dilyana's Madrid guide
This world-famous art gallery is Madrid’s obvious must-see. The outstanding collections of Spanish and European painting reflect the taste of royal connoisseurs (see Museo del Prado).
Madrid was the envy of the world when it outbid the Getty Foundation and other front runners for this priceless collection of European art, which attracts around three quarters of a million visitors every year (see Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza).
No visitor should miss the chance to see Picasso’s Guernica , the world’s most famous 20th-century painting. This fabulous museum also showcases other modern Spanish greats including Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Juan Gris (see Centro de Arte Reina Sofía).
Spain’s fascination with America began with Columbus’s voyages in the 15th century, but this museum casts its net wider than the former Spanish colonies to embrace the entire continent (see Museo de América).
One of Madrid’s signature buildings, Metrópolis was designed in 1905 by the French architects Jules and Raymond Février. The high point – literally – of this lovely Neo-Baroque confection is the bronze wreaths garlanding the cupola, which glint in the sunlight (see Metrópolis).
Once the preserve of royalty, this beautiful park in the heart of the city is now enjoyed by visitors and Madrileños alike (see Parque del Retiro).
The former residence of Spain’s Bourbon rulers boasts more rooms than any other palace in Europe. With priceless collections of tapestries, clocks, paintings, furniture, even Stradivarius violins, there is something here for everyone (see Palacio Real).
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, Felipe II’s awe-inspiring palace and monastery was founded as a mausoleum for Spain’s Habsburg rulers (see El Escorial).
This magnificent square, now lined with shops, has been the focal point of the city ever since Madrid became the capital of Spain’s world empire in the 16th century (see Plaza Mayor).
Dedicated to the city's patron, the cathedral of La Almudena was begun in 1879 and completed over a century later. The cathedral which stands to the south of the Plaza de la Almeria, held the first royal wedding between Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz in May 2004.
The much restored and frequently remodelled Plaza de la Villa is one of the most atmospheric spots in Madrid. Some of the city's most historic secular buildings are situated around this square. The oldest building is the early 15th-century Torre de los Lujanes, with its Gothic portal and Mudejar-style horse-shoe arches. Francois I of France was allegedly imprisoned in it following his defeat at the Battle of Pavia in 1525.
When the daughters of Spain’s aristocratic families withdrew from the outside world in the 17th century to live a life of devotion, they donated their wealth to this royal convent in the form of fabulous works of art (see Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales).
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