DK Travel : Madrid : Places of interest

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Real Jardín Botánico

Anyone seeking a bit of peace and quiet will relish these delightful gardens, inaugurated in 1781 as a centre for botanical research. The three ascending terraces conform to Juan de Villanueva’s original design. Beyond the main entrance is the herbarium, the aromatic, culinary and medicinal plants neatly arranged in separate beds and individually labelled. The rose garden adds a dash of colour. The central terrace arranges plants by family, species and genealogical history. Look out for the 100-year-old tree known as “El Pantalones” because of its resemblance to a pair of inverted trousers – disease has split the trunk in half. More than 1,200 tropical and sub-tropical species are cultivated in the Exhibition Greenhouse, opened in 1993. The Villanueva Pavilion and the arbors, by contrast, date back to the 18th century. The statue by the pond honours the great Swedish botanist, Carl von Linné (Linnaeus), who devised the system of plant classification.
San Francisco El Grande

Legend has it that this magnificent basílica occupies the site of a monastery founded by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. Work on the present building was completed in 1784 under the supervision of Francesco Sabatini. The focal point of the unusual circular design is the stupendous dome, 58 m (190 ft) high and 33 m (110 ft) in diameter. After 30 years of painstaking restoration, the 19th-century ceiling frescos, painted by leading artists of the day, are now revealed in their original glory. Take the guided tour to be shown other artistic treasures, which include paintings by artists Zurbarán and Goya (chapel of San Bernardino) and the Gothic choir.
Teatro Lírico Nacional de la Zarzuela

Purpose-built to showcase Spain’s unique light opera form, Zarzuela . Also international opera, music recitals and other events (see Teatro Nacional de la Zarzuela).
Teatro Lope de Vega

Musicals like Beauty and the Beast and Les Misérables are staged here, performed in Spanish.
Teatro María Guerrero

This theatre is home to the National Dramatic Centre. The company stages hugely successful theatre plays and is a favourite amongst theatregoers.
Teleférico

The cable car ride between Parque del Oueste and Casa de Campo is enjoyable for both kids and parents. There are fabulous views of the city skyline – the leaflet will help locate landmarks such as the Telefónica building, Torre Picasso, Torre Madrid and the Palacio Real.
Tren de la Fresa

Great fun for the kids and a nostalgic journey into the past for the grown-ups, the “Strawberry Train”, pulled by an old steam locomotive, follows the original route from Madrid to Aranjuez which first opened in 1850. Hostesses wearing period costume give out helpings of the strawberries for which Aranjuez is famous. The price of the ticket includes the bus ride from the station, as well as entry to the palace, gardens and other attractions.
Valle de los Caídos

The “Valley of the Fallen” was General Franco’s memorial to his war dead from the Spanish Civil War. The crypt and basílica, cut into the mountainside, were built by prisoners. The most striking feature is a cross, 152 m (500 ft) high and 56 m (180 ft) wide, said to be the tallest in the world. Franco himself is buried in the crypt.
Warner Brothers Park

This vast site is divided into themed areas: Superheroes is devoted to the fantasy worlds of Gotham City and Metropolis, while The Wild West recalls Hollywood westerns of the John Wayne era. You can also tour the replicated film sets of the Warner Brothers Studios in California.
Xanadú

This snow park combines a skiing area and ski school with a vast shopping centre. Other amenities include cinemas, restaurants, bowling and go-karting.