the clock strikes announcing the New Year and traditionally it is believed that if you manage to eat the twelve grapes at the same time as the clock strikes, you will be very lucky in the New Year. Also, a plate next to the Post Office House marks the “0” kilometre point from which all Spanish roads start. Location: Puerta del Sol.
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Fuente de la Cibeles The Fountain of Cybele was part of the project designed for the construction of the Salón del Prado in Madrid. The idea was to create in the capital a recreational space for the madrileños, a walking area full of gardens and fountains. The spot chosen was the area occupied by the Prados de San Jerónimo and Atocha (Fields), formerly called Prado Viejo. Among other things, this space had to have three magnificent fountains, among them La Cibeles. The other two fountains completing the formidable ensemble would be those of Neptune and Apollo. Set up in one of the most beautiful squares in the world, not only because of this monument but also because of its splendid surroundings, the fountain was designed by Ventura Rodríguez in 1777, under the reign of Charles III. It represents the image of Cybele, goddess of nature and fertility, riding on a chariot drawn by two lions. According to mythology, the two lions represent Hypomenes and Atlanta, punished by the goddess Aphrodite to draw this chariot until the end of time. The goddess and the lions were sculpted in white marble from the village of Montesclaros and the other elements of the statue in stone from Redueña, a small town in the mountains north of Madrid. Originally, in 1782, the fountain was placed in Paseo de Recoletos next to the Palacio de Buenavista, and towards the end of the 19th century it was moved to its current location. Today it is surrounded by magnificent buildings that enhance its location: the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palacio de Linares, known as Casa de América, the Palacio de Comunicaciones or Central Post Office and the Central Bank of Spain, and thanks to its location it also offers some of the most wonderful views of the city: Puerta de Alcalá, Paseo del Prado and Alcalá street. Location: Plaza de Cibeles, s/n.
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PAL ACIO REAL The Royal Palace used to be the official residence of the Spanish monarchy, from Charles III to Alphonse XIII, and later on of the presidents of the 2nd Spanish Republic. Since the 1940’s, Patrimonio Nacional (Spanish National Heritage) has been in charge of its upkeep and conservation, and although it is open to visitors, it is reserved for State ceremonies and public events in which King Juan Carlos takes part as the Head of State. It is undoubtedly the main building constructed in the 18th century and it was designed with the purpose of acting, for the people, as an example of the reforms that were being implemented, and for other monarchs, as a symbol of the greatness and strength of the Spanish monarchy. It has an enormous square-shaped central courtyard round which the palace is laid out. Granite was used to build the façades and white stone from Colmenar and marble for the reliefs and ornamental details. Behind the palace and as a complement to this extraordinary construction, visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk in the Jardines del Moro (Moor’s Gardens), whose current layout follows the patterns of the English landscaped garden style. Two most beautiful fountains have been preserved: the fountain of the Tritons and that of the Shells. Location: C/ Bailén, s/n.
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P L A ZA M AYOR The Old Square in Madrid is found right in the heart of the city, in the area traditionally called the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, not far from Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Villa. It was built between 1617 and 1619 over what used to be the “Plaza del Arrabal”. Since the 17th century, when feasts, spectacles with bulls or solemn events were held, it has always been an unbeatable setting for all kinds of public events. It is a rectangular arcaded square, completely closed by three-storey buildings with very many balconies. Beautiful and majestic buildings like Casa de la Panadería or Casa de la Carnicería. A great number of bars and restaurants are located under the arcades supported by granite pillars, as well as shops selling stamps, coins and souvenirs. The square can be accessed through any of the nine archways into it, Arco de Cuchilleros being one of the most important and best known. Location: Plaza Mayor, s/n.
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P u e rta de A lc a l รก Puerta de Alcalรก, one of the great symbols of Madrid, takes its name from the old road that used to be taken to go to the town of Alcalรก de Henares. The original gateway was built to welcome Margarita of Austria, wife to Philip III. Years later, Charles III decided to have it enlarged, so a new gate was built as it stands now. It is made up of three large semicircular arches and two straight arches. At the highest point in the middle of the gate there is a slab with the year it was built and a reference to Charles III, and this is crowned by a coat of arms held by Fame and a genii. In the past, each gap had wrought-iron gates that closed every day in the evening. Its wonderful location, next to Parque del Buen Retiro, and at the junction of some of the main streets of the capital, makes this monument one of the most interesting in the city. Location: Plaza de la Independencia, s/n.
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C AT E D R A L D E L A A L M U D E N A The cathedral of Santa María La Real de La Almudena is a spectacular building which combines different architectural styles. Outside, it is the neoclassical style that embellishes the construction and inside visitors can experience a Neo-Gothic atmosphere. The crypt is in Neo-Romanesque style. It has the privilege of being the first Spanish cathedral consecrated by a Pope and the first one that John Paul II consecrated outside Rome. The event took place on the 15th of June 1993, on John Paul II’s fourth visit to Spain. It is located in the city centre. The main façade looks out to the Plaza de la Armería, in front of the Royal Palace, and it can be accessed from Bailén Street or from Mayor Street. Unlike other cathedrals, whose orientation is east-west, La Almudena has a north-south orientation, since it was designed to be part of a complex together with the Royal Palace. Location: C/ Mayor, 90.
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TeMPLO DE DEBOD The Temple of Debod is very probably one of those constructions visitors do not expect to find in Madrid. This Egyptian temple with an east-west orientation and surrounded by water, in accordance with its original position, was given to Spain by Egypt for the aid provided by the Spanish government in order to save the temples in Nubia. Dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amon and Isis, it is 2,200 years old and it was located in Debod, on the banks of the Nile. It has several rooms and the main one is the so called Chapel of Reliefs, which is kept in its original state and is the oldest part of the temple. The reliefs show scenes of rituals. Set in the middle of very pleasant surroundings, with unbeatable views of Casa de Campo and close to Parque del Oeste, the temple looks particularly beautiful in the evening. Location: C/ Ferraz, s/n.
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CASA DE LA VILLA Casa de la Villa, the seat of the Town Hall, stands on a small and lovely square – Plaza de la Villa - in the most traditional and typical part of Madrid. Its construction, which lasted for 52 years, started in 1644, as designed by architect Juan Gómez de Mora. The façade of this building, which for some time was used as a prison, is formed by two large symmetrical blocks of brickwork and granite, made up of two towers and balconies on each side of the main entrance gate, where the coat of arms of Madrid is shown. Casa de La Villa is accessed through two twin doors and the Stairs of Honour, the Gallery, the Portraits Room, Goya’s Room, the Chapel, the Room where Sessions are held, the Glass Courtyard and the Chariot Room are all found inside. Location: Plaza de la Villa, 4.
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Pal acio de Cristal On the occasion of the Exhibition on The Philippines, the variety of flowers and plants from there was shown and it became necessary to create a sort of glasshouse to keep the plants, so, in 1887, the Crystal Palace and the lake were built in Parque del Buen Retiro. The walls, as the name indicates, are made of glass and they are supported by Ionic style iron columns. On the outside, there stands out the front in Greek style and looking on towards the small lake, where several examples of the lake Cypress tree can be found, with their roots and part of their trunks underwater. There is no doubt that this is the most outstanding building in the gardens of Parque del Retiro and, for some years now, temporary contemporary art exhibitions have been held inside. Nature and art turn out to be a wonderful combination. Location: Parque del Buen Retiro.
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P L A Z A D E OR I E N T E The name Plaza de Oriente originated in the lovely location of this beautiful Plaza in Madrid, as it is situated east of the Royal Palace. It was built under the reign of King Joseph Bonaparte and several buildings in the area were demolished in order to enlarge the Plaza and its surroundings. Bailén street separates the Palace and Plaza de Oriente, although nowadays, with the reforms made, the Plaza forms a whole ensemble with the east façade of the Palace. The great location of the Plaza, close to the Palace and next to the Teatro Real and other great buildings, together with the absence of wheeled traffic, makes it a very pleasant spot for walks and quiet enjoyment. King Ferdinand VI ordered sculptures of all the Spanish kings to be made in order to ornament the cornice of the Palace. As these sculptures were never used for their original purpose, they were placed in different areas in the city and some came to this splendid Plaza. Location: Plaza de Oriente, s/n.
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BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL The National Library was founded by King Philip V in 1712, under the name Royal Library, although it was not until four years later that a decree was published with references to its creation. The National Library was founded for two main purposes: spreading knowledge among all the citizens and housing privately owned libraries. The National Library building, declared a Monument of Historic and Artistic Value in 1983, began to be built in 1866. The faรงade is Doric on the lower level and Ionic on the upper level. Among the various elements, the front piece stands out, with statues representing the triumph of the Humanities, Science and the Arts. At present it is one of the libraries with the highest bibliography stock, as it has six million books, some 100,000 newspaper publications, 30,000 manuscripts and 8 million documents. Its stock is divided into modern books (from 1831 on), old books (up to 1830), manuscripts and documents, magazines and newspapers, engravings, drawings and photographs, maps and charts, music sheets and sound recordings. Location: Paseo de Recoletos, 20.
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E D I F I C I O M E T R Ó P OL I S During the first thirty years of the 20th century Madrid aspired to become a city open to the world and with a great desire to become modern. As a result of the ensuing structuring, there was intense activity in the construction of buildings and the creation of new infrastructures. Due to the beautiful location of this building, at the corner of Alcalá and Gran Vía streets, right in the financial and commercial centre of Madrid, and its size and its beauty, it is impossible to walk past it and not stop to admire it. It was necessary to demolish seven houses that stood on the plot where the Metrópolis Building stands now to construct this impressive and original building. Its architecture is elegant, eclectic, and with exceptional proportions, and, within the whole of the building, there stands out the black slate dome, with golden ornamentation and crowned by a wonderful winged Victoria. A beautiful rotunda of pairs of Corinthian columns was built at the second level. These robust columns support a third level decorated with statues representing trade, agriculture, mining and industry. Location: C/ Alcalá, 39.
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Plaza Monumental de Las Ventas The bullring or Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas, with a capacity for almost 25,000 spectators, is the largest bullring in Spain and one of the main ones worldwide. In Neo-Mudejar style, with bare brickwork, it is decorated with ceramic tiles. Among the ornamental motifs there stand out the coats of arms of all Spanish provinces. Although the first corrida in Plaza de Las Ventas took place on 17 June 1931, the bullring was not officially opened until 21 October 1934 and the first real bullfighting season was held the following year. The bullfighting season starts in March and ends in October, and bullfights are held on Sundays and public holidays. Mention must be made of the Fair of San Isidro (this saint being Madrid’s patron saint) that lasts from mid-May to mid-June and then there are bullfights every day. The Bullfighting Museum has been in the premises of the Plaza de las Ventas since 1951. It exhibits a comprehensive collection of items and objects about bullfighting and the history of the ring. Location: C/ Alcalå, 237.
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Banco de España The building of the Central Bank of Spain is one of the best eclectic buildings in Madrid. The first stone was placed by King Alphonse XII in 1882, and it was finished in 1891. The works followed the project designed by Eduardo Adaro and Severiano Sainz de la Lastra. Its magnificent architecture and its privileged location make this building one of the most beautiful in the city. Location: C/ Alcalá, 48.
CasÓn del Buen Retiro The Buen Retiro Palace was built in the 17th century for the enjoyment and recreation of King Philip IV. Casón del Buen Retiro was the Ball Room in that Palace and, although it has been refurbished several times, it still keeps elements from the old building, such as the ceiling, painted in the 17th century by Lucas Jordán. It was given to the Prado Museum and it houses a collection of 19th century paintings. Location: C/ Alfonso XII, 28.
Convento de San Ildefonso de Trinitarias Descalzas This convent was declared a National Monument in 1921. It stands out for its sobriety and simplicity, both outside and inside, where it contains a little church with a Latin cross ground plan and beautifully preserved. This is the convent where, in 1616, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was buried. The façade shows a commemorative grave slab with a bust of this illustrious and famous writer. Location: C/ de Lope de Vega, 18.
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Fuente de Apolo This fountain represents the Greek god Apollo with a flighty aspect and covered with a cloak, holding in his left hand a lyre alluding to music. Next to the figure of Apollo stand the allegoric images of the Four Seasons and Venus’ shells. The fountain was made in the 18th century and its situation, next to the Prado Museum, enhances its great beauty even more. Location: Paseo del Prado, s/n.
Fuente de Neptuno This sculpture set, made of white marble, represents Neptune, the god of the sea, in a shell-shaped chariot drawn by two horses with fish tails that symbolize sea storms. The god holds in his left hand a trident and a snake is wound round his right hand. This fountain stands majestically in a green space full of tranquillity and beauty. Location: Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, s/n.
I g l e s i a C o l e g i ata d e S a n I s i d r o This church in Baroque style and built in the 17th century, over what was formerly called the Imperial College of the Jesuits, is one of the favourite churches among the madrileños. Inside, visitors can admire splendid works of art by Claudio Coello or Sebastián Herrera. And San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid, is buried here. Location: C/ Toledo, 37 y 39.
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L a Ca sa de Posta s In 1795, the Crown commissioned architect Juan Pedro Arnal to build a new post office house, as an extension of the Real Casa de Correo. The new Post Office House, built between 1795 and 1800 with classical elements, stood on an irregular five-sided ground plan laid out round a central courtyard and with only two storeys. This Neoclassical building houses today the premises of the Community of Madrid. Location: Plaza de Pontejos, 3.
La Real Casa de Aduanas The building of the Royal Customs House was completed in 1769. It had been designed as an Italian palace but maintaining the functional character required to house the Customs. The outside showed a façade of good proportions finished with a balustrade, formed by a lower panelled facing and a succession of different symmetrically arranged orders of windows and front pieces. At present, it is the seat of the Treasury. Location: C/ Alcalá 5, 7, 9 y 11.
MURALLA DE MADRID It’s the remains of a defensive Arab wall from the 9th and 10th centuries, and of another Christian wall from the 12th and 13th centuries. The remains preserved on Cuesta de la Vega can be reached from Bailén street, although the wall must have been higher than what it appears to be now. Within the Arab walled precinct stood the Fortress, the Mosque and the Emir’s house. Location: Cuesta de la Vega, s/n.
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Pal acio del Congreso The Spanish Parliament Building is a classical style building, with a rectangular ground plan on which the various facilities are laid out. The main façade is one of its outstanding elements, with a Corinthian portico with six columns. The lions flanking the flight of stairs to access the building were made with the bronze from some cannons taken from the enemy after the 1859 – 1860 African War. Location: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 25 y 27.
Pal acio del Senado The Senate building was designed by Francisco de Mora to house the Parliamentary courts, over the old School of the Encarnación run by the Augustinians. Since the early 19th century and due to its being so close to the Palace, this old Augustinian convent gradually became one of the most politically significant buildings in the city. It houses a magnificent Neo-Gothic library from 1883. Location: Plaza de la Marina Española, 10.
PUENTE DE SEGOVIA Philip II ordered its construction in order to connect Segovia street to the Extremadura road and it is the oldest bridge in Madrid. It is thought that it was designed by architect Juan de Herrera and it was built between 1582 and 1584. It is formed by nine large arches and it has a gate at the front, built to make the access to the capital look grand. Location: Puente de Segovia, s/n.
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Puente de Toledo This Baroque bridge was built under the reign of Philip II to connect the capital to Toledo. Built in yellow limestone, its central section is ornamented with the statues of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Madrid, and his wife, Santa María de la Cabeza. At present, it is closed to wheeled traffic and visitors can walk over it and enjoy a privileged environment. Location: Between Glorieta de las Pirámides and Plaza del Marqués de Vadillo.
P u e rta de Tol e d o This gate was built to commemorate the return to Madrid of King Ferdinand VII after the victory over Napoleon’s troops. Erected between 1817 and 1827, it is a granite structure with a large arch in the centre, showing on each side two rectangular-shaped passageways with fluted columns. It was the last gateway to be built in Madrid. Location: Glorieta de la Puerta de Toledo, s/n.
Sociedad GENERAL de Autores This impressive building, where it is impossible to find a single straight line, is catalogued as the best example of modernism in Madrid. Built as the palace house of the banker Longoria, nowadays it is the headquarters of the Sociedad General de Autores (Copyright Institution in Spain). Its façade, ornamented with plant motifs in sinuous shapes invariably draws everyone’s attention. Location: C/ Fernando VI, 4.
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1
Templo de Debod.
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Puente de Segovia.
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Catedral de la Almudena.
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Palacio Real.
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Muralla de Madrid.
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Plaza de Oriente y Palacio del Senado.
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Casa de la Villa.
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Plaza Mayor.
ña Glorieta Bilbao
al arr nc e Fu
Alonso Martínez
dos
Almirante
Callao
Hortaleza 13
Génova
Gran Vía
Chueca
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na ella ast C eo Pas
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Banco España
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La Casa de Correos.
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La Casa de Postas.
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Puerta del Sol y La Real Casa de Aduanas.
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Edificio Metrópolis.
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Sociedad de Autores.
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Puente de Toledo.
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Puerta de Toledo.
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Iglesia Colegiata de San Isidro.
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Convento San Ildefonso Trinitarias Descalzas.
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Palacio del Congreso.
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Teatro de la Zarzuela.
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Banco de España.
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Fuente de Apolo.
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Casa de Correos y Fuente de la Cibeles.
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Biblioteca Nacional.
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Fuente de Neptuno.
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Puerta de Alcalá.
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Casón del Buen Retiro.
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Jardín Botánico.
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Palacio de Cristal.
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La Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas.
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about culture
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A HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
The whole Community of Madrid is a display of unique buildings and monuments of a great landscape and architectural beauty. We can find all over the region a varied and rich architectural legacy, often found in wonderful natural surroundings: castles, churches, palaces and monasteries really worth a visit. It is really a must to tour these villages and towns, many of them World Heritage because of their cultural interest and unique beauty. Magical places where visitors can experience the feeling of travelling back in time. Apart from a magnificent cultural and historic experience, these locations also offer first-quality hotels, restaurants and shopping. Visitors can try typical dishes, see how traditional products – sweets, cold meats or handicrafts – are made and, of course, enjoy first-class accommodation in charming establishments.
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MONASTERIO DE SAN LORENZO De EL ESCORIAL The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a great complex (palace, monastery, museum and library) located in the town bearing the same name, to the north-west of Madrid. Right in the heart of this town in the province of Madrid, in an unbeatable natural environment as is the Sierra de Guadarrama, stands one of the most impressive buildings in the region: the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Philip II had it built to commemorate the victory of San Quintín. The building had various purposes: palace, church, pantheon and centre of the arts and the humanities. Started by Juan Bautista de Toledo, it was completed by Juan de Herrera, who gave the complex a more austere style. The huge building is very austere in its ornamentation. The church stands out, with a Greek cross ground plan and a huge cupola over its central section. Inside, a magnificent altar stands on a raised presbytery. Location: Juan de Borbón y Battenberg, s/n. San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid).
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universidad DE alcalá de henares Founded by Cardinal Cisneros in the early 16th century, Alcalá de Henares was the first location in the world to be designed as a university town. The concept of ideal city, the city of God ( Civitas Dei) was first put into practice in this lovely town and from here it spread all over the world. The Lecture Hall, formerly the Aula Magna, stands out inside the building. In the 19th century it was used as stables and today it is a magnificent setting where the Cervantes Award is given. And next to it all there is the chapel of San Ildefonso, which contains the grave of Cardinal Cisneros. In 1998, Alcalá de Henares and its University building were declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The quality of the buildings from the Spanish “Golden Age”, the quality of the university and the fact that it was Miguel de Cervantes’ birthplace made it all possible. Location: Plaza de San Diego, s/n. Alcalá de Henares (Madrid).
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REAL SITIO DE aranjuez The town of Aranjuez is in the south of Madrid, bathed by the waters of the Tajus and Jarama rivers. It is part of the select club of Royal Sites kept by Patrimonio Nacional (Spanish National Heritage). It is characterised by being one of those places where there are a lot of points of tourist interest. It used to be the place where the monarchs enjoyed their rest and leisure periods in the springs of the 17th century. In the Middle Ages, a big house was built to be used as a hospital, for the knights wounded in the battles against the Muslims during the Reconquest to rest and recover. Later on, the Catholic King and Queen turned this hospital into a palace and the whole area was designated a Royal Site. From then on and until the 19th century, it was the spring residence of the Spanish monarchs. Philip II had the Royal Palace of Aranjuez built where the old palace had stood. Its marvellous and tranquil gardens, truly worth of a king, are absolutely beautiful and the buildings and monuments – the Royal Palace, the Casa del Labrador (Ploughman’s House), fountains, etc. - are the representation banners of a peaceful town that becomes very lively in summer due to the large number of people that visit it to enjoy the wonderful sights, restaurants and hospitality. Location: Plaza de Parejas, s/n. Aranjuez (Madrid).
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castillo de manzanares el real The Castle in Manzanares el Real, in the town with the same name, stands on the south side of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Its location is wonderful, between the beautiful landscape of La Pedriza and the Santillana water reservoir, dominating the middle valley of the Manzanares river. During the reign of the Catholic King and Queen, the Dukes of the Infantado ordered the construction of a castle – palace as their own personal home. Its architecture is outstanding because it looks as solid as a medieval fortress but with the elegance of an aristocratic Renaissance palace. The ground plan is square, with towers at the angles, three cylindrical cubes and a great tower, the Keep. Its interior is worth a visit, as it contains valuable examples of tapestries, suits of armour, furniture and objects from different periods. The Castle in Manzanares el Real is not only part of the historic legacy of Madrid. It is also linked to more recent events in the history of our region, since it was in its rooms that the Statute for the Autonomy of the Community of Madrid was drawn up. It was finally approved by the Spanish Parliament and the Senate in 1983. Location: Manzanares El Real (Madrid).
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M o n a s t e r io de e l pa u l a r Henry of Trastámara ordered the construction of this building in Rascafría in the 15th century. The present Benedictine monastery arose from the repentance of this king for setting on fire the Chapel of Santa María del Paular during the French campaign, so a monastery was built where the old chapel had stood. Surrounded by the magnificent mountains on Sierra de Guadarrama, El Paular is situated in the unbeatable geographical setting of the Lozoya valley, which forms an impressive natural amphitheatre at an altitude of some 1,159 metres. Its cloisters are outstandingly beautiful, as is the church, in Gothic style with Baroque elements and a most valuable altarpiece: a large 9 x 12 metre piece covering the whole end part of the presbytery, with its space divided into rectangular niches and beautiful vaults. Location: Rascafría (Madrid).
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muralla DE buitrago DEL LOZOYA This town in the Community of Madrid is located in the wonderful valley of the Lozoya river, at the foot of the Somosierra mountain pass. Due to its geographical situation, on the south side of the Sistema Central (Mountain Range) and its position on the land, on a pronounced meander of the Lozoya river, the town was a strategic point for some time in the Middle Ages. For two hundred years, it was an Arab fortress built to counteract the Christian raids from the north, but once it was conquered by the Christians it was repopulated with shepherds and peasants from Segovia. In the year 1368, Henry II of Castile gave the area to Pedro Gonzรกlez de Mendoza, whose ownership would last until the 19th century. Preserved almost in full, the wall and the castle by the river can be dated from those times. During the campaign undertaken by Alphonse VI of Castile, which took him to Toledo, this town was also conquered. Location: Buitrago del Lozoya (Madrid).
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PLAZA DE CHINCHÓN Chinchón is a town located in the south-east of Madrid, in a beautiful position right on the Tajus – Jarama basin, which makes it a lovely place to visit. As beautiful as its surroundings, the town has an incredible Old Square that is quite enjoyable. The Plaza Mayor of Chinchón shows the typical Middle Ages style of popular architecture. Its shape is irregular, of great simplicity and clearly and neatly laid out. The first houses, with arcades and balconies, were built in the 15th century but the square would not be completed until the 17th century. The arcaded buildings have three storeys and 234 wooden balconies. Since it was first built, it has been not only the Old Square in Chinchón, but also the setting of a great many different activities: public executions, bull fights, theatrical events and performances, royal parties and even a film set. The majestic Church of La Piedad stands over one side of the square. Reconstructed several times, it was Renaissance in style, with Baroque, “Plateresco” and Gothic elements. Location: Chinchón (Madrid).
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C A S T I L L O D E B AT R E S The house-fort known as Castillo de Batres was the residence of the famous poet Garcilaso de la Vega, who was born in Toledo circa 1501. One of the most valuable and original castles in the Community of Madrid, it is found in the town of Batres, in the south-west of the region, close to the border with the province of Toledo and on the banks of the Guadarrama river, which provides great natural surroundings. A fortified building of brick stood on flint stone foundations. The oldest part of the castle is the Keep, which stands out because of its proportions, harmony and advanced position. The ensemble has a square ground plan, with fine and elegant architecture of a certain military style. Its main gate, in Elizabethan Gothic style, shows the elaborately carved coat of arms of the Lasos and Guzmanes. The courtyard has a two-tiered gallery in Spanish Renaissance style, with columns typical of the Alcarria area in Toledo, and a central Gothic well showing remains of its former structure. Location: Batres (Madrid).