Travel Guides: Madrid
Madrid
Spain is the land where grew Hercules’ golden apples and also the land which was considered the realm of Heaven on Earth by the Arabs and by the writers George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway, Spain was an arena where history was at the crossroads between heroic deeds and tragedy, when the toreadors defied death.
For ever Spain has remained in the eyes of the ones who don’t know it, a country wavered with mysteries. The unique beauty and its privileged geographical location between Europe and Africa have made this country since antiquity a crossroad, a meeting point between east and west. Cultural diversity, the mix of civilizations that have found a great place, left behind a unique original culture, an admirable experiment.
Spain, so often conquered, but eventually a winner, managed to gather its remains, in a modern country, whose inhabitants, proud of their past, decided to accept future challenges. Spain is a varied and very different country: Northern, wet and green; plain center, sparsely populated; fertile Mediterranean coast. South (Andalusia) most famous, dry and hot, bright as they are painted with white paint houses, two archipelagos, the Balearic and Canary Islands, the two sisters but quite different.
Known worldwide for the music, for the Flamenco dance, for the bull fights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine, Spain offers much more than that. It is and was for centuries one of the most important cultural centers of Europe. The cities combine old and modern architecture, although each region is different in kind or geographic position, climate and even personality.
Madrid
It is a country whose knowledge should be thorough. The Spaniards say that Spain is different, but do not specify any other term of comparison.
Madrid is the capital of Spain. Built on the ruins of a Moorish fortress called Mager, the city became the capital in 1561 during the reign of Philip II of Habsburg. Following Madrid has become a thriving, cultural and today is rivaled only by Barcelona. Madrid is not only the capital but also capital of the province and autonomous community of Madrid.
Important cultural and tourist points include the famous Prado Museum, Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofia Art Center (where Pablo Picasso’s Guernica is), Cason del Buen Retiro, the Royal Palace, the Templo Debod, Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, the Puerta del Sol , Parque de Retiro, and Chueca, the gay district. Other nearby towns are popular for day trips from Madrid, including Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, the monastery and palace complex of El Escorial and Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caidos.
Madrid At Night
Madrid is known for its night life and its discos, for Madrid is not uncommon to dance all night, then morning to go to work. This nightlife is called la movida night and has blossomed after the death of Franco. Madrid is served by the Barajas International Airpor. Despite the town’s population of about four million, the Madrilenian subway is one of the most extensive and rapidly growing networks in the world underground.
The Monastery and the Escorial in Madrid were included in 1984 on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. In central Madrid, the Plaza de Castilla, are four skyscrapers with heights ranging between 250 and 236 meters.
Barajas Airport, Madrid
Although there were not yet found human fossils, there were discovered more tools, especially around Arganda del Rey and Manzanares, proving the existence of human communities in the river terraces, at the current location of the city. Conquest, colonization and pacification of the Iberian Peninsula, made by the Roman Empire lasted almost 200 years of the Second Punic War until 27 BC, when peace took place north of the peninsula, and its organization into three provinces. The region from where Madrid is part of matches Tarraconensis.
Although it is possible that during the Roman domination, the territory was occupied by only Madrid rural settlements, taking advantage of the situation as a center of communication and resource wealth, there is evidence suggesting the existence of a settlement town, around the road Segovia and river cost Manzanares. Recently it was discovered a Visigoth basilica, near the church Santa Maria de la Almudena.
Abba Castilla Plaza Hotel
The existence of a sedentary population in Madrid is supported by two Visigothic necropolis of ancient colony of Vallellano Count. In the old medieval city center has been found a stone inscribed with the legend < The first historical record of the existence of permanent settlements dates from the Muslim era. In the second half of the ninth century, Muhammad I (852-886), Emir of Cordoba, built a fortress on a promontory of the river (the place occupied today by the Royal Palace), with the aim of the Guadarrama mountain passes vigil, and the place where to start raids against the Christian kingdoms in the north. Cibeles, Madrid Spania Besides the fortress, to the south, is developing a human settlement. The settlement received the name of Mayr, whose meaning is not clear, but seems to be a hybrid between two very similar place names: one Mozarabic, array (fountain), and other Arab majra, which means a river bed. Both seem to refer to the abundance of springs and groundwater from the site. From this period to store some ruins, archaeologists known thanks to work after 1975: Arab wall in Cuesta de la Vega, the Plaza del Oriente tower and remains of an aqueduct of the Plaza de los Carros. In the tenth century, al-Maslama Mayr was born in Madrid, known as Euclid of Andalusia, an important astronomer and founder of a school of mathematics in Cordoba. After the Muslim kingdom of Toledo was conquered by Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile, Madrid came under the control of Christian forces in 1085, they face no resistance. The town and its surroundings were built by the kingdom of Castile. Christians and Muslims have replaced downtown, bringing Arabs to live in outlying neighborhoods. Building Coverd In PLants There was also a Hebrew in the neighborhood that came in the Lavapies district. In the next century, Madrid continued to be attacked by Muslim powers in the peninsula, the Almoravizs setting fire to the city in 1109, and Almohazs besieging it in 1197. The victory in Las Navas de Tolosa by Christians meant the end of Muslim influence in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. From this period come two religious events that have marked the development of Christianity among the population of Madrid: the discovery image of Our Lady of Almudena, and Isidro Labrador’s miraculous life that had to be canonized. The city began to prosper, and received the title of villa in 1123. Following the same policy for restocking throughout Castile, Madrid became the leader of a community of villa y tierra (city and territory). Duque de Medinacali, Madrid The ruling of Madrid was the responsibility of the people from Madrid with rank of neighbors, meeting in an open council until 1346, when King Alfonso XI of the implanted the Regiment (regimiento), where only local oligarchs could govern the city. In 1152, King Alfonso VII established Tierras y villa community boundaries between Guadarrama and Jarama rivers. In 1188, a delegation representing Madrid for the first time participated in the General Assembly of Castile (Cortes de Castilla). In 1202, Alfonso VIII gave for the first municipal council to regulate the activity, and whose competence has been exacerbated in 1222 by Ferdinand III of Castile holy. Spanish capital Madrid has become primarily due to its geographical position. Philip II chose to move here in 1561 established the Court to create a symbol of unification and centralization of the state, but also to have a residence where they can quickly receive mail from any corner of the country. Madrid’s position does have some advantages, which have been observed and used including the Moors who founded in the ninth century a fortress on the left bank of the river Manzares, the future metropolis. Edificio Mirador Today, Madrid is a modern city with 3 million inhabitants. Here is the Spanish royal family residence, as well as the headquarters of the government, parliament and public administration. Madrid strengthened by suburbs full of blocks, it is pleasant, but downtown streets create a pleasant surprise. There are many medieval buildings, narrow streets of shops and bistros invaded giving large market built in the eighteenth century. Compared with historical cities in Spain as Toledo, Salamanca, Sevilla, Granada, Madrid is less spectacular, but the monarchs were able to form while an impressive art collection which is the Prado museum and the main tourist attraction. Paintings Madrid secured a privileged place in European cultural circuit. Galleries Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza in turn strengthened the city’s art status that it deserves the Spanish capital. The Botanic Garden From Atocha Station Madrid, immortalized in the films of Pedro Almodovar, has become even more beautiful after having undergone an extensive rehabilitation program. In 1992, 500 million were invested to make a real Spanish metropolis European cultural capital. The authorities are already preparing for the 2012 Olympics, which means that Madrid will be richer with new buildings and tourist attractions. Madrid is not just Spain’s capital, but also the capital of the province and autonomous community of Madrid. The settlement is the third most populated capital in the EU after London and Berlin. Located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, the Manzanares River and at an altitude of more than 650 meters on the plateau Castilian Madrid is the highest capital of Europe and is the perfect combination of high altitude and mountain breezes, which generates a unique atmosphere. Carlton Hotel, Madrid Madrid is a city full of life and light, a hospitable location, full of cafes and restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Madrid is the capital of bullfighting in the world, and shops here are among the finest in Europe. Both city and Madrilenians, is distinguished by extreme weather like that is usually either too hot or too cold. While the infrastructure is very modern, Madrid does not lack the shortage of old-fashioned atmosphere and full of history. Among representative attractions include the Royal Palace, Royal Theatre, Buen Retiro Park, founded in 1631, the National Library in 1712, and three absolutely beautiful museums, called “golden triangle” with the Prado collection of fine art in the world Queen Sofia Art Centre and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace. Zenit Conde Hotekl Madrilenians can be very pious in church, but there are big amateur striptease at the same time, sometimes politeness wins hands kissing law of the jungle, which in another area (for example, means of transport at peak times) impose their rule alone. Madrid daily routine of residents is influenced by climate – given the afternoon heat, “siesta” has become a tradition: almost all small businesses take a break of several hours. Madrid is a city famous for its nightlife and its discos – the highest number of pubs per capita. For most of Madrid is not uncommon to dance all night and then go to work this morning – this is the reason why city residents are called “Gatos” – cats. During the summer, Madrid offers a wealth of festivals and shows sponsored by the city hall – take the newsstand “Guía del Ocio” for the program of concerts, films and shows. Madrid’s nightlife can be divided into zones: Plaza Mayor / Puerta del Sol is the most popular location, streets Cava de San Miguel, Cava Baja and Cava Alta is full of bars. Madrid Gran Vía is known for cinemas and theaters, and in the Plaza de Isabel II / Plaza de Oriente are many restaurants. Chueca district is taking place in gay life, especially on the streets Hortaleza, Infantas, Barquillo and San Lucas. Perhaps the liveliest area at night is Argüelles / Moncloa, where there are many clubs and fast food sites that meet the students. Madrid has enough museums to keep a visitor occupied throughout the period of stay, but we must not overlook the surrounding regions, with magnificent views. Madrid, the capital of Spain, at the same time is also one of the most undervalued cities in Europe, although it has a vast collection of the most diverse tourist attractions that would make the rest of the Spanish cities envious. It is a diversified city apart from other major cities in Europe, the most powerful proof of the need for a long time to become familiar with this city. Marche De Halles From Avignon Besides being a perfect destination to visit as many tourist attractions in one trip to Madrid impresses its visitors with the fact that lies about 600m above sea level, holds the title as the largest city located at an altitude of throughout Europe. Madrid also boasts with its tourist attractions, among which mention the “Calle de Preciados”, a paradise of shops, paradise fish that dominates the famous department store El Corte Ingles, Madrid, the largest of its kind in Madrid. That store is open all day. Near the Puerta del Sol, you will see Decalzas Monasterio de las Reales, a convent founded by Joan, daughter of Charles the Fifth. The monastery is worth visiting, because here we find a wealth of artistic treasures on display offered by the aristocratic monks for generations. The most common topic in most works of sacred art, are children. It has a symbolic meaning for painters. Montevista, Madrid Going on “Calle de Alcala” in the north-west, you will find “Real Academia Bellas Artes de San Fernando”; it has paintings, artists belonging to the Spanish school, including meet and sardine Funeral, a painting that bears Goya’s signature, and that shows a dramatic transposition and funerals. In conclusion, Madrid is worth visiting! Tourist attractions in Madrid: - Museo del Prado – With over 7000 paintings, the Prado, is one of the most important art collections in the world. At first it was a royal collection, but was increased by the Habsburgs, especially the Charles V and later the Bourbons. In the world of Spanish paintings, the Prado has no equal, and since the first visit is important to rely on masters Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and Murillo. Prado Museum Major works of Italian origin is located in the basement, and you will have the opportunity to see works of art that have been made by the famous Raphael, Botticelli, Mantegna, Andrea del Sarto, Fra Angelico and Correggio. However, Italy remains the most famous painting “Venus voluptuous” being supervised by a musician who can not supervise their work, work that belongs to Titian. Prado is homage to El Greco (1541-1614), artist from Crete who has spent much of his life was in Toledo, whose work is here at the Prado. You can also see a parade of “Greek Saints”, of which we mention: Madonnas and Holy Families, even John the Baptist. Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), along with Velázquez and El Greco, part of the great trio of artists from Spain. We find that his remarkable portraits exhibited here depict: Charles IV, his family, dressed Maja Maja Nude. You can also see the reproduction of “May 3″ (1808) plus belonging to a series of Goya’s sketches, his black and expressionist paintings. Parque Warner, Madrid Spania - Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Sofia – This museum of modern art fills the world, taking the role of the Prado, which is filled by the traditional art. This building was a hospital, being built between 1776 and 1781, is known as the worst buildings in Spain by the Catalan architect Oriol Bohigas, as Reina Sofia has a design that belongs to the ages 18-21. However, in our days, this museum contains about 50,000 volumes of art, and a café, a theater, an antique, elevators with plexi-voice, and advanced and the system that monitors security, humidity, temperature, and the brightness the exhibits. The focus is on Spain’s great artists of the 20th century, namely: Juan Gris, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso (Museum has gained a lot of his paintings). Pablo Picasso‘s paintings, namely “Guemica” remained in the museum, after a long journey because it stayed until 1980 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, this picture anti -war, immortalized by the German Luftwaffe bombing the city, Peter fought Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Bullfight - Puerta del Sol – Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is a market specific building surrounded by the seventeenth century, it is located at kilometer 0 of Spain, is also the place where they meet most transportation lines, as representing the “heart” of Madrid. Besides the fact that each day is here to meet a lot of townspeople, the bronze statue of this market, namely a bear, is the most ideal place for meetings of the city. 
