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This devout farm labourer inspired miracles after his death in 1172 and became the city’s patron saint (San Isidro).

Madrid has dragged its heels where catering for vegetarians is concerned but one exception is “Treasure Island”. The owner, Magdalena Madariaga, buys macrobiotic ingredients whenever possible. Try the niedo silvestre (“wild nest”), a spinach and mushroom salad, topped with parmesan (see La Isla del Tesoro).

The botanical garden is the perfect place to recharge the batteries after the exhausting walk around the Prado Museum. The shady paths are lined with statues, the air cooled by judiciously sited fountains (see Real Jardín Botánico).

Surprisingly, the gardens in the palace grounds were not laid out until the 19th century. The name, “Moor’s field” refers to the Arab general, Ali Ben Yusuf, who is said to have camped here while besieging the city after it had fallen to the Christians. On a fine day, the views of the palace and the Casa de Campo from here are unbeatable (see Palacio Real).

These small gardens next to the Palacio Real occupy the site of the royal stables. Laid out in the 1930s, the design was based on original 18th-century plans. A quiet, restful place for a picnic (see Palacio Real).

The Andalusian plains just north of Cadiz have been synonymous with sherry production since the 18th century.

One of the most respected Spanish designers, del Pozo first broke away from the mainstream in the 1970s and has never looked back. Sophisticated women’s fashions and prêt-à-porter ; also sells his own brand of perfume.

Berao travels the world seeking inspiration for his highly original gold and silver jewellery and finds it in car fenders, iron railings, lily ponds and other unlikely sources. They look a lot better than they sound.

Pounding the pavement isn’t an attractive proposition in Madrid because of the heavy traffic, although an exception is Paseo Pintor Rosales with views of the Parque del Oeste. Most madrileños head for the Retiro or Jardines Sabatini with mountain and palace views. Jogging (el footing ) is especially popular in the evening when the air is cool.