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Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.

Religion still plays an important role in Spanish life and Madrid is famous for its shops specializing in devotional objects. Founded more than 40 years ago, this family business furnishes churches and monasteries as far afield as Ireland and Argentina and has made items for the Pope’s summer residence outside Rome. The store is a showcase of rosaries, statues, cribs, paintings, icons and communion cups.

It was La Unión y el Fénix insurance company, the original owners of this Madrid landmark, who commissioned the striking statue on the cupola. Known as “Ave Fenix” , it represents the fabled Egyptian bird which died on a funeral pyre but rose from the flames once every 500 years. When the Metrópolis company moved into the building, they inherited the sculpture which then lost its significance (see Metrópolis).

From the outside, this modern hotel overlooking Paseo de la Castellana conforms with the high-rise architecture typical of the business district, but the interior, refurbished with antiques, is a surprise. Facilities include conference and banqueting suites, sun terrace, indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym and disco. The star attraction though is the gourmet restaurant, La Broche.

An attractive 3-star option on one of Madrid’s most historic streets. Rooms (some with balcony) are comfortable, with double glazing.

Located in one of Madrid’s liveliest neigh-bourhoods, the Mónaco was originally a high-class brothel. It was renovated in the 1950s but many of the original features – ceiling mirrors, murals, sunken baths and marble columns – were preserved. The most authentic (and more expensive) rooms are 20, 21, 23 or 27 (see Hotel Mónaco).

Very sweet brioches which are, rather strangely, eaten with hard-boiled eggs.

The convent was founded in 1611 by Margarita de Austria, wife of Felipe III, for daughters of the nobility. It was also the church of the Alcázar – a picture gallery linked the two buildings. Unfortunately, when the castle was destroyed by fire in 1734 the conflagration spread to the convent and many of its treasures were lost. A great deal remains however: 17th-century paintings by Ribera and Lucas Jordan; impressive sculptures, such as Christ Recumbent by Gregorio Fernández; embroidered vestments and liturgical gold and silverware. The guided tour takes in the cloister with its decoration of Talavera azulejos ; the reliquary, where visitors are shown the phial containing the congealed blood of St Pantaleon; the carved stalls in the choir; and the church, designed by Ventura Rodríguez.

This 16-century former royal palace and convent is a treasure trove of art and sculpture (see Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales).