Madrid Express Mundo Guide

CONTENTS
Editors note
Expats Stories in Madrid
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Chief Editor
Javier Molina info@mundo-guides.com
Editor
Pedro Garca
Contributors
Courtney Likkel (www.adelante.com)
Layout & Design
Javier Molina
Photography
Arturo Osorio
Advertising Director
Irene Hurtado
advertising@mundo-guides.com
Administration Manager
Ricardo Redondo
Last September I packed my bags and said

hasta luego to Seattle, anxious to call
Madrid my new home. Little did I know how
much would become infatuated with this
gorgeous city. What I love the most about
Madrid is how alive it is. The vibrant streets
Courtney is a Seattle native are lined with colorful buildings and filled
with bustling locals. Each neighborhood has
living in Madrid and
working as an assistant
a different personality, and its this
English teacher. Besides
captivating variation that makes the city so
venturing around Europe,
full of life. My favorite spot in Madrid is
she likes drinking tinto de
atop the Crculo de Bellas Artes, where you
verano in the sunshine,
can enjoy a glass of wine while admiring
embarrassing herself by
some of the most spectacular views of the
trying to speak the local
language, and attempting city. Madrid abounds with new places to
to seek out the best brunch discover, as the opportunities for
in Spain.
exploration and enjoyment are endless.
You can follow Courtneys adventures on
her blog Adelante (www.adelanteblog.com).
Arriving
2
Culture
43
Getting Around
5
Flamenco 50
Modern Architecture 51-52
Gastronomy
53
What to Visit
14
Where to stay
59
The Royal Palace 18
Almudena Cathedral 21
Plaza Mayor 23
Puerta del Sol 24
Gran Va Street 25
Cybeles Square 27
Alcal Gate 29
Retiro Park 30
Golden Triangle of Art 32
Canovas del Castillo Square 36
Spanish Parliament 38
Plaza Espaa 39
Santiago Bernabu Stadium 41
Las Ventas Bullring 42
Madrid Express
Theatres 48-49
Basics
9
Statue of the Fallen Angel

(Retiro Park) page 30
Museums 44-48
www.mundo-guides.com
Contents
Entertainment
62
Shopping &
Souvenirs 65
Page 1
Arriving
Madrid Express
Page 2
ARRIVING
adrid offers all kinds of possibilities to suit all budgets,

from uncomfortable seats in a low-cost airline to some of
the most modern high-speed trains in the world. Dont
think twice and enjoy one of the most attracting cities in Europe!
By Train
www.renfe.es
Spain, along with France, has one of the best High-Speed networks
in Europe. The country is enjoying this modern transportation
system since 1992 when the High speed Train (AVE) Madrid-Seville
was inaugurated.
Currently many countries (China, U.S., Germany or Russia) are
studying the Spanish growth to imitate the model and develop a
similar system which had been highly successful for Spain.
AVE trains can reach 300km / h, becoming a serious competitor for
airlines companies. In addition, AVE trains have seven passenger
wagons and a bar-cafeteria. During high season, two trains can be
united, multiplying the capacity. In few words: speed, punctuality
and service are the three characteristics that best define these
trains.
Talgo 200 trains are cheaper than high speed trains (AVE), but they
are also very comfortable and punctual.
There are as well overnight trains with sleeping cars that connect
different Spanish cities with the Spanish Capital (Tren Estrella).
Madrid has two main Railway Stations:
Atocha Railway Station
Atocha Railway Station, one of
the icons of Madrid with its
magnificent iron and glass
structure, has two distinct areas:
the old station which was
designed in the nineteenth
century and now has been
converted into a beautiful
tropical garden that makes the
wait much more pleasant to
travelers. And the new part of
the station, designed by Rafael
Moneo, that functionally
integrates trains, subway, buses
and commuter trains along with
Atocha Railway Station
lots of shops, kiosks, cafes, etc.
Unfortunately Atocha Station gained international relevance for a
tragic event. On March 11, 2004 several bombs placed strategically
at different commuter trains exploded killing nearly 200 people. A
few hours after, radical Islamic terrorist groups claimed
responsibility. The attack shocked Spain, a country used to endure
the terrorist atrocities, and Atocha Station became the epicenter of
global news for several weeks. Upstairs you can visit a small
memorial to the victims. At the same time, in Retiro Park (page 30)
was inaugurated the Forest of Memory in honor of the victims of
this despicable act.
Atocha Train Station

Address: Plaza Emperador Carlos V s/n
Telephone Number: (+34) 902240202
Passengers: 88 million passengers per year
Services: Elevators, Baggage Room, Cafeteria, Restaurants, Shops,
Tourist Information, Parking, ATM Machines, Rent a Car.
Public Transportation: Taxi, Metro , Commuter Trains (C1, C2,
C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C10). Urban Buses (10,14,19,24,
26,32,37,54,57,102,141).
Attention: Airport Express Bus connects Atocha Railway Station
directly with Madrid-Barajas Airport in about 40 minutes (5).
Madrid Express
Chamartn Railway Station

This Railway Station was built in 1967 and primarily serves the
northern part of Spain (Barcelona, Leon, Irun, Salamanca, Valladolid,
Hendaye, etc.) and France. Attention! High Speed Train MadridBarcelona departs from Atocha Station.
In 1970 the Station was closed and reformed in order to adapt it to
the new traveler needs: cafeterias, shops, ATM Machines, etc.
Commuter trains comfortably connect Chamartin Station with
downtown (Puerta del Sol and Atocha Station) and metropolitan
areas. At the same time, two metro lines connect directly
Chamartin Station with the city center.
Chamartin Train Station

Address: Calle Agustn de Foxa, s/n
Passengers: 30 million passengers per year
Services: Elevators, Baggage Room, Cafeteria, Restaurants,
Shops, Tourist Information, Parking, ATM Machines, Rent a Car.
Public Transportation: Taxi, Metro ( ), Commuter Trains (C1,
C2, C3, C4, C7, C8, C10). Urban Buses (5, T62).
By Plane
Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport
Getting to the Center
(MAD) is one of the world's
most busiest Airports (50
TAXI: The cost of a trip from
million passengers a year) and
the airport to downtown
over the years, has become an
should never exceed 30
important hub between
(Official Fare). Official licensed
Europe and South America.
taxis are white with a red
Despite that, Madrid-Barajas is
diagonal strip and their official
easy to navigate and pleasantly
numbers are indicated on the
efficient. The Airport is 12km
front doors.
away from the city center but
Airport Express Bus: it
well connected by metro, bus,
connects the Airport with
commuter trains and taxi.
downtown (O'Donnell, Cibeles
Barajas Airport consists of four
and Atocha Station) in 40 min
terminals of which three are
(5). These buses are running
linked together through
24/7 every 15 minutes, plus
mechanical corridors.
special spaces for luggage have
However, the new Terminal 4
been designed making your trip
is 2 kilometers away. Anyway,
to the Airport more
there is a free shuttle bus
comfortable.
(24/7) connecting the different
Metro: Line Barajas-Nuevos
terminal buildings.
Ministerios (5)
The Airport, access point for
The ride from Barajas to
most tourists, has numerous
Nuevos Ministerios takes about
information desks, cafes,
15-20 minutes. Once you get
restaurants, tax free shops,
Nuevos Mnisterios, you can
pharmacies, banks, car hire,
take metro lines and
Christian chapel, luggage
(lines to reach the historical
service, parking, etc. Luggage
center) and commuter trains
trolleys and strollers are
which connect with Puerta del
abundant and free for all
Sol, Atocha Station and
passengers.
Metropolian areas.
For disabled passengers and
Commuter Train (C1)
the elderly, Barajas Airport has
The new line (C1) connects the
started a service with
Terminal 4 with Principe Pio
individual support for physical
Station (2.45 ) every 30
handicap travelers (ask at
minutes
information desks).
Bus: Lines 200, 204, 101
The Airport's most important
connect the Airport with
airlines are Iberia and Air
Avenida AmericaTransport Hub
Europa which connect
and Canillejas (1,50).
numerous European and South
American capitals with Madrid.
Click here and see the full list of airlines operating in Barajas.
Page 3
ARRIVING
Connections to Barcelona (BCN)
Madrid and Barcelona are
separated by 623 km.
After many steps forward
and a few back, the
Spanish Government and
Iberia Airlines realized the
need to communicate
these two major economic
centers to promote
tourism and business. In
1974
Iberia
launched
the "Puente Areo
Barajas Airport
(literally Air Bridge in Spanish) which
connects the two cities every 1-2 hours with special rates if
returning the same day. The flight takes about an hour and a quarter
and it is advisable to purchase your ticket in advance to get better
prices (more info www.iberia.es). Currently the options have
multiplied thanks to the inauguration of the High Speed Train (AVE)
between Madrid and Barcelona (3 hours) but its price is still
excessive when compared to the plane.
Avenida America Station

This station, organized vertically into different levels, forms part of a
huge intermodal transport hub (Avenida America). The upper floors
are intended for buses and the lower floors for metro trains.
Everything is well connected with escalators and elevators.
From Avenida America you can take daily buses to northern Spain,
Andalusia (Granada) and Aragon (Zaragoza, Tudela, etc.).
Avenida America Bus Station

Address: Avenida America 9
Services: Elevators, Baggage Room, Cafeteria, Restaurants,
Shops, Parking, ATM Machines.
Public Transportation: Taxi, Metro (,,,) Urban Buses
(12,29,52,72,73,114,115,122,200,C1,C2). Attention! Take bus
52 to get Old Town (30-35 minutes)
By Car
By Bus
Traveling by bus is generally cheaper than train or plane, although
competition from low cost airlines is becoming fierce due to their
aggressive pricing strategies adopted over the past years.
Generally Spanish bus companies have modern and comfortable airconditioned buses that will make your trip more enjoyable than
years ago. One advantage of using the bus is that bus companies
connect practically all the country with the capital of Spain.
There are two bus stations in Madrid:
Estacin Sur de Autobuses Mndez lvaro (South Madrid)
It is the largest bus station in Spain and one of the busiest bus
stations in Europe.
Mendez Alvaro was
inaugurated in 1997
and serves a large
number of domestic
destinations (Crdoba,
vila, Valencia,
Granada, Leon, etc.)
and international
destinations (Lisbon,
Paris, Kiev, Bucharest,
Marrakesh, etc.).
Mendez Alvaro Bus Station
The bus station, integrated with Mndez
lvaro Transport Hub, was designed with all modern comforts a
traveler could imagine: extensive docks, cafeteria, kiosks, luggage
room, Free Wi-Fi, etc.
Unfortunately the station is the working place for tens of
pickpockets and thieves who try to cheat and steal absent-minded
tourists. Watch your belongings and stay alert.
If you need a last minute purchase before the trip, there is a large
Department Store (El Corte Ingles and Hipercor) right next to the
Station where you can find whatever you need.
Mendez Alvaro Bus Station
There are six motorways

connecting Madrid to
the north, south, east
and west of Spain,
following a practical
radial pattern.
At the same time, the
city is surrounded by
four regional highways
that allow you to reach
your destination without
passing through the city
M40 Orbital Motorway
center (M50, M45, M40 and M30).
To drive in Spain you will need the International Driving Permit. If
you are a citizen of the European Union, driving license from your
country will suffice.
Traffic laws in Spain are very restrictive compared to other European
countries, besides the police carry out surprise checks quite often.
The use of seat belts is mandatory both for front seats and rear
seats. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is 300. Likewise it is
forbidden to use your mobile phone while driving.
Distances in kilometres from Madrid

Alicante 421 Km
Valencia 352 Km
Barcelona 623 Km
Bilbao 395 Km
Valladolid 352 Km
Toledo 71 Km
Crdoba 400 Km
Seville 538 Km
Granada 434 Km
Lisbon 710 Km
Oporto 600 Km
Address: Calle Mendez Alvaro 83

Website: www.estacionautobusesmadrid.com/
Services: Elevators, Baggage Room, Cafeteria,
Restaurants, Shops, Tourist Information, Parking, ATM
Machines, Free Wi-Fi, Police.
Public Transportation: Taxi, Metro (), Commuter
Trains (C1, C5, C7, C10). Urban Buses (8, 102, 113,
148,152).
Madrid Express
Travel Guides by Local Experts

Page 4
Getting
Around
Madrid Express
Page 5
GETTING AROUND
adrid is probably one of the cities with the best public

transport network in Europe, which contributes to the
development of ample green spaces and extensive parks.
Generally public transport is cheap in Spain and Madrid is no an
exception, especially compared to other European capitals where it
is much more expensive in comparison with the cost of living.
Urban Buses
Madrid bus service (www.emtmadrid.com) is really complete with
over 300 bus lines which run from 06:00 to 23:30. Plus, there are 26
night bus lines departing from Cibeles Square (23:30 to 06:00).
The price of a simple ticket bus is 1,50 and is sold directly by the
driver. Try to pay the exact money as bus drivers dont accept notes
for operational reasons.
If you plan to take several buses we recommend you to buy a 10-trip
ticket (12,20), which
can be used in Metro
too. This ticket, called
Bonometro, is sold
through automatic
vending machines
located in every
metro station and is
validated when you
get on the bus. At the
same time there is a
new bus-only ticket
Airport Express Bus
(10 trips-18,30) that allows you to change the
bus line within 60 minutes, saving up to 25%.
Buses dont stop automatically so put your hand out when you see
yours coming. All buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps.
Recently the urban buses of the Spanish capital have been equipped
with free Wi-Fi, something very useful for foreign tourists.
City buses are always a good way to see the city and save some
money. To enjoy a short tour you can take the following lines:
Line 5 (Puerta del Sol - Chamartin Station)
Line 2 (Manuel Becerra - Reina Victoria)
Line 27 (Embajadores - Plaza Castilla)
Line C1 and C2 (circular route)
There is a special bus, Airport Express, which connects the city
center and Atocha Train Station with Barajas Airport (5). These
buses are running 24 hours every 15-20 minutes.
Metro
Madrid can proudly say that its metro network is one of the best in
the world. The
figures speak for
themselves: 12
metro lines, 300
stations, 293km
of railways, 1700
escalators and
more than 500
elevators. Metro
trains run from
6:00am to
1:30am.
Despite what many people may think, riding the
Metro Wagon
Metro in Madrid is absolutely secure. Hundreds of
cameras and security guards try to ensure the safety of citizens and
rarely crimes are committed inside metro stations. Anyway watch
your belongings, especially the wallet, luggage, cell phone and
camera which are the favorite prey by metro thieves.
Madrid Express
The cost of a one-way ticket depends on your final destination: up to

5 stations 1,50, between 5-10 stations you have to add 0,10 per
each station. More than 10 Station 2. To know the exact amount to
pay you have to indicate your destination on the touch screen and
the machine will calculate the exact price.If you want to save some
money, there is a 10-trip ticket (12,20). Tickets can be bought at
ticket offices (most ticket attendants don't speak English) and
through automatic vending machines which accept Credit Cards and
are available in several languages (English, French, Italian and
German).
In major metro stations you will find shops, cafes and bars where
you can buy a sandwich or a coffee to go. In some outlying districts
there is a tram service (Metro Ligero) which was inaugurated in
2007.
Bicycle
Despite the inauguration of numerous bike lanes, it is still very
difficult to move around the city center by bicycle. One of the major
drawbacks is the lack of awareness of citizens. Aggressive driving
behaviors of madrileos do not help too much.
Anyway something is changing in Madrid. With the intention of
facilitating the mobility of people, you can go by Metro with your
bike during off-peak hours: Monday to Friday (10:00-12:30 and
21:00-01:30) and Weekends (the whole day). Some companies offer
bike tours, a great alternative to know the city from a different point
of view (www.trixi.com). If you prefer to rent a bike and discovering
Madrid by yourself (www.busvision.net).
Taxi
Taking a Taxi at the

In Madrid there are 15,500
taxis running 24/7. Official
Airport
taxis can be identified easily in
white color with a red
If you take a Taxi at the airport, pay
diagonal strip. The official
special attention. Some
number is indicated on both
unscrupulous taxi drivers try to
front doors.
overcharge tourists. Never pay more
Given the large number of
than 30 (Official Fare) for a ride
taxis, finding a taxi is never a
from the Airport to downtown.
problem in the Spanish
If you have any problem, ask for a
capital: there are taxi spots
receipt and dont forget the official
everywhere and you can also
taxi number written on the door.
hail from street at the same
Then you can go to the nearest
rate.
Police Station and report.
Available taxis have a green
If
your
final destination is near the
light on the top. If the taxi is
Airport, some taxi drivers refuse the
busy you will see a weak
service. This refusal may lead to an
yellow light.
uncomfortable and unpleasant
Calling a taxi is an option as
situation.
By law, taxi drivers are
well, mention to the operator
obliged to accept the service
if you want to pay by credit
regardless of the distance.
card, as not all taxis have cardGiven this situation you can go to
reading equipment.
the airport Police Station.
Within the city, the driver
Never take pirate taxis, their prices
must always turn on the
are higher and can even be
taximeter and the customer
dangerous.
only pays the amount that is
shown on the taximeter.
Notice that there are some extra charges in the following cases:
Barajas Airport
Train Stations
Bus Stations
Madrid Showground (IFEMA or Congress Palace)
Night Service (from 21:00 to 06:00)
Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
Page 6
MADRID METRO MAP
Madrid Express
Page 7
COMMUTER TRAINS
Commuter trains (Cercanas) makes life easier for millions of
madrileos every day, connecting the metropolitan area
with the city center. The commuter rail network has more
than 80 stations and 370 km of railways, making it one of
the most extensive urban rail networks in Europe.
All trains are equipped with the latest traveler information
systems: bilingual public address system (Spanish
English), screens showing the route, time and outside
temperature, etc.
Atocha Train Station, right in the city center, is the real
heart that centralizes the whole commuter train network.
The 9 commuter lines stop at Atocha Station.
These trains are especially interesting for tourists who want
to visit places like El Escorial (3.95) where is located the
majestic Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This
monastery was built by King Felipe II in 1584 and is seen by
many as one of the eight wonders of the world. Commuter
trains also connect Madrid with Aranjuez (3.95), a small
town declared a World Heritage Site where the Spanish
Royal family spent long periods, especially during the
summer. The line C -1 connects the financial district
(Recoletos and Nuevos Ministerios) with Barajas Airport (T 4) (2.50).
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Opening Hours: The first commuter trains start around
05:00 and keep running until 24:00. The frequency of trains
depends on each line, approximately 10-15 minutes. There
are screens indicating the estimate time of arrival at each
station.
Where to buy tickets: Tickets can be purchased at every
station (ticket vending machines). The commuter rail
network is divided into seven areas and the ticket price
depends on your destination. Use the vending machines as
most of the staff do not speak English.
Madrid Express
Page 8
Basics
Madrid Express
Page 9
BASICS
hen someone visits a city for the first time is always

important to take into account certain basic information
that will help you during your stay.
Language
Spain's official language is Spanish, also known as Castellano.
Generally Spaniards dont have a high level of English so it would be
convenient if you could minimally express yourself in Spanish or
have a travel dictionary with basic phrases and expressions.
Young people often have a level of English a little more acceptable
than middle-aged people so it will be easier communicate with
them.
Spanish is spoken by over 450 million people. However, the
language spoken in South America is a bit different from the Spanish
spoken in the Iberian Peninsula. In South America the accent is
softer and more delicate and they use different words and
expressions than in Spain. Despite these minor differences, both can
understand each other with no problem.
Climate
The climate of the
Spanish capital can be
defined as
MediterraneanContinental, which is
characterized by low
humidity and wide
temperature variation.
Winter is cold (average
temperature around 5).
Overnight frosts are
common and sometimes
snow makes appearance,
creating traffic chaos in a
city famously unprepared
for snow.
On the contrary, summer
is really hot (average
temperature 25) and
Terrace of a bar in summer
very dry. On certain occasions
temperature can reach 40, something really unpleasant to those
not accustomed to it.
Definitely the best season to visit Madrid is autumn and spring. The
temperature is quite nice and the streets, parks and bars are full of
people enjoying the good weather. Some years are especially rainy
during the fall, so we recommend bringing a small umbrella or a
raincoat. It is better to be prepared for what may happen.
What to take to
Madrid
During the summer it is advisable
to wear light clothing and sandals
as the temperature may rise up to
40. The thermal sensation may be
even higher because of the
enormous pollution.
Winter is cold in Madrid so do not
forget your winter gear (gloves,
anorak, warm footwear and winter
cap). Spring and autumn are mild,
but we recommend bringing a
jacket or a sweater as the
mornings and evenings are cold.
Madrid Express
Madrid is a great place to shop (recently the city has been awarded
as the second best European city for shopping, only surpassed by
London). Consider carrying a suitcase with enough space to fill it
with your purchases in Madrid. The vast mayority of the hotels offer
basic hygene products (shampoo, gel, soap, toothpaste, etc) which is
really useful. Attention! Do not forget to photocopy your
documentation and plane tickets; it could be very useful in case of
theft.
Essential Information
Population: 3.265.038
Local Time: Central European (Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, etc.)
Official Language: Spanish
Local Currency: EURO ()
Measurement System: Metric System
Religion: Secular State. 70% of the population is Catholic.
Dialing Code: (+34) 91
Electricity Supply: 220V
Emergency Telephone Number: 112
Downtown Police Stations: Comisara Distrito Centro
(Address Calle Leganitos, 19. Tel: 915487985) Policia Municipal
Distrito Centro (Address: Calle Montera, 16. Tel:915234594)
Comisara Distrito Retiro (Address: Calle Huertas,
76-78. Tel: 913221027).
Taxes: 21% (Shopping) 10% (Hotels & Rest).
Tourist Offices: Plaza Mayor 27 (Tel: 915881636) Atocha
Station (Tel: 915284630) Plaza Coln (Tel: 913087143) Plaza de
Callao (Tel: 915 88 16 36) Barajas Airport (Tel: 915881636).
Official Web: www.turismomadrid.es/en/
Madrid Card: Discounts in Sights, Museums, Public Transport
etc. More information www.madridcard.com/
Guided Tours: Trapsatur (Address: Calle San Bernardo 7. Tel:
951416321). OgoTours Free Walking Tour, more info visit:
(www.ogotours.com).
Train Station: Atocha Station (Address: Glorieta de Carlos V.
Tel: 902240202) Chamartn Station (Address: Calle Agustn de
Fox s/n Tel: 913231515).
Old Town Post Offices: Address: Paseo del Prado 1. Tel:
nd
91523094) / Plaza de Callao 2 (inside Corte Ings 2 Floor)
Tips: Not compulsory.
Bank Holidays: January 1st, January 6th, March 19th , Maundy
st
nd
th
Thursday, Good Friday , May 1 , May 2 , August 15 , October
th
st
th
th
12 , November 1 , December 6 , December 8 , December
th
25 .
Opening Hours: Malls & Departments Stores every day from
10:00 to 22:00. Small shops from 10:00 to 13:30/14:00 and
from 16:30 /17:00 to 21:00 (Closed on Sundays).
Banking Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:00/08:30 to 14:00.
Emergency Services & Pharmacies

Phone number for all emergency services is 112, as in others
European Union countries.
Depending on the nature of your problem, you should indicate the
department (English spoken): Police, Fire Department or Emergency
Medical Service.
SAMUR (Servicio de Asistencia Municipal de Urgencia y Rescate) is
responsible for responding to medical emergencies with its
ambulances and other response vehicles.
La Vaguada Shopping Centre
Page 10
BASICS
The ambulance must arrive at the required location within an
average of eight minutes.
For small medical problems the pharmacist can help without having
to visit the doctor. The Pharmacies are open Monday to Saturday
during business hours.
Pharmacies on duty (Farmacias de Guardia) are posted on
the door of all the pharmacies.
There are several pharmacies in downtown open 24 hours.
Calle Mayor 59
Calle Goya 89
Calle Toledo 46
Calle Atocha 46
Calle Conde de Pealver 27
Smoking & Alcohol

Spain is a country with zero tolerance for smokers. Since the
implementation of the
latest anti-smoking law,
smoking is prohibited in
any public area
(Restaurants, Metro
Stations, Hotels, Cafes,
Hospitals, etc.).
The new law created a
great controversy in the
country among smokers
and detractors. Despite
that the Government
approved the law and
decided to apply it firmly.
The sale of alcohol is
prohibited to persons
under 18 years old and is
quite common that the
shop staff asks for your ID
card to verify your age.
As a consequence of high alcohol prices in pubs and clubs and the
low budget of young people, a new phenomenon (popularly known
as botelln) was born. Teenagers used to buy drinks and gather in
parks and small squares drinking until late at night. The
concentration of young people, many of them drunk, annoyed the
neighbors and complaints and quarrels were constant. This is the
reason why Madrid Government recently has banned drinking
alcohol in the streets.
Personal Space & Communication Skills

In Spain personal space is much smaller than in other European
countries, especially in northern and central Europe (Sweden,
Germany, England, Austria, etc.): when two people hold a
conversation in Spain, the space between them is relatively small.
Do not be intimidated by that, in Spain is perfectly normal.
At the same time all over southern Europe people speak in a high
tone voice and express themselves using their hands even while
speaking on the phone. Spain is not a exception to the rule.
Usually Spaniards greet in a much more tactile manner than in other
countries: men embrace and pat each other on the shoulder and
women kiss each other twice on the cheeks to say hello.
Pollution
Madrid is one of the European capitals with a higher level of air
pollution: the high density of cars and dry climate are primarily
responsible for this unfortunate phenomenon.
During the last years the Government's efforts have intensified (bike
lanes, parks, municipal electric vehicles, promotion of public
transport, etc.) but it seem insufficient.
Pollution levels are so high that from outside the city you can see a
dark cloud covering the city, popularly known as "boina" (beret).
Madrid Express
If you have breathing problems, you can buy a facemask that filters
out pollution, especially useful for bicycling.
Local Currency
The official currency in Spain is EURO (). The country adopted euro
in 2001, together with its European partners. This currency is used in
other 15 European countries, which means that more than 300
million people use it every day. In the coming years it is scheduled
that others countries will join the Euro Zone such as Bulgaria,
Romania or Poland. Previously Spaniards used the local currency,
called peseta (pts), 1=166,39 pts. If you talk with some local
people, you will realize that many of them long for the return of the
peseta as the arrival of the EURO meant a general increase in
prices.
Credit Cards
In Spain you wont need to
carry large amounts of cash
as there are many Cash
Points all around the city
and most shops accept
credit cards. The most
common Credit Cards in
Spain are VISA and
MasterCard. The major
banks give cash through
these credit cards.
When using your credit
card in shops or
restaurants employees can
ask for your ID card or
Passport to verify your
ATM Machine
identity. On occasions it is
necessary to type the secret number.
If you have more than one credit card not bring them all together,
try to take them separately. Attention! If your Credit Card is stolen
its necessary to cancel it as soon as possible by calling VISA (900 99
11 24) MasterCard (900 97 12 31) or American Express (902 375637)
and report the loss to the nearest Police Station.
Call Phones
In Madrid you will find telephone boxes throughout the city without
any problem. Phone cards can be purchased at newstands and small
tobacco shops Estanco.
You will find different
phone cards according to
prices, number of minutes,
destinations, etc.
Another way to make
cheap call oversees is to go
to a Locutorio. These
places are very popular
among inmigrants as they
can make long distance
phone calls more
affordable than from a
phone booth on the street.
Plus here you can make
calls using Internet and
even send money.
Calls from your Hotel's
room are usually much
Phone Booth
more expensive than from a public phone.
All telephone numbers in Spain have 9 digits (including area codes).
Page 11
BASICS
If the phone number starts with 9 indicates that it is a landline. If it
starts with 6 is a mobile phone. The phone numbers starting with
803, 806 and 807 indicate that they are much more expensive than a
common call. Numbers beginning with 800 or 900 are free of charge.
The telephone country code for Spain is (+34). There are different
international calling rates depending on the destination of your call:
European Union, other European countries, North Africa, America
and Rest of World.
Postal Service
The Spanish Postal
Service has improved
quickly in recent
years, matching the
Postal Service of
other European
countries.
Post offices are open from 08:00 to 21:00 Monday to Friday, and
Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00.
From the post offices you can send registered letters, telegrams and
postcards.
There are also mailboxes through the city which are yellow. The
rates for shipping depend on destination: there is a different price
for European Union countries, Rest of Europe, America and Rest of
World.
To send or receive money you should use an urgent Money Order
(Giro Telegrafico urgente in Spanish). Packages must be properly
wrapped and sealed to be sent. The price depends on weight and
destination.
Newspapers: El Pais and El Mundo are the two most widely read
newspapers in Spain. El Pais, one of the most credible newspapers in
Europe, is known for its liberal thought and information rigor. On
the contrary El Mundo defends a more classical and less liberal
editorial content.
As and Marca are the most popular sport newspapers in Spain.
Everyday football fans can read rumors and news about the Spanish
and European teams. In recent years the city, as many other capitals
in Europe, has been inundated by free newspapers which are
distributed early in the morning near crowded places. Some of them
are 20 Minutos, Qu or Metro.
In any press shop, newsstand or hotel you will find the major
international newspapers and publications (Financial Times, The
New York Times, Le Monde, Le Figaro, Bild, The Economist, etc.).
Visa
The Schengen Treaty, signed by most member states of the
European Union (including Spain), entered into force in 1995. From
st
1 January 1995 the Schengen citizens can travel freely
without completing any special formalities.
However, thanks to special agreements of cooperation, the citizens
of the following countries can also visit Spain without a visa
(maximum stay three months): Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, USA, Guatemala,
Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua,
Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, , Republic of Korea, San
Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, , Uruguay, Venezuela, special
administrative regions of the Republic of China ( Hong Kong and
Macao).
If you are not from any of these countries you will need to apply for
a tourist visa through the Spanish Embassy in your country.
More information: www.maec.es/en/
Opening Hours
Bad Experiences
The opening hours in Spain are really longer compared to other

European countries. Generally small businesses open their doors at
9:30/10:00 until 13:30/14:00 when they take a break for lunch. Then
they return to work at 16:30/17:00 and stay open until 20:30/21:00.
On Saturday afternoon and
Sunday the immense majority of
small shops close.
This Spanish habit is not practiced
by large shopping centers which
are open Monday to Sunday from
10:00 to 22:00 without
interruption. With regard to
restaurants, they begin lunch
service from 13:00 until
15:30/16:00. Dinners are served
from 20:30 to 22:30. Many
monuments and museums are
closed on Monday (staff day off).
The vast majority of commercial
banks work from 09:00 to 14:00
and close during the evenings,
Opening Hours
except some banks which open
on Thursday afternoon.
As in any big city, to prevent thefts or bad experiences watch your

bags, camera and passport and dont take much money in cash with
you, especially at the Airport and Metro.
If you come back late at night to your hotel take an official taxi.
At night its better to avoid the triangle formed by Gran Via, Puerta
del Sol and Callao as during the night is frequented by pickpockets,
prostitutes, pimps, drunk people and homeless.
If you have been victim of a theft, go to the nearest Police Station.
Montera Police Station is the nearest to downtown. Tel: (+34)
915234594 (English speaking).
Mass Media
Spain has a long list of TV channels. TVE and La2 are the national
public broadcasters. Telemadrid is the public television station in
Madrid but unfortunately it suffers record-low audience figures.
Besides these channels, there are numerous private TV stations:
Antena 3, Telecinco, La Sexta, Neox, FDF, etc.
At the same time there are also multiple pay-TV channels which
offer sports, Sitcoms, movies, etc. (Fox, Canal Historia, Discovery
Channel, Viajar, etc.).
Madrid Express
Disabled Travelers
Madrid is a city fully adapted for disabled people. Most of the
restaurants, hotels, cafes, offices, schools etc. are equipped to make
life easier for disabled people.
At Plaza Mayor Tourist Office visitors can find maps and other
information in Braille. More information on www.esmadrid.com
Public transportation also contributes to the integration of disabled
people: urban buses have special low floor and there are special
seats for elderly and disabled.
Most Metro stations have lifts and more than 50% of the stations
are fully adapted for wheelchairs. If you need a wheelchair
accessible taxi, call to EuroTaxi (24h 915478200/915478500).
The city traffic lights emit a sound when they are green to warn
people with visual difficulties. The streets are well graded and you
will find ramps in almost every corner.
If you need to rent or buy a wheelchair during your stay in Madrid,
there is a special store for disable people in Old Town where can
find almost everything: crutches, orthopedic insole, mobile walkers,
etc.
Ortopedia Plaza SL
Address: Calle Toledo 60
Metro: La Latina
Page 12
BASICS
During your visit to the city probably you have seen some small
kiosks under the name of ONCE: it is a foundation that sells lottery
and offer work to disabled people, trying to integrate them into
society. If you need assistance during your vacation in Madrid, you
can go to the ONCE Head Office:
Address: Calle Sebastian Herrera, 15
Tel: 917146300
Metro. Embajadores
Madrid Card
The Madrid Card allows you to vist this magnificent city efficiently,
saving money and time. Buy now your Madrid Card and enjoy great
advantages:
Free Entrance to
all Museums and
attractions in
Madrid (including
Real Madrid
Stadium), avoid
kilometric queues
in Prado Museum
or Reina Sofia,
enjoy great
discounts in
shops,
restaurants, etc. and use metro and bus with no limitations.
Prices:
24h: 45
48h: 55
72h: 65
120h: 75
These cards are personal and not transferable. Madrid Cards are
activated when used for the first time.
You can order your Madrid Card online (www.madridcard.com)
or you can get it also at any tourist office in Madrid.
other European countries. The average price of a ticket is about 10

(there are reduced prices on several weekdays, depending on each
cinema).
Films are premiered on Fridays causing the chaos in Gran Via
Avenue. This day Gran Via is filled with photographers, journalists
and fans willing to do whatever it takes to get an autograph from
their favorite Hollywood stars. You can check the chart on:
www.guiadelocio.com
The major multiplexes are in large shopping centers located on the
outskirts of the city (Xanad www.madridxanadu.com, Plenilunio
www.plenilunio.es, Isla Azul www.islazul.com, and La Vaguada
www.enlavaguada.com are some of them).
Follow us and stay up to date

with the latest news, links,
tips, events, videos and much
more
Tickets
Madrid is a huge city
with an enviable range
of cultural and leisure
activities: theaters,
photo exhibitions,
musicals, museums,
concerts, festivals, etc.
Many Spanish people
from other provinces
come to Madrid,
Tickets
especially on weekends, to enjoy the multiple
recreational opportunities that Madrid offers. Due to the
increasing agglomeration of people and tourists, it can sometimes
be really hard to get a cheap ticket: for instance, trying to buy a
ticket for a Real Madrid-Barcelona F.C. match can be a daunting task
and prices can reach 150-200.
For this reason we recommend several websites that facilitate the
purchase and even allow you to choose the seat:
www.ticketmaster.es
www.entradas.com
At the same time
CaixaBank ATMs
offer the possibility of
buying tickets for
concerts, football
matches, theaters,
etc. Going to the
cinema in
Spain is somewhat
Theatre in Gran Via Str.
cheaper compared to
Madrid Express
kk
www-mundo-guides.com
Page 13
What
to Visit
Madrid Express
Page 14
Madrid Highlights
Madrid's fate changed forever in 1561 when King Felipe II decided to move his court from the Imperial Toledo to
Madrid. From that time, the city gained economic and political importance. The Spanish ships sailed the seven
seas, the Spanish culture and language spread over five continents and Madrid was considered as one the
most influential cities in Europe. Long gone are the days of the Spanish Empire. However, the city has
reinvented itself. Today Madrid is a cosmopolitan, open-minded and welcoming city. According to a popular
saying "If you spend 24 hours in the city, you can consider yourself forever Madrileo".
4
1 Gran Via Buildings
4 The Royal Palace
1 Gran Via Buildings 2 Prado Museum
3 Puerta del Sol
Gran Via Street is , without

a doubt, the most famous
street in Spain. Its buildings,
designed during the first
half of the twentieth
Madrid
Express
century,
are really
amazing.
This central square is, for

In the eighteenth century,
centuries, the place where
King Felipe V ordered the
the Spanish people
construction of this amazing
express themselves. Dont
Palace, the biggest one in
miss the bear and madrone Western Europe. A must-see
tree statue, one
of the
in Madrid.
symbols of Madrid.
Prado Museum is one of

the most visited Museums in
the World. Visit the Prado
Museum and admire works
from wonderful artists such
as Goya, Rubens, Velazquez,
Van Dyck, etc.
5 Plaza Mayor
6 Retiro Park
For centuries, this

part of Madrid was the core
of the city. Everything
happened in Plaza Mayor.
Today this square is one of
the most visited places by
tourists.
If you visit Madrid, you

cannot miss Retiro Park,
probably the most
beautiful park in Europe.
Formerly, it was a private
park for thePage
Royal 15
Family.
History of Madrid
Madrid, the new capital of Spain:
We hardly have data on Madrid in pre-Roman times. Some

archaeological remains reveal that the lands surrounding
Madrid were inhabited by indigenous tribes (Iberos) who were
attracted by the abundance of resources: forests, rivers,
animals, etc.
The Arrival of the Ancient Romans:

In 218 B.C. Romans entered Spain and the Iberian Peninsula
became one of the most prosperous regions in Europe. The
Romans founded cities so important such as Tarraco
(Tarragona), Corduba (Crdoba) or Emerita Augusta (Mrida).
However, at this time, the area where now Madrid lies was
occupied by grasslands, forests, bears and wild boars.
The Foundation of Mayrit:

The first historical reference
about Madrid dates back to the
ninth century. At this time,
Muslims founded the city and
called it Mayrit or Magerit
which meant "water-rich city" in
ancient Arabic. Over the years,
Muslims endowed the city with a
powerful military infrastructure:
they built a defensive
fortification (Alcazar), huge walls
and numerous watchtowers. The
main function of Madrid was to
protect Toledo (70km from
Madrid) against the Christian
attacks coming from the north of
Spain.
The city was dominated by
Muslims until 1085 when the
King Felipe II (1527-1598)
Christian King Alfonso VI
conquered Madrid. From this moment on, the Alcazar was
used as official Royal Residence when the Kings visited Madrid.
Gradually the city was growing and new neighborhoods
emerged outside the city walls.
Madrid
Madrid Express
The destiny of Madrid changed forever in 1561 when King

Felipe II declared it Capital of the Spanish Kingdom, one of the
largest Empires in history. As of that moment, the city
experienced many changes: new neighborhoods were built,
land prices skyrocketed and thousands of immigrants from
other Spanish provinces came to Madrid seeking new
opportunities. What many people don't know, however is that
King Felipe III moved the Capital of Spain from Madrid to
Valladolid for a short time (1601-1606).
King Carlos III, the greatest Madrid Mayor:

The eighteenth century saw the construction of large buildings
and improvement works thanks to King Carlos III, who is
dubbed the King Mayor by some historians. Carlos III tried to
modernize Madrid and turn the city into a monumental
capital. The legacy of Carlos III is quite palpable: the Botanical
Garden, Prado Boulevard, Central Post Office (Puerta del Sol
Square), Cybeles Fountain, Alcal Gate, public lighting, etc.
th
Napoleon and the 19 Century:

In 1807 Napoleon's troops, settled in Spain on the pretext that
they wanted to invade Portugal. However the French
emperor's plans were different: his real intention was to
overthrow the Bourbon dynasty in Spain. Gradually, Napoleon
took several Spanish cities. But the tense situation erupted on
May 2, 1808. Madrileos rebelled and took the streets. The
French response was brutal and the General Murat ordered
his soldiers to kill hundreds of locals, the War of Spanish
Independence had begun. Finally, after 5 years of armed
combats, in 1813 the French were defeated and left the
country. During the second half of the eighteenth century
Spain experienced a severe economic crisis which culminated
in the Revolution of 1868 called "La Gloriosa (The Glorious).
Queen Isabel II had to leave the country and the throne was
occupied by Amadeo of Savoy. But his reign lasted only three
years. In 1873 the King abdicated and the First Republic was
proclaimed. Barely one year later, the new Government
proved to be a disaster and King Alfonso XII (Bourbon dinasty)
turned back to Spain from London.
The Spanish Civil War and Francos Dictatorship:

In 1936 the terrible Spanish Civil War between fascists and
republicans broke out. After three years, the war ended with
the victory of the fascist side. General Francisco Franco came
to power and ruled a dictatorship that lasted more than 40
years. Finally in 1975 Franco died and the new Constitution
was approved (1978). A new era of liberty begun for Spain.
Page 16
WHAT TO VISIT
Historical Timeline
711: The Arabs invaded and conquered Spain.
Ninth Century: Muhammad I founded Madrid and the city
was integrated into the Al-Andalus Empire.
Tenth Century: The city experienced great prosperity.
1085: The Christian King Alfonso VI conquered Madrid.
1109: The town was completely devastated and destroyed
by a Muslim attack.
1309: The first sitting of the Parliament of Castile was held
in Madrid.
1391: The Jewish population in Spain suffered a violent
attack. Thousands of Jews were killed.
1469: Marriage between Isabel of Castile and Fernando of
Aragon. The two Kingdoms were united and Spain was
founded.
1478: The Holy Inquisition was founded.
1807-1813: Napoleon entered Spain and the War of

Independence against the French armies broke out.
1833-1839: First Carlist War: two contenders (Carlos
Mara Isidro de Borbn and Isabel II) fought to establish
their claim to the Spanish throne.
1850: Opening of the Royal Theatre and the Spanish
Parliament.
1868: The Revolution (La Gloriosa) led to the
dethronement of Queen Isabel II.
1873-1874: The First Republic was proclaimed.
1898: Spain lost Cuba, the last Spanish colony in America.
1910: Inauguration of Gran Va Street.
1919: Madrid Underground began operating.
1931: The Second Republic was proclaimed.
1492: The Catholic Kings issued a decreed which ordered

the final expulsion of Jews from Spain / Christopher
Columbus reached America.
1521: Ferdinand Magelland and his expedition completed
the first circumnavigation of the Earth and reached the
shores of Philippines.
1561: Felipe II established the capital of Spain in Madrid.
1584: The construction of the Royal Monastery of San
Lorenzo del Escorial was finished.
1605: Miguel de Cervantes published Don Quixote de la
Mancha, a masterpiece of Spanish literature.
1656: Diego de Velazquez painted Las Meninas.
Probably the most amazing piece in the Spanish painting.
1701-1713: War of Spanish Succession. This conflict
involved all European superpowers to conquer the
Spanish throne. The Bourbon dynasty came to power.
1734: A fire destroyed the old Alcazar (Royal Palace).
1936-1939: The Spanish Civil War broke out.

1939-1975: Military Dictatorship (Francisco Franco).
1960: The terrorist group ETA committed its first attack in
San Sebastian (Basque Country).
1978: Approval of the new Spanish Constitution.
1981: Failed coup attempt by Antonio Tejero.
1982: Celebration of the Football World Cup in Spain.
1986: Spain joined the European Union.
1992: Olympic Games in Barcelona.
2004: A terrifying terrorist attack took place at Atocha
Station and killed 191 people.
2008-2014: The housing bubble bursted and the country
entered a deep recession.
Tourist Offices & Guided Tours

Thanks to the proliferation of low cost airlines, the endless cultural offerings and the promotion of Local Authorities Madrid has become one of
the most visited European capitals, and an ideal place for either business or family holidays.
The main entry point for tourists is Barajas Airport, one of the most modern and busiest airports in Europe (50 million passengers per year).
French, Italian, German, Japanese and English tourists are the most numerous in Madrid. Therefore you will find information in these languages
more easily than others. The wide network of Tourist Offices offer service to all tourists traveling to the capital of Spanish Kingdom.
Tourist Offices in Madrid:
Plaza Mayor 27 (Tel: 915881636)
Atocha Station (Tel: 915284630)
Plaza Coln (Tel: 913087143)
Plaza de Callao (Tel: 915 88 16 36)
Barajas Airport (Tel: 915881636)
These tourist offices are full of useful information for visitors: maps, tourist routes, audio-guides, brochures, etc.
If you have a disability or you are travelling with a handicapped person, ask for information: the qualified staff will offer you many services and
activities tailored to meet the special needs of disabled people.
Guided Tours:
If you need an official guide, click below:
www.madridguias.com/ & www.apit.es/
The Company Gocar offers funny tours in convertible cars equipped with GPS system and audioguides www.gocartours.es/en/madrid/
You can also rent a Segway (www.madsegs.com/) or if you prefer a bike tour (www.trixi.com/madrid).
OgoTours offers a great Free Walking Tour (3 hours duration) visiting the main attractions of the city. More info: www.ogotours.com. They also
offer a wonderful Gastronomic Tapas Tour where you will discover typical taverns and hundred-year old bars.
Madrid Express
Page 17
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Calle de Bailn
Metro Station: Opera
Prices: General 10 /Reduced 5/ Free
Admission: From Monday to Thursday
from 16:00 to 18:00 (October to March)
and from 18:00 to 20:00 (April to
September) to citizens of the European
Union and Latin American.
Opening Hours: April-September: Monday
to Sunday: 10:00 to 20:00.
October-March: Monday to Saturday from
10:00 to 18:00. Due to the celebration of
official acts, the Royal Palace can suspend
tourist visits.
Royal Palace
Located in the heart of the city, the Royal
Palace is an essential part of Madrid.
he Muslim Kingdom of Toledo (ninth century) built in this area

a defensive fortress called Alcazar which gave rise to the birth
of Madrid. Around the building emerged neighborhoods
inhabited mainly by workers of the Alcazar (soldiers, blacksmiths,
builders, vets, etc.). After several centuries, the city was conquered
by the Christian troops (1085) which occupied the Alcazar and the
surrounding area. Over the years, Madrid was turning into an
influential city and Felipe II decided to carry out improvement works
to transform the Alcazar into The Official Residence of the Spanish
Kings (sixteenth century). During this time, the Palace was provided
with works of incalculable value (sculptures, paintings, frescoes,
etc.) and became a symbol of the Habsburg dynasty.
After a horrible fire (1734) Felipe V commissioned architect Giovanni
Battista Sacchetti to design a new huge Palace that stunned the
world with the power of the Spanish Empire. The works lasted more
than 17 years. Unfortunately, when the Palace was finished Felipe V
had already died and Carlos III, much loved by locals, was the first
monarch to live at the Royal Palace and establish here his Official
Residence. The lush and splendid decoration of the interior of the
Palace was supervised by Kings Carlos III and Carlos IV.
The Royal Palace was the Official Residence of the Spanish Royal
Family until 1931 when was proclaimed the Second Republic in
Spain and King Alfonso XIII was forced to leave Spain and take refuge
in Rome. In 1975 the monarchy was restored in Spain but the Royal
Palace was not used as Official Residence anymore. Today the
Palace is used to hold official ceremonies and receptions of
ambassadors and heads of State. Currently the Official Residence of
the Royal Family is the Zarzuela Palace, located far away from
downtown and heavily guarded.
Visiting the Royal Palace
Plaza de Armas
This square was designed as the main entrance to the Palace.If you
look closely at the faade you can contemplate a beautiful clock and
two bells, one of which was saved from the fire of 1734.
Madrid Express
A charming staircase with 72 marble

steps brought from Toledo and
beautiful frescos painted by Conrado
Giaquinto are waiting for us in the
entrance hall of the Palace.
Alabarderos Room
This room was the place where the
Royal Guard met. Don't miss the
mythological paintings by Giovanni Battista.
Hall of Columns
This space was used as a ballroom and Gala dining room until the
nineteenth Century. Admire the wonderful decoration and the
impressive chandeliers.
In this room was signed the accession of Spain to the European
Union in 1986.
Throne Room
The most amazing part of
Changing of the Guard
the Throne Room is the
beautiful vault painted by
Ceremony
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
The
first
Wednesday
of each month
(allegory of the
(except
July,
August
and
September)
monarchy). Dont miss the
from
12:00,
visitors
can
enjoy the
wonderful baroque
Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the
decoration: chandeliers,
Royal Palace. The performance is
mirrors, walls covered
composed
of a large group of soldiers
with gold embroidery,
and
horses
marching with typical
crystal stone chandeliers
uniforms of the Royal Army. In total 100
and four great bronze lions
horses and 400 soldiers perform the
brought from Naples to
changing
of the guard as was done in the
the capital of the Spanish
nineteenth
century. The parade is
Empire in 1651. Special
accompanied by the band of the Royal
mention should be made
Army. Absolutely recommended!
of the incredible Italian
Approximate
Length: 40 minutes.
lamps of the eighteenth
century and the marvelous
marble statues.
Gasparinis Rooms
The tour continues through the private rooms of King Carlos III,
considered the heart of the Palace. These rooms are also known as
Gasparinis Rooms as he was the architect who designed them.
Gasparini Antechamber
Here the King Carlos III dined and had private
conversations. The walls are decorated with blue silk.
There are four splendid paintings by Goya which depict
Carlos IV and his wife Maria Luisa of Parma.
One of the most wonderful elements of this room is the
clock (the most luxurious of the Palace) which was made
of mahogany, bronze and porcelain. This clock was
Page 18
WHAT TO VISIT
designed in 1789 by Jean Demosthenes Dugourc who sent

it, dismantled in pieces, from France to Madrid. Once in
Madrid, it was installed by expert clockmakers.
Gasparini Room
This place was used by Carlos III as dressing room.
It is, undoubtedly, one of the most luxurious parts of the
Palace. The room is decorated in rococo and oriental style.
The beautiful marble floor and the elegant silk tapestry are
simply amazing.
Tranvia de Carlos III Room
This long and narrow room was formerly the Oratory of
Carlos III.
Carlos III Room
This room is decorated with beautiful French-style
furniture. Usually Carlos III slept in this room when he was
in Madrid. On 14th December 1788 Carlos III passed away
in this room while he was sleeping.
Yellow Room
This room is ornamented with yellow silk and houses a fine
collection of clocks which are worthy of admiration.
Porcelain Room
The floor is
decorated with
colored marble
and the walls
and ceiling are
covered with
porcelain plates.
The design and
decoration was
made by three
great artists: Jose
Gricci, Genaro
Royal Palace
Boltri and Juan Bautista de la Torre.
The porcelain came from the Royal Porcelain Factory of Buen Retiro
which was located in the Retiro Park and was destroyed during the
War of Independence against France (1808-1813).
Do not miss the wonderful nineteenth century planetary clock, really
amazing.
Dining Gala Hall
The Fire of 1734
This room was restructured in
1879 for the wedding of Alfonso
XII and Maria Cristina of Hapsburg. On December 24, 1734 the Royal
The stunning decoration will leave
Palace was destroyed by a
you speechless: stucco, paintings,
terrific fire. The whole complex
Chinese vases, Brussels tapestries,
was in flames during 4 days in a
silk curtains, etc.
row and nothing seemed to stop
Fifteen incredible lamps are
the fire which devoured the
suspended from the ceiling.
building. This fire caused the
Royal Library
loss of hundreds of Master
It is estimated that the Library of
Pieces belonging to the Royal
the Royal Palace houses about
Family. Other pieces were saved
300,000 volumes (engravings,
in extremis like the painting "Las
maps, manuscripts, books etc.)
Meninas" (Diego Velazquez)
constituting a true national
which is exhibited at the Prado
treasure that should be preserved
Museum. The painting in
forever.
question was thrown from a
Pharmacy and Armory
window of the Palace.
After the Palace, we recommend
The Royal Family did not suffer
you to visit the Royal Pharmacy,
any damage as that night they
founded by King Felipe II in 1594.
were in the Buen Retiro Palace.
Here visitors can see old
laboratory bottles, pharmacy tools, etc. On the opposite side of
Plaza de Armas we can visit the Royal Armory.
If you like weapons this part of the Royal Palace houses one of the
most stunning weapon collections in Europe. During the War of
Madrid Express
Independence (1808-1813) madrileos stormed the Royal Armory

to stock up with weapons and fight against French troops which
were extremely powerful.
Sabatini Gardens
Earlier this part of the Palace housed the Royal stables for the Kings
horses. These stables were designed by the architect Sabatini but in
1930 the Local Government demolished the stables and built these
beautiful gardens in a neoclassical style with statues, ponds and
fountains.
King Carlos III and Madrid

Carlos III was born in Madrid in 1716. From an early age Carlos III
knew that one of his most important missions was to recover the
Spanish influence in Italy, something vital to consolidate the country
as a superpower.
In 1737 he married Maria
Amalia of Saxony, daughter
of the King of Poland.
Shortly later, Carlos III
inherited the throne of
Naples and Sicily. In Italy
Carlos III carried out an
exciting project and tried to
convert Sicily and Naples
into two major European
capitals.
Soon Carlos III won the
heart of Neapolitan and
Sicilian people: huge palaces
were built, numerous public
works were developed and
the King tried to remove
power from the nobles and
Carlos III portrait
the Church.
In 1759 Carlos III inherited the Kingdom of Spain. During his reign,
Carlos III was a faithful ally of France and bitter enemy of England
who was trying to dominate the seas.
Socially Carlos III sought to modernize Spain under an illustrated
program that had as central axis to reduce the power of the Nobility
and the Church.
He also reinforced
the sense of Spain as
a nation, designing
the flag and the
national anthem.
In 1788 Carlos III died
in Madrid.
All historians
consider that Carlos
III was a great
Mayor for Madrid
as he gave a boost to
public works, built
Equestrian Sculpture of Carlos III (Puerta del
huge palaces, beautiful Sol)
boulevards and nice
squares, created the postal service and installed street lights around
the city turning Madrid into the true capital of a powerful country.
You can see an equestrian statue of this important figure in Puerta
del Sol (see the picture).
Did you know?
Carlos III created the National Lottery with the intention of
collecting taxes and financing the Seven Years War. Carlos III had
known this system in Naples where there was a tradition very similar
to current lottery. This way Carlos III imported the idea to Spain in
order to fill the government coffers.
Page 19
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Madrid Express
Page 20
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Calle Bailen 8 (Visitor Entrance)
Prices: Almudena Cathedral 1 (voluntary donation) / Crypt 1
Opening Hours: SeptemberJuly: from 09:00 to 20:30 / July-August:
from 10:00 to 21:00
Crypt: from 10:00 to 20:00 (Monday and Wednesday closed from
14:00 to 17:00).
Almudena Cathedral
4th April 1883 King Alfonso XII made initial
steps to build the first Cathedral in Madrid.
erhaps the Almudena Cathedral is not the kind of cathedral

we could expect from an important city such as Madrid. The
building is small in size compared to other European
cathedrals (London, Milan, Berlin, Paris, etc.) and was austerely
designed due in large part to lack of funds.
History
According to ultra-catholic theories Madrid was not founded by
Muslims but by Christians. Some erudites consider that Madrid was
a tiny village with a small church (Santa Maria de la Almudena)
whose Madonna was revered by all inhabitants. Years later the city
was occupied by the Muslims (ninth century) and the church was
transformed into a mosque, something very common at that time.
But after the Christian reconquest (1085), the mosque was
reconverted into a church again.
Unfortunately in the nineteenth century the Local Authorities
decided to demolish the old church and approved a plan to build a
great Neo-Gothic Cathedral which would amaze the world. Sadly the
continuous wars, uprisings and lack of funds frustrated this
magnificent project. Given this situation, the ecclesiastical
authorities decided to build the present Cathedral which was much
more simple and less expensive. Works were carried out during
decades because of the shortage of public funding and the Spanish
Civil War (1936-1939). Finally works could be finished thanks to the
contribution of the Government and some private companies in
1993. The Cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on June
Madrid Express
15, 1993 (first church consecrated by John Paul II outside

Rome) during a solemn ceremony attended by
politicians, ministers, bishops, etc.
You can see a statue of Pope John Paul II, much loved in
Spain, near the entrance.
The Cathedral has two facades: the main faade is
located in front of
the Royal Palace.
The other faade is
facing Bailen Street
and its gates are
open for mass every
day. The main
faade has three
stunning bronze
doors, the right one
represents the
Spanish Monarchy
and the left one
represents Latin
America.
Inside the Cathedral
Pope John Paul II
we find a frugal Neo-Gothic style
where central stage is dominated by a statue of Our
Lady of Almudena.
The Mysterious Legend of Virgin of Almudena
The old church (Santa Maria de la Almudena), built before the
Muslim conquest and demolished later, housed a beautiful
Madonna worshiped by all madrileos. According to legend the
Madonna was brought to Madrid by the Apostle Santiago.
In the ninth century Muslims began the conquest of Madrid: the
locals, really terrified by the ferocity of the Muslim troops, took
down the Madonna and buried it near the city walls. This way
Muslims could never get hold of the Madonna or damage it. Usually
when the Muslims conquered
a city destroyed all the
churches and shrines and
burned religious icons. In the
eleventh century the Christians
reconquered Madrid (1085)
and King Alfonso VI promised
to recover the Madonna which
had been buried almost two
centuries ago.
The King invested much effort
and money to find this beloved
symbol of the city, but nothing
seemed to work.
Alfonso VI desperately
organized a religious
procession attended by the
Royal Family, the nobility,
Cathedral Crypt
bishops, priests, armys senior officials, Rodrigo
Daz de Vivar (Hero of the Spanish Reconquest and
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WHAT TO VISIT
The Spanish Royal House and the Almudena

Cathedral
popularly known as El Cid Campeador) and hundreds of thousands

of madrileos. When the procession passed by a small storage
tank for wheat, suddenly several stones from the city wall fell down
and the Madonna appeared along with two candles that had
remained lit for more than two centuries. This discovery caused
astonishment among all attendees.
King Alfonso VI took the Madonna and placed it in the Church of
Santa Maria de la Almudena. Unfortunately this religious wood
statue was burned during a fire and replaced by an exact copy
carved in the sixteenth century.
This legend lacks any historical basis. According to experts Madrid
was founded by Muslims and there is no evidence of Christians living
in this area before the
foundation of the city.
Crypt
Probably the most interesting
and less publicized part of the
Almudena Cathedral is the
crypt which is located just
below the building (visitor
entrance: Mayor Street).
Walking among the tombs,
sculptures and columns
produces a feeling hard to
explain with words.
The crypt was designed in
Neo-Romanesque style and
has 20 wonderful chapels
where the aristocracy and
bourgeoisie of Madrid were
buried after paying large
Crypt Entrance
amounts of money to the Church.
If you are a curious tourist you can visit the mausoleum of the
architects of the Cathedral, Marques de Cubas and Enrique Maria
Repulles y Vargas.
The stained glass windows designed by Maumejean, deserve special
mention, take a look!
One of the best works of art inside the crypt is the mural of Our
Lady of the Lily, which dates back to the twelfth century.
Finally do not miss the impressive columns (more than three meters
high), some of them constructed in one piece, truly amazing.
Museum of the Cathedral
If you are a fan of religious art should visit the Museum of the
Cathedral. Here you will find a wonderful collection (distributed in
two galleries) of
paintings, statues, old
clothes, and even a
codex dating from 1230
which tells the story of
San Isidro (Madrid
Patron Saint) and his
miracles.
Do not miss a small-scale
reproduction of the
impressive Neo-Gothic
Cathedral which could
not be built by the lack
of financing.
Main Facade
At the same time if you
buy the ticket (6) for
the Cathedral Museum
you can visit the dome.
From up here you will
enjoy breathtaking
views of the historic
Main facade of the Almudena Cathedal
center of Madrid.
Madrid Express
Despite the recent corruption scandals committed by some

members of the Royal Family, the Spanish monarchy enjoys popular
support among its people.
On April 4, 1883 King Alfonso XII, in a solemn ceremony, laid the
foundation stone of the new Cathedral of Madrid. The land chosen
were donated by the Kings of Spain, thanks to the persistence of the
Queen Maria Mercedes of Orleans who had to convince the King to
build the Cathedral.
According to historians,
the Queen was the real
driving force behind the
construction of the
Almudena Cathedral.
Unfortunately, the Queen
died when she was 18, just
five months after her
marriage to King Alfonso
XII. In fact, the tomb of
Queen Maria Mercedes is
located in the Cathedral of
Madrid.
The King, desolate after
the death of his beloved,
left the Royal Palace in
Madrid and retired to the
Palace of Rio Frio in
Segovia.
Over the years Spain
gradually developed and
Shield of the Spanish Royal
the Monarchy was adapted to
House
new times.
After several brief relationships, Felipe de Borbon publicly
announced his marriage (2003) with a popular journalist called
Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano (news presenter on public television). The
choice of the young journalist caused a great controversy in the
country as the future Queen of Spain did not belong to the nobility.
The Monarchy did not listen to the criticism and endorsed the
decision of his son.
On May 22, 2004 Madrid dressed up to celebrate the most
important wedding of the century: the streets and squares were
remodeled, buildings were decorated with garlands and the
Almudena Cathedral was decked out to welcome the future kings of
Spain. Following the Catholic tradition, the culminating point of the
ceremony was the presentation of the arras (13 silver coins, gold
in this case, which symbolize the economic prosperity for the family)
and the exchanging of rings (worth 3000 each one).
The wedding was attended by over 1700 guests, including the major
Royal Houses of Europe, politicians and powerful businessmen.
At 12:45 the cathedral bells tolled, the princes left the church and
went to the square where a Rolls Royce Phantom IV (gift from Adolf
Hitler to Francisco Franco, who subsequently donated the car to the
Spanish Royal House) waited to take them to the Basilica of Atocha.
While the princes covered the distance between the Almudena
Cathedral and the Basilica of Atocha, an aperitif was offered to
guests at the Royal Palace.
At 13:30 the princes arrived at the Basilica of Atocha where they
made an offering. This basilica is very special for the Bourbon
dynasty. At 14:15 the princes came to the Royal Palace and minutes
after an impressive feast began: 2000 bottles of top quality olive oil,
seven-course menu and 150 kilos of wedding cake were some of the
delicacies the guests could enjoy.
On June 2, 2014 King Juan Carlos I, weakened by age and involved in
a corruption scandal, announced his abdication in favor of his son
Felipe. This decision came as a surprise to the Spanish society and
the national press.
Page 22
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Plaza Mayor
Metro Station: Sol / La Latina
Prices: Opening Hours: -
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor has its origin in the thirteenth
century when a Central Market was set up
here.
ery close from Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Villa is located
the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful square replete with balconies,
pinnacles and typical slate roofs.
These kind of squares, typical from Castillian cities such as
Salamanca or Valladolid (Spanish capital for a brief period of time
1601-1606), were once the nerve center of the cities and all activity
revolved around them. Plaza Mayor has its origin in the thirteenth
century when this area of the city was full of shacks and small
streets. At the same time, this humble neighborhood had a main
square (Plaza del Arrabal) where a market was installed (Mercado
de la Villa). Traders and merchants came here to sell all kind of
groceries like meat, fruits, pickled fish etc. Over the centuries, trade
activity in this square grew spectacularly and many Jews started
their own business here.
In 1561 King Felipe II decided to move the capital of Spain from
Toledo to Madrid, a decision that changed the fate of the city
forever. One of his top priorities as King of Spain was to rejuvenate
and renovate this old and dirty area of Madrid: Felipe II
commissioned Juan de Herrera, who few years before had designed
the wonderful Monastery of Escorial, to reform the old square
(Plaza del Arrabal).
Unfortunately, in the early seventeenth century the square was in a
lamentable state of preservation and Felipe III decided to create a
larger square worthy of an important city like Madrid. The architect
in charge of designing the new square was Juan Gomez de Mora, a
pupil of Juan de Herrera, who was inspired by the drawings of his
teacher. Shortly after its inauguration, the square began to be used
as a venue for all kind of events such as bullfights, executions of
Tip: Do not miss the Visitor Reception Center where you will find
all kinds of information (maps, routes, official guides, brochures,
audio-guides etc.). Address: Plaza Mayor 27 (Tel: 915881636)
Madrid Express
famous prisoners, inquisition hearings or

military parades. Throughout its history,
Plaza Mayor was burnt down three times
(1631, 1670, and 1790) so improvement
works were needed again. Before these
reconstruction works the buildings
surrounding the square were higher than
today (five stories). After a controversial
debate, the architect Juan de Villanueva
decided to design three-story residential
buildings with more than 200 balconies
as one can see today.
Plaza Mayor has nine entranceways: Arco
de Cuchilleros (Cutlers Arch), located in
the southwestern corner on the Square,
is the most outstanding of them all. Arco
de Cuchilleros (1790) leads to Cutlers
Street where all knife shops and small
workshops were located.
Probably the most beautiful part of the square is the Casa de la
Panadera (Bakery House) whose faade has been decorated with
wonderful frescoes. This building housed the seat of Bakers Guild.
The statue in the middle of the square commemorates King Felipe
III, one of the driving forces behind the construction of the Square.
The Statue was placed here by order of Queen Isabel II in 1848.
Nowadays Plaza Mayor is a meeting point for madrileos and a
must-visit place in the city for all visitors. A lot of typical bars,
restaurants, souvenir shops, antique shops surround this nice
square, creating a very special atmosphere. The small Botoneras
Street boasts two of the best places in Madrid (Bar La Ideal and Bar
La Campana) to eat a typical squid sandwich, real fast-food for
madrileos. These sandwiches cost less than 3 and come with
mayonnaise (optional). Locals usually drink a caa (draft beer
served in a small glass) to accompany these delicious sandwiches.
Every Sunday morning there is a small numismatic market where
you can find different types of coins from Roman or Arab Times to
rare coins. This market is held since 1920.
Several weeks before Christmas a great Market, considered the best
in Spain, is inaugurated at Plaza Mayor where Christmas gifts,
decorations, funny wigs, hats, Christmas trees and joke items can be
found in abundance.
Santa Cruz Palace

This beautiful Palace, 50 meters away from Plaza Mayor, was built
between 1629 and 1643. However, over the years, the building was
restored several times (1846, 1931, and after the Spanish Civil War
due to heavy shelling that struck the city). Fortunately, despite the
numerous reforms the building retains its original style: pinnacles,
courtyards, slate roofs, brick walls etc. This Palace was used as prison
of the Court until the eighteenth century: the cells were full of
famous prisoners such as Lope de Vega, General Riego or
Espronceda. The Spanish Inquisition used the Palace as well. Those
sentenced to death were executed in the nearby Plaza Mayor.
Nowadays the Palace houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Address: Plaza de la Provincia 1
Metro: Sol / Tirso de Molina
Page 23
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Puerta del Sol
Metro Station: Sol
Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol has witnessed important
events in the history of Spain that changed
the destiny of the country.
n the sixteenth century Puerta del Sol was one of the most used
point access to the city: this place was occupied by a huge gate
and a castle to protect the city wall (both of them destroyed).
Over the centuries the city was growing and expanding and Puerta
del Sol became an important place in the common life of
madrileos.
The square also has witnessed important events in the history of
Spain that changed the destiny of the country:
In 1766 occurred the Mutiny of Esquilache. King Carlos III forbade
the use of long coats and traditional hats in Madrid (chamergo).
Shortly after, the population of the city revolted against this law and
Madrid was in chaos for several days. Even the King's life was in
danger during the uprising. Puerta del Sol was one of the epicenters
of the protests. These protests were only the straw that broke the
camel back as behind this situation there was a serious economic
and social crisis.
In 1808 the Napoleons army crushed brutally in Puerta del Sol an
uprising against the French occupation. The great Spanish painter
Francisco de Goya depicted in one of his most famous paintings
("The Mamlukes") this despicable act of the Egyptian troops of
Napoleon. The painting can be admired at the Prado Museum.
In 1912 the Prime Minister, Jose Canalejas, was killed in Puerta del
Sol by an anarchist while he was watching a window shop.
Recently, the square has been the epicenter of the protests against
the government during the current financial crisis, bringing together
hundreds and thousands of people of all ages.
The physiognomy of the square has changed substantially over the
years. The last change took place in 2009 with the construction of
the new commuter train station. This station is one of the biggest in
the world with 28 meters deep, 207 meter long and more than 7500
Madrid Express
meters.
Today Puerta del Sol is full of icons
quickly identified by any madrileo.
Some of them are:
Old Postal Office The building was
built in 1768 during the reign of Carlos
III. In 1847 the Postal Office was
transformed into Government
Ministry. In 1866 the clock was added
to the building and since then it has
become an icon of the city, well known
by all Spaniards. During the military
dictatorship (1949-1975) the basement
of the building was used as jail for
political prisoners where gross
violations of human rights were
committed. Today the building serves
as the Government House of Madrid.
Kilometer Zero In front of the old
Postal Office there is a plaque which
symbolizes the kilometer zero. Spain has a radial road design and
this plaque marks the geometric center.
Bear and Madrone Tree Statue (1967) They are the symbol of the
capital and even appear on the Citys shield since 1220. Without any
doubt, its one of the most photographed places in Spain.
Carlos III Statue (1994) In the middle of the square lies a Carlos III
Statue, designed by Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Eduardo Zancada.
Some experts call Carlos III "The King Mayor" due to the important
improvement works he set in motion in Madrid (see page 19).
Cafeteria Mallorquina Old-fashioned-style cafeteria & patisserie
very well known by all madrileos. We can say that this patisserie
is a survivor as the whole square, as well as the entire city center,
has been conquered by fast-food restaurants, franchises, burgers
etc. The cafeteria has two floors. On the ground floor you can buy
cakes, sandwiches, coffee, churros (cruller), sweets, etc. Upstairs
there's a 'quiet zone' with chairs for those who want a more
tranquil cafe experience.
New Year Eve in Madrid

Every December 31 madrileos come to Puerta del Sol to celebrate
the New Year. Maybe you didnt know but for more than a hundred
years, Spanish people have a curious tradition of eating 12 grapes in 12
seconds as the clock marks the final twelve hours of the year. If you
gobble down all the grapes you will have good luck during the coming
year. The origin of this tradition goes back to the late nineteenth and
early twentieth century. During these years, German and French
aristocrats had the habit of eating grapes and drinking champagne
during the New Years Eve dinner. Shortly after, the Spanish
aristocracy copied the habit. But madrileos have a great sense of
humour and lower-class people ironically began to imitate the
aristocrats in eating grapes during New Years Eve. Of course,
champagne was too expensive for them.
At the same time, in 1909 there was a huge surplus of grapes in the
eastern provinces of Spain and producers desperately needed to sell
them. They saw business opportunity and decided to popularize this
recent habit of eating grapes on New Year's Eve. Gradually the habit
consolidated in others parts of the country until today.
Page 24
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Calle Gran Via
Metro: Gran Via / Callao /
Santo Domingo
Gran Via Street

Gran Via Street is, with no doubt, the most
famous street in Spain.
his street is also called "The Spanish Broadway " because of

the large number of cinemas, theaters, shops, restaurants, old
cafeterias, etc.
During the second half of the nineteenth century, Madrid expanded
dramatically. Many neighborhoods were demolished and the limits
of the city grew as never before. In this context, the Government
considered that the city center needed an urban renewal program.
Fortunately, in 1904 the project to renovate one of the most central
parts of Madrid was approved: a big avenue would cross the heart
of downtown like in others important European cities such as Paris
or London. At the same time, the avenue would connect Salamanca
and Argelles quarters with Puerta del Sol Square. In addition, the
traffic would be easier
for everyone and the
transfer between Atocha
and Principe Pio Railway
Stations would be more
comfortable and faster.
The design of Gran Va
Street created a great
controversy in Madrid as
it demanded
expropriating and
demolishing entire
blocks. Shortly after the
inauguration of Gran Via
Street (1910), Telefnica
Building was built
becoming the highest
skyscraper in Europe.
This wide and modern
Gran Via Street 16
avenue was planned in
three different phases:
1910-1917: from Alcala Street to Montera Street (Red de San Luis).
1922-1925: from Red de San Luis to Callao Square.
Madrid Express
These first two phases are

the result of a prolonged
economic boom experienced
by the city in early twentieth
century: buildings are really
beautiful and renowned
American architects were
hired.
1925-1955: from Callao to
Plaza Espaa. Spain's
economic problems are
reflected in this part of Gran
Via Street. Post-war and the
military dictatorship
wreaked havoc and
strangled the Spanish
economy: buildings lack of
aesthetic quality compared
with other buildings located at the beginning of the avenue.
Gran Via Street boasts some of most amazing and spectacular
buildings in Spain. Lets quickly review some of them!
Metropolis Building (Alcala Street 39) When we all think of Madrid
suddenly this building come to our mind. Metropolis Building (1911)
is located between Alcala and Gran Via streets and was designed by
Jules Raymond Fevrier, born in France, for the insurance company La
Unin y el Fnix. Currently the building is owned by Metrpolis
Seguros. The building reflects the origin of its architect, especially
the circular tower very popular in Paris during the early twentieth
century. The statue that crowns the building represents the goddess
Victoria. Originally there was a statue of the Phoenix but the
company that owned the building took it with them when they sold
the building to Metrpolis Seguros.
In 1996 important works was carried out. The entire facade was
restored, specially the sculptures which were heavily damaged by
environmental pollution and pigeons.
Grassy Building (Gran Via Street 1) This elegant building was
designed by Eladio Laredo (1917). The beautiful tower with columns
is similar to the nearby Metropolis Building. Since the fifties, the
building is named Grassy for the luxury jewelry store, specialized in
watches, located in the premises. This jewelry has a small museum
where you can admire beautiful clocks from the sixteenth to
nineteenth century.
Museo Chicote (Gran Via Street 12) Museo Chicote was one of the
first bars to serve cocktails in Madrid. This bar, opened in 1932, was
frequented by famous artists like Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, Orson
Welles and Ava Gardner. In 2004 Museo Chicote received the "MTVCampari Recommneds" award as the best bar in Europe.
Casino Militar (Gran Via Street 13) This beautiful building houses an
Association to support the military personnel: military exhibitions,
lectures, a hairdresser for soldiers, gym, massage room, etc.
Real Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia (Gran Via Street 17)
The remote origin of this building dates back to the seventeenth
century. However, soon afterwards, the building had to be seriously
reformed by Juan de Villanueva due to its poor state of preservation
(eighteenth century). The particular facade of the building (1916)
was modified when the Government began to build Gran Via Street.
The last major reform was carried out in the late twentieth century
Page 25
WHAT TO VISIT
,when Javier Feduchi Benlliure designed the triumphal arch that
today dominates the facade and helps to create a sense of
movement. Thanks to the arch we can admire the apse and the
Church dome.
The entrance facade (1831) is facing South (Caballero de Gracia
Street) and was designed in a neo-classical style. Inside the temple
were painted dome frescoes by Zacarias Gonzalez Velazquez.
Banco Central Building (Gran Via Street 18)
During the first decades of the twentieth century Madrid lived an
economic boom and began to receive tourists. In view of this
demand, the first hotels in Madrid were designed. Thus, in 1943 the
Roma Hotel was built. Later, in the mid-twentieth century Banco
Iberico bought the building and transformed it into its head office.
The Spanish Civil War and Gran Via Street

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) Spain and especially
Madrid suffered a
terrible setback. The
country was
engaged in a
fratricidal war while
industrial activity
was paralyzed. The
international
community,
stunned, followed
Spanish submarine in Cartagena (Spain)
the course of the war
that would lead to the implantation of a military dictatorship until
1975. During these war years Gran Via Street was viciously bombed
by the Fascists and traders tried to protect their businesses along
the length of the avenue: facades were all bricked up and barricades
were placed in the middle of the street. Telefonica Building was
used as a watchtower. On Callao Square was located the Hotel
Florida (currently El Corte Ingles Department Store), where the
international press covered the grotesque war. Hewingway was one
of these correspondents. The great American writer and journalist
reported that he could even hear the bullets, grenades and
machine-gun fire from his room. In fact the Hotel received some
impact during the war.
Old Hotel Metropolitano (Gran Via Street 23)

The building was designed by Vicente Agust Elguero and Jos
Espelius in 1918. Formerly this building housed luxury apartments
and the Metropolitan Hotel. In the past, the commercial premise
was occupied by the wonderful jewelry Alexandre, the most luxury
and renowned in
Madrid. Unfortunately
in the eighties of the
twentieth century, the
jewelry was sold to
the American fast food
franchise McDonalds.
The opening of this
restaurant, one of the
first McDonalds in
Spain, was a social
event in the city. By
Gran Via Street 38
law, McDonalds had
to preserve the original facade and some interior elements.
Casa Matesanz (Gran Via Street 27) It was one the first commercial
building in Madrid (1923). The structure of the building is inspired by
the American School of Chicago.
Madrid Express
Telefonica Building (Gran Va Street 28) Telefonica Building was the

first skyscraper in Europe (1929). The pomp and majesty of the
building is a reminder of New York; in fact, the building was codesigned by the North American architect Louis S. Weeks. Perhaps,
the most attractive part of the building is its central tower, 81
meters high. The scant exterior decoration was added later by
Ignacio Cardenas. In the lower floors there are exhibition halls and
even a museum dedicated to the evolution of telecommunications
(including the first phone in Spain, used by King Alfonso XIII).
Old Zahara Cafe (Gran Via Street 31) In the decade of the twenties
bars and cafes of North American style began to become popular,
one of them was Zahara Cafe. Now lost in time, Zahara Cafe was
very popular in Madrid: many people still remember the coffee with
churros, delicious snacks or combo plates that businessmen ate
quickly before returning to the office. Unfortunately due to
disagreements with the owner of the premises, the cafeteria was
closed and currently it belongs to a fashion franchise. This is our
tribute to a place much loved by madrileos.
Madrid-Paris Building (Gran Via Street 32) In 1924 was inaugurated
this impressive Shopping Center, one of the first in Europe, by the
Company Madrid-Paris (owned by the French Socit Paris-France
which already was running other Shopping Centre in Paris). Shortly
after the opening, the owners had to make major changes since the
Shopping Centre was not getting the expected results: many staff,
inadequate goods, etc. Finally the problems of the Spanish economy
wreaked havoc on the company and the Shopping Center was sold
to different companies (1934).
Hotel Tryp Cibeles (Gran Via Street 34) In 1924 Jos Yarnoz Larrosa
and Antonio Palacios designed the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a real symbol
of the capital in the early decades of the twentieth century. Later it
was bought by Melia Hoteles, one of the leading Spanish hotel
chains, and changed its name to Hotel Tryp Cibeles.
Palacio de la Msica (Gran Via Street 35) Classical style building
constructed between 1926 and 1929. The building was designed to
house a concert hall, a
movie theater and even
a nightclub. Due to
technical difficulties the
initial project suffered
substantial
modifications. Shortly
after being inaugurated
a terrible fire destroyed
much of the building,
including a beautiful
organ.
Inside there is an
impressive movie
theater and an
auditorium with capacity
for more than two
thousand people, one of
the largest in Europe.
Carrin Building (Callao Square)
Carrion Building (Callao Square)
Carrion Building (1933) is famous throughout the capital for the
lighted sign of Schweppes, a popular beverage brand. The building is
a magnificent example of art deco in Spain. Callao Square has
become one of the busiest places in Spain. During 2013, it is
estimated that approximately 110 million people passed by here.
Tip: Try to avoid this Avenue and parallel streets at night. When
stores, cinemas, theaters and restaurants close the avenue begins to fill
with undesirable characters as prostitutes, pimps, Chinese mobile food
vendors, pushers, etc. Despite the installation of security cameras and
heavy police presence the Authorities dont get rid of these nocturnal
visitors that are having an adverse effect on one of the main streets of
Madrid.
Page 26
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Plaza de Cibeles
Metro: Banco de Espaa
Cybeles Square
This unique square, designed by King Carlos
III, is one of the main arteries in the city
center.
his place in Madrid seems to never take a rest, remaining

active for twenty-four hours a day. Hundreds of thousands of
people, including tourists, businessmen and bureaucrats,
crowd the sidewalks, contributing to create a vibrant atmosphere
hard to find in any other Spanish city. During the night Cybeles
Square is the point from where all night buses depart, popularly
known as buhos (owls).
The beautiful square is dominated by an amazing building (Palace of
Communications), designed in the early twentieth century, which
has become one of the most photographed places by the thousands
of tourists who throng the city. In the middle of the square, like an
island surrounded by asphalt and cars, is located one of the icons of
the capital: Cybeles Fountain, much beloved by Real Madrid fans.
Two other buildings that will capture your attention are the Bank of
Spain and the Linares Palace.
Palace of Communications
This imposing building, located on one side of Cybeles Square, was
built between 1905-1917 by architects Antonio Palacios and Joaquin
Otamendi for the Posts and Telegraphs Society of Spain. This
building, more than 70 meters high, reflects the impulse that the
Spanish capital
received by
Authorities in the
early twentieth
century to become
Madrid an
important and
major European
city. Unfortunately
the bloody Spanish
Civil War (19361939) ended the
Cybeles Fountain
hopes of an entire
Madrid Express
country that was beginning to

emerge from a dark period. From
the architectural point of view,
we can admire various influences
in this building: Gothic, French
Modernism, American School and
Spanish School.
The wonderful central hall was
surrounded by small windows for
postal employees and was
beautifully decorated with bronze
stands where people wrote their
letters. Outside we can still see
the brass mailboxes with the
names of the different Spanish
provinces. Nowadays the building
has a double function: City Hall and Cultural Center.
On the first floor there is a nice Cafeteria (Coleccion Cibeles). Despite
its privileged location, the prices are quite affordable, considering
that we are in one of the most touristic places in the city (1.5 for a
coffee or 6 for a full breakfast).
The sixth floor is occupied by an elegant restaurant where we will
enjoy wonderful views of Gran Via Street, the most famous street in
Spain. But if you are looking for a unique view, keep going up! On
the eighth floor was designed a viewpoint from where you will have
majestic views of the entire downtown: Gran Via Street, Cybeles
Square, Metropolis Building, Paseo de la Castellana and even Colon
Towers. An opportunity you cannot miss for anything in the world.
Viewpoint Opening Hours: from 10:30 to 14:00 & from 16:00
to 19:00 (Monday Closed)
Prices: General 2 / Children under 12 years: 0,50
Cybeles Fountain
Cybeles Fountain is today one of symbols of the city and one of the
most beloved monuments by madrileos. The construction of this
fountain was part of the project of King Carlos III to modernize and
renovate the Paseo del Prado.
In addition to Cybeles Fountain, the design of the new boulevard
included other two fountains: Neptune Fountain and Apollo
Fountain, both of them preserved in perfect condition.
This neoclassical fountain was built in 1782 by sculptor Francisco
Gutierrez and Robert Michel and represents the Greco-Roman
Goddess Cybele in a chariot drawn by lions.
In the past, the fountain had two water pipes: one of them was
intended for government employees who took water buckets from
the fountain to the nearby houses. The other pipe helped passers-by
quench the thirst. A popular legend in Madrid said that the water
from Cybeles Fountain had beneficial effects on health.
The mask that throws water out in the front part of the chariot
represents Attis who was turned into a tree by the goddess Cybele.
Before, the fountain was located in front of Buenavista Palace,
barely 50 meters away from its present location. In 1895 the
fountain was moved to its current location, causing much
controversy in the city: the reasons behind this decision gave
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WHAT TO VISIT
boost to all kinds of rumors; in bars people didnt stop talking about
that and newspapers dedicated pages and pages about the fountain.
Over the years the progress reached Madrid and people, for the first
time in history, could access to potable water in their houses,
improving hygiene conditions. Thanks to these advances it was no
longer necessary to provide water for people and the City Council
decided to place the fountain on a pedestal and installed a fence
around the fountain to avoid possible damage.
Attention! If you like football you must know that Real Madrid fans
come to celebrate their victories to this popular fountain. Local
Authorities block the surrounding roads and team players come to
mingle with the crowd.
Bank of Spain
The cult of Cybele
The Bank of Spain was created
Despite what many people think,
by the merger of San
Goddess Cybele has no Greek
Fernando Bank and Isabel II
origin but the myth comes from
Bank. The building was
Phrygia, ancient region of Asia
inaugurated in 1891 by King
Minor corresponding to the
Alfonso XII and it was
current Turkey. From here the
designed trying to imitate
cult of the goddess Cybele spread
others Central European
throughout the Mediterranean
Banks: majestic neoclassic
basin. Taurobolium was the
style with the intention of
most popular rite in honor of
conveying a sense of power.
Cybele. During this ceremony was
Barely thirty years after its
sacrificed a bull, an animal very
inauguration, the building
present in the culture of southern
underwent major renovation
Europe.
and improvement works
Cybele was considered the
(1927) to modify its structure.
Goddess of fertility and nature
Over the years, the Bank of
and therefore she was revered
Spain had to adapt to the
and highly respected, being built
changing times and
numerous temples in her honor.
improvement works were
Usually Cybele is pictured with a
needed again (1936 and
turreted crown and a chariot
1975). Some of these works
drawn by lions which symbolize
were intended to increase the
the submission of nature to the
security in the building.
almighty Goddess.
The Bank of Spain has three
entrances (Paseo del Prado,
Cybeles Square and Alcala
Street). Despite what many people may think, the most important
entrance of these three is the one located in the Paseo del Prado but
is only used for special events.
The interior of the building, barely known by locals, is simply
spectacular: there are art works from masters such as Goya,
Velazquez, Moneo etc. The Central Library is especially beautiful and
was designed by Eiffel, the famous French architect, who devised an
innovator method to build his illustrious iron tower in Paris.
The main staircase was made from marble and is surrounded by
windows with mythological themes. This staircase leads to the Clock
Courtyard where you can enjoy a wonderful art-deco decoration.
Turning to another issue, the Bank of Spain has one of the safest
strongroom in the world which stored large reserves of gold, jewels,
precious gems and foreign exchange. To access this strongroom
were implemented modern and powerful security measures:
1. Steel vault door (16 tons). This door can only be opened using two
different keys which are in possession of two senior officials of the
Bank of Spain.
2. Elevator. We must go down 36 meters to the bottom of the
complex. It is also necessary a key to activate the elevator.
3. Vault door (14 tons).
4. Deep lake. To cross the lake there is a retractable bridge similar to
the castles of the Middle Ages.
5. Vault door (8 tons).
6. Flood. If someone without authorization accesses to the
strongroom, all the alarms will be activated and a complex system of
pipes would flood the complex, preventing any possibility to escape.
Madrid Express
This piping system also supplies water to Cybeles Fountain so in

case of theft the popular fountain would lose its water to protect
the treasures of the Bank.
Linares Palace
This palace belonged
for many years to Jose
de Murga, the first
Marquis of Linares, and
his family. Jose de
Murga was an
important senator and
successful banker that
marked a new stage in
Madrid.
In 1873 the Marquis of
Linares Palace
Linares ordered the construction of a beautiful
Neo-Baroque palace in the center of Madrid, opposite Cybeles
Fountain. The luxury building reflects the economic heyday that
Madrid experienced in the early twentieth century: luxury hotels
were built, Gran Via Street was designed, wealthy businessmen built
large palaces, tram was inaugurated, etc.
The rich banker spared no expense and the best architects and
decorators of the time were hired.
The main entrance of the building is facing Cybeles Square but is
only used for special celebrations such as ambassadors receptions
and banquets. The usual entrance to the palace is located on Paseo
de Recoletos, area where formerly bankers lived.
The interior of this elegant palace is dominated by an interesting
Neo-Baroque style with quality wood, marble, gold and allegorical
murals. One of the most beautiful parts of the Palace is the central
Hall, beautifully ornamented. At the rear of the building there is a
lovely staircase which leads to the garden of the palace where we
can admire the pavilion Casa de Muecas (Doll House) built by
Manuel Anbal lvarez in Romantic style.
Unfortunately after the death of the Marquis, the family began to
squander the immense fortune accumulated over decades. Part of
the beautiful furniture was sold to pay pressing debts and another
part was disappeared during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
Today the building houses the Casa de America, cultural institution
that promotes art, literature and film in Spain and Latin America. For
this purpose it was necessary to remodel much of the interior of the
palace, including the construction of an underground auditorium.
Mysteries and ghosts at Linares Palace

Mateo de Murga, Jose de Murgas father, educated his son
exceptionally, with deep moral values that shaped his personality.
When Jose grew, he fell in love with a beautiful girl of humble origin
who would hardly be accepted by the snob Spanish aristocracy. In
view of this situation, Mateo de Murga sent his son to London with
the intention that Jose forgot definitely his girlfriend. Shortly after
sending his son to England, Mateo de Murga died and his son had to
return to Madrid to attend the funeral of his father. Once in Madrid,
Jose decided to marry his beloved woman.
Years passed by and one day, Jose de Murga found, while he sorted
some documents, a letter from his father dated shortly before his
death. In this letter Mateo de Murga apologized to his son for
sending him to England and revealed a terrible secret: his wife was
actually his stepsister. The young Jose, shocked, decided to build this
palace in the center of Madrid. The building was designed so that
Jose lived on the lower floors and his sister-wife on the upper floors
of the palace. According to legend, the Pope himself (Leo XIII)
authorized the young couple to live under the same roof.
Nowadays workers and security personnel of the palace assure to
have heard mysterious cries, screams and sobs of Mateo de Murga
who couldnt bear to see his two sons living together. Likewise the
voices of Jose and his sister-wife, tormented, try to explain the
situation to his father.
Page 28
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Plaza de La Independencia
Metro: Retiro / Banco de Espaa
Alcala Gate
Alcala Gate is one of the most beloved
symbols of the city by all madrileos.
his wonderful must-see is located on Independencia Square,

very close from Retiro Park and the opulent Serrano Street,
the place where the famous actors and multi-millionaire
footballers do their shopping.
From ancient times, Madrid was protected by a powerful wall that
had different points of access and Alcala Gate was one of them. The
city gates were closed at night and heavily guarded by soldiers. In
the early morning hours the gates were opened again and the city
regained instantly its vitality. This system allowed an effective
control of epidemics, greatly feared by the population and
Authorities. In the late eighteenth century Madrid was expanding
enormously and the Kings had great plans to rejuvenate the city. In
1759 King Carlos III arrived in Madrid from Italy, where he lived, and
decided to demolish the old Alcala Gate. The King considered that
the old gate was not classy enough for an important capital like
Madrid. Shortly after several architects submitted their proposals,
some of them tremendously innovative. Finally Carlos III opted for
the design of Sabatini, his favorite architect. The new Alcala Gate
(1778) was built in a Neo-Classical style with 5 arches and
surrounded by a strong wall that protected the eastern part of the
city. The great Sabatini used two types of stone for this elegant
gate: granite and white stone from quarries near Madrid.
If you pay attention, the central arches are higher than the lateral
ones. There was a logical explanation for that: the three central
arches were designed for horses and carriages so they need to be
high enough. The rectangular arches provided access for
pedestrians. Likewise iron grill gates were installed to prevent the
entry of undesirable characters during the night.
If you look closely, the fronts are different one from each other. This
lack of symmetry was perfectly premeditated. The King wanted that
people entering the city had a different impression from the people
leaving the capital. As you can notice, King Carlos III paid attention
to details!
The statues that crown the Gate symbolize the fortitude, justice,
temperance and prudence.
Madrid Express
By the mid-eighteenth century a

bullring with capacity for 12,500
people was built very near to Alcala
Gate. This bullring satisfied one of the
most popular entertainments in Spain,
bullfights.
Alcala Gate was restored for the first
time in 1869 due to major damage
suffered during the early nineteenth
century, mainly caused by the Spanish
War of Independence against the
French Army. Taking advantage of this
restoration works, local Authorities
decided to revitalize this area of
Madrid and demolish the huge city
wall adjacent to Alcala Gate.
Since then, the Alcala Gate has been
restored four times more.
Shortly after being inaugurated, the historic bullring was closed
down and torn down, releasing a large space in the heart of the city.
Throughout history, Alcala Gate has witnessed many events that
changed the fate of Madrid and Spain:
In 1823 Alcala Gate saw as the French troops, allies of King Fernando
VII, besieged Madrid and entered the city through this gate. In 1886
Authorities inaugurated, near Alcala Gate, an elegant statue
dedicated to the legendary Spanish military Espartero, who
participated in some of the most important battles of the Modern
History of Spain. The bronze statue was designed by Paul Gilbert
Roig. In 1921 the President of the Council of Ministers was shot near
Alcala Gate while traveling in his official car. The murderers fled at
full speed in a sidecar. During the Civil War (1936-1939) the gate
became a symbol of the Republicans who used it as a propaganda
instrument. Despite the passage of years Alcala Gate has not fallen
into oblivion and is part of the collective life of everyone in Madrid:
multitudinous events, commemorative masses and important
celebrations take place here regularly.
Francesco Sabatini: The Architect of the King

Francesco Sabatini was one of the greatest architects of the
eighteenth century and his fame spread throughout Europe thanks
to his magnificent works. Sabatini was born in Palermo (Italy) in
1722. During his youth Sabatini was influenced by the beautiful
classical architecture of Rome where he could deepen his
knowledge of the architecture of the Roman Empire.
His father-in-law Luigi Vanvitelli worked for King Carlos III when he
was still King of Naples. The influence of his father-in-law allowed
him to enjoy an excellent position in the Spanish Court. When Carlos
III became King of Spain (1759) called Francesco Sabatini to help him
to develop his plan to revitalize Madrid. Gradually the Italian
architect was gaining the confidence of the monarch (he became
one of the King's right-hand man) while increasing his popularity.
Some of the most outstanding works of Francesco Sabatini were:
remodeling works at the Royal Palace, Royal Customs House, Alcala
Gate, San Vicente Gate, General Hospital (now Reina Sofia Museum),
the facade of the Basilica San Francisco El Grande.
Unfortunately in 1797 Francesco Sabatini passed away in Madrid.
Page 29
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Calle Alfonso XII 14
Metro: Retiro
Prices: Opening Hours: Winter (06:00-22:00)
Summer (06:00-24:00) open every day
Retiro Park
Very close to the Prado Museum we find
Retiro Park, one of the city lungs and one of
the most beautiful parks in Europe.
etiro Park is undoubtedly the most famous park in Spain:

madrileos come every day to walk, breathe fresh air,
cycling or yoga, especially during the week-ends, filling the
avenues of the park and the beautiful gardens.
This park plays a vital role in Madrid and allows the city to breathe
deeply, as the environmental pollution in the city center is rife.
In the seventeenth century Felipe IV ordered the construction, on
the outskirts of the city, of the Buen Retiro Palace (now destroyed)
as a second official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Usually
the Kings lived at the Royal Palace (see page 19) and came here in
spring and summer.
A large private park for rest and relaxation of the Royal Family was
laid out as part of the project: small palaces, exotic gardens and
ponds were built. Even ducks, swans and peacock were released.
The extension of the park was huge and the Kings held private
parties to which attended the nobility and aristocracy of Madrid.
King Carlos III (eighteenth century) and Fernando VII (nineteenth
century) opened to the public different parts of the park, creating a
great expectation among the locals. Unfortunately during the
Spanish War of Independence (1808-1813) the park suffered
tremendous damage. The city rebelled against the regime of
Napoleon and the French troops used the park as a fortress against
the English army, ally of Spain and a bitter enemy of France. The
park was the scene of a bloody battle that destroyed large parts of
Retiro Park. Even today archaeologists have found scraps of fabric
from military uniforms and even shrapnel from French and British
armies.
Finally in 1868, thanks to a decree, the park was completely open
and the property was transferred from the Royal Family to the City
of Madrid. During the 80s of the twentieth century, the park
underwent a rejuvenating process: the City Hall built public baths,
Madrid Express
asphalted some avenues of the

park and increased police
presence. At the same time the
park was populated by a colony
of squirrels that perfectly
adapted to the environment and
can still be found running around
the gardens and climbing trees.
This romantic park, comparable
in size to Londons Hyde Park, is
full of beautiful places and
hidden spots.
Fisherman's Cottage: Wonderful
building designed by King
Fernando VII and surrounded by
a romantic small artificial lake.
The King came here when he
wanted to be quiet and read
without anyone bothering him.
Statue of the Fallen Angel: This is
the only statue in the world dedicated to Lucifer. The sculpture
depicts the exact moment in which Lucifer is expelled from paradise
with a snake around his body. Many locals were strongly opposed to
its placement in this idyllic park of the capital. Today the statue has
become a tourist attraction and
one of the most popular
sculptures in Madrid.
However what many people
dont know is that horrible
legends and stories have
circulated around this statue over
the year, creating a true feeling
of terror and suspense among
Madrileos. According to urban
legend, strange phenomena have
happened here and some corpses
have appeared near this place.
Besides, sporadically satanic sects
and demon lover groups gather
here to celebrate their
mysterious rituals. If you have
access to a GPS you can check
that the altitude in this part of
Statue of the Fallen Angel
the park is 666. Coincidence or not?
Velazquez Palace: Beautiful neoclassical
building designed for the National Mining Exposition, held in Madrid
in 1883. Today the building houses temporary art exhibitions.
Crystal Palace: In 1887 an exhibition about the Philippines, former
Spanish colony, was organized in Madrid. After several projects, the
local Authorities decided to build this crystal palace for the
aforementioned exhibition. The palace was used as a greenhouse.
Organizers brought all kinds of species of plants, exotic animals and
even a genuine native tribe that lived in the park. After the
exhibition, the Authorities decided to preserve the beautiful palace.
Nowadays the building is used to exhibit art works belonging to the
Museum of Modern Art Reina Sofia (see page 34).
Pond Retirement: It's, without any doubt, the most visited place
Page 30
WHAT TO VISIT
within the park.
Bank holidays
we can enjoy
food stalls,
performances,
puppet shows
for children, etc.
creating a very
festive
atmosphere.
The 30m-high
Pond Retirement
statue that dominates the pond is devoted to
King Alfonso XII, known by the Spanish press as the King
Peacemaker. Inside the pond people go canoeing or boating. If you
want you can rent a boat for 4,30 (45minutes). Water pond is
home to many fish and some ducks. Unfortunately in some parts of
the pond water is extremely green and full of trash.
Egyptian Fountain: On one side of the pond we find a beautiful
fountain with Egyptian aesthetics. This theme was very popular
during the first half of the nineteenth century, largely due to the
incredible campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte in Egypt. The fountain,
currently without
water, is composed of
two sphinxes and a
large vase-headed
woman. At the top
there was a huge
column with a statue
of Osiris, now missing.
A popular legend
holds that this part of
the park hides a
Egyptian Fountain
treasure with
innumerable gold coins.
Vacas House: To the north of the lake we can visit this interesting
building, old dairy farm, where wonderful exhibitions are held
regularly.
Gate of Spain (1893): It was designed by Jos Urioste y Velada who
also involved in the design and construction of Gran Via Street. The
gate is facing Alfonso XII Street, very close to Cason del Buen
Retiro.
Statues Boulevard: Paseo de Argentina extends from the Gate of
Spain to the Pond of Retirement and is flanked by a series of statues
in honor of various Kings of Spain. All these statues were designed
to decorate the cornice of the Royal Palace but when King Carlos III
came to power he ordered removed the statues and placed them in
different parts of the city (Oriente Square, Retiro Park, Sabatini
Gardens, etc.).
La Rosaleda: In the
southern part of the
park there is a
beautiful rose garden
which is really worth a
visit. During the first
decades of the
twentieth century the
city lived an
ephemeral
development and the
Fishermans Cottage
locals began copying habits, customs and
architectural styles from European cities like Paris, Vienna, etc. One
of these European trends was the beautiful rose gardens such as the
Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The Spanish landscape architect Cecilio
Rodriguez studied in detail this romantic garden of Paris, brought
roses of all colors from various European countries and copied the
model. Finally, after a long fitting-out period, the rose garden was
opened in 1915.
Forest of Memory: In 2005 the Forest of Memory was inaugurated.
192 cypress trees were planted to evoke the victims of the terrorist
Madrid Express
attacks that took place on March 11th 2004 in Madrid.

Galapagos Fountain: This fountain was built to commemorate the
birth of Queen Isabel II (1830-1903). The reign of Isabel II led to a
civil war (Carlist War) between supporters of Isabel II (Isabelinos)
and Infant Carlos (Carlists).The fountain represents two frogs, two
giant turtles, an iguana and a group of children surrounded by
dolphins.
Herrero Palacios Gardens (old Madrid Zoo):
In 1830 King Fernando VII carried out a number of key
improvements and reform works in this part of the park. King
converted all this area in a huge park for wild animals. This primitive
zoo had a large collection of animals from all over the world, mainly
from South America (llamas, toucans, macaws, alligators, etc.).
Fortunately, in 1972 the Madrid Zoo was moved to La Casa de
Campo, situated away from the city center, where the Local
Authorities designed all types of adequate facilities, perfectly
adapted for wild animals.
Currently the former zoo buildings and cages have been
transformed into gardens and offices for the park employees.
The legend of the Troll: Since the construction of the park, a
beautiful legend has circulated around Madrid. It is said that in the
most hidden parts of the park lives a troll who appears to couples in
love and makes grow beautiful flowers of all colors. Whether it's
true or not, the fact is that many couples come here every day.
Tip: If you visit the Retiro Park and you are a religious
art lover, do not miss one of the most beautiful churches of
Madrid, Iglesia San Manuel and San Benito (1910). This
building (Neo-Byzantine style) was financed by a wealthy
businessman who lived in the nearby district of Salamanca.
Formerly Madrids bullring was located in this area.
Address: Calle Alcal 83
Prices: Opening Hours: from 7:00 to 13:30 & from 17:30 to 20:30
The Retiro Park and The Royal

Porcelain Factory
Carlos III, the most popular King in Spanish History (see page
19) was the driving force behind the creation of several
factories where luxury goods (crystal, porcelain, fabrics, cloth,
etc.) were manufactured. According to the King these
factories would catapult the Spanish economy, boost
exports and create many jobs. No doubt, King Carlos III
adopted a progressive attitude during much of his reign and
tried to modernize the country. One of these important
factories was built inside the Retiro Park, the Royal Porcelain
Factory. The quality of the porcelain produced here was so high
that many royal families bought the Spanish porcelain and
decorated their palaces with it.
If you visit the Royal Palace in Madrid or the Monastery of the
Escorial you can admire some of the amazing pieces produced
in this factory.
Over the years France and England, major producers of
porcelain in Europe, felt the threat of the new Spanish factories
and decided to eliminate the competition.
Surprisingly, during the War of Independence (1808-1813) the
British troops (Spains allies), following orders of the Queen of
England, destroyed the wonderful Royal Porcelain Factory and
dealt a mortal blow to the Spanish economy. This factory was
situated where today stands the statue of the Fallen Angel,
one of the most visited places in Madrid.
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WHAT TO VISIT
marriages, some of them extremely
controversial, in 1985 he married
Carmen Cervera, a former Miss
Spain. Over the years Hans Heinrich
got old and he was afraid that after
his death the collection
disappeared. Given this situation, he
decided to create a museum to
preserve the wonderful collection.
Carmen Cervera's influence was
crucial to locate the Museum in the
capital of Spain (1992). Cities like
Paris, London, Bonn or even Los
Angeles struggled without success to
get the Museum. In 2002, Hans
Heinrich passed away, leaving
Carmen Cervera as the richest
widow in Europe.
Another branch of the Thyssen
Family had ties with the German
dictator Adolf Hitler. After some
disagreements with the Fhrer, the
family fled to Costa Rica where they
took refuge.
The Museum, which is located at the
Villahermosa Palace, houses one of
Golden Triangle of Art

This area, popularly known as The Golden
Triangle of Art, is formed by the three
major Museums of Madrid.
hese three museums are Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum

and Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and together exceed five
million visitors a year. Thanks to its privileged situation, Paseo
del Prado is one of the areas with the highest density of works of art
in Europe per square meter, similar to the Island of Museums
(Berlin) or Museumplein (Amsterdam). The tour begins at the
Thyssen Museum which is located between Cibeles Square and
Canovas de Castillo Square. After this wonderful museum, we cross
the square and head towards Prado Museum, one of the best
museums in the world. Finally we will walk down Paseo del Prado
until Emperador Carlos V Square where we will find Reina Sofia
Museum, great modern art museum.
If you plan to visit all three museums and other monuments of the
Spanish capital we recommend you to purchase the Madrid Card
with which you will save some money www.neoturismo.com.
Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen Family comes from Holland and Switzerland where they
owned huge mansions and important business which generated
hundreds of millions in revenue every year. The family collection
began during the twenties. The economic crash of 1929 greatly
benefited Thyssen Family as many millionaires had to sell their art
collections which were acquired by the family. Hans Heinrich von
Thyssen-Bornemisza was the real driving force behind this
magnificent museum. Hans Heinrich (1921), son of Heinrich Thyssen,
was 25 when he inherited an incredible business empire. After the
death of Heinrich Thyssen his children divided up the works of art,
breaking the dream of creating a unique collection. Hans Heinrich
faced his brothers and fortunately recovered the works. During the
following decades he expanded the art collection; new works were
purchased and new artistic styles were introduced, increasing
significantly the value of the collection. After four frustrated
Madrid Express
the greatest
collections of paintings
in Europe, bringing
together more than
1000 art works from
the Gothic to the
twentieth century: Van
Eyck, Van Gogh,
Raphael, Caravaggio,
Rubens, Rembrandt,
Van Gogh, etc.
The functional design
of the Museum, by
Rafael Moneo, makes
the visit easier and
more comfortable. In
2004 the Museum was
enlarged (Goyeneche
Palace) to
accommodate a new
collection of the
family.
Of particular interest
are the rooms
dedicated to the
German Renaissance,
Dutch Baroque and
Italian painting. Other
rooms house
magnificent collections
of Realism,
Expressionism,
American artists of the
eighteenth century,
etc.
If you visit this
wonderful Museum,
one of the most
Villahermosa Palace
Elegant palace built in the eighteenth
century for the Villahermosa Family. This
area of the city was the place chosen by the
nobility and the bourgeoisie of Madrid to
build their summer residences. Here they
could enjoy romantic gardens, fresh air, etc.
away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In the early nineteenth century this palace
underwent major improvement works
(1805) carried out by the architect Antonio
Lopez Agudo. During the nineteenth century
Villahermosa Family was accumulating
power and the palace became a place with a
great social activity: concerts, private
parties, receptions of ambassadors, etc.
were held regularly at the palace.
Even the magnificent Austrian pianist Franz
Liszt attended a private party in 1844.
Unfortunately in the twentieth century
(1973) the building was bought by a bank
that destroyed the building: major structural
elements were modified to build offices and
adapt the building to its new use.
Ten years later (1983) the bank failed and
the building was acquired by the Spanish
Government. In 1989 the Spanish
Authorities and the Thyssen Family reached
an agreement, fruitful for both parties, and
the works to adapt the building as a
Museum began (Rafael Moneo).
Thyssen Family really loved this building
since its dimensions were appropriate and
was near the Prado Museum, which assured
a significant flow of visitors.
Page 32
important in Europe, you cannot miss any of the following paintings:

Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni (Domenico Ghirlandaio), Young
Knight in a Landscape (Vittore Carpaccio), Esau selling his
birthright (Hendrick Ter Brugghen), Easter Morning (Caspar
Friedrich) and Rue Saint-Honor (Camille Pissarro).
Some art experts say that Prado Museum and Thyssen Museum are
perfectly complementary: those artistic styles not fully represented
in the Prado Museum, are widely documented at Thyssen Museum.
Address: Paseo del Prado 8 (Villahermosa Palace)
Metro Station: Banco de Espaa
Prices: General 10 / Reduced 7 / Children under the
age of 12 Free Admission / Monday from 12:00 to 16:00
Free Entrance for visitors.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: from 10:00 to 19:00.
Monday Closed (except from 12:00 to 16:00).
Prado Museum
Your visit to Madrid will never be complete without visiting the
Prado Museum, one of the most visited Museums in the world
(more than 3 million people per year). The Prado Museum houses
the largest
collection of
Spanish painting
in the world,
especially
Velazquez and
Goya, the two
greatest artists in
the history of
Spain.
Like other major
European
museums, such as
Prado Museum
Louvre in Paris or
Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, the Prado Museum has its origin in
the different ruling dynasties which collected works of art.
Emperors, Kings, Dukes, etc. bought works of art, swapped paintings
and sculptures with wealthy families and commissioned portraits to
the best artists of the moment.
Prado Museum is especially interesting because it reflects the
personal tastes of the Spanish Kings, their alliances, collaborators
and political adversaries. Thats the main reason that the collection
is a little bit irregular, insuperable in certain artists and styles and
weak in others. Gradually the Government is trying to correct this
glaring lack of balance by adding new works and styles.
Currently more than 9,000 works comprise its funds, mostly
paintings, of which only 1,500 are exhibited due to lack of space. As
you can imagine, the basement of the Museum, where Authorities
store hundreds and thousands of works of incalculable value, is one
of the most guarded places in the country.
The Building:
The germ of the current Prado Museum must be sought in the
eighteenth century when King Carlos III carried out a development
plan to revitalize this area of Madrid. The King commissioned Juan
de Villanueva, one of the most celebrated European architects, the
construction of the Royal Cabinet of Natural History. Architects,
designers and workers took about twenty years to finish the
building, designed in an elegant neoclassical style. Shortly after
completion, the French troops occupied Spain; Jose Bonaparte
(Napoleon's brother) took command and sent King Fernando VII to
France where he lived in exile in a luxurious palace. The Spanish
people, humiliated by the French armies, rebelled and the conflict
began. The War of Independence (1808-1813) broke up and the
Royal Cabinet of Natural History suffered major damage: the
building was used as military barracks so it was a priority objective
of the allied troops. After the war, with Spanish victory, Fernando
VII returned triumphantly to Spain and undertook a series of tough
reforms. Isabel de Braganza, second wife of Fernando VII, was one
of the promoters of the Prado Museum: thanks to the Queen, in
1818 reconstruction works began, rejuvenating this part of the city.
Madrid Express
WHAT TO VISIT
The great Spanish architect Antonio Agudo Lopez restored the
building based on Juan de Villanuevas drawings. The result was an
elegant, sober and classic building to house the Royal Museum of
Painting, which was inaugurated in 1819 by the Kings of Spain.
The wonderful building by Antonio Lopez Agudo can be divided into
three parts:
Main Faade: portico with Tuscan order columns overlooking the
Paseo del Prado. The faade is dominated by a rectangular pediment
with sculptures which depict an allegory of Fernando VII as Patron of
Science and Art. We also find a popular sculpture of the Spanish
painter Velazquez (1899) by Aniceto Marinas and Vicente Lamprez.
North Faade: this part of the building is located in front of Ritz
Hotel and is decorated with Ionic columns. Near the facade there is
a wonderful statue of the great Spanish painter Francisco de Goya.
In this part of the building are quite usual the interminable queues
to enter the Museum.
South Faade: this faade, in front of the Botanical Garden, is
composed of two floors. The upper part is decorated with six
Corinthian columns, creating a sense of majesty. Between the
Museum and the Botanical Garden there is a statue of Murillo,
famous Spanish painter.
Gradually the museum was accumulating works and collections from
other museums of the capital
as the Museum of the Trinity
and the Museum of Modern
Art. In 1920 the museum
changed its name to Prado
Museum, due to a Royal
Decree by the State.
The real revolution of the
museum took place in the
second half of the twentieth
century: Spain was
experiencing a tourist boom
and Madrid was filled with
foreign tourists, thanks in part
to the dictator Francisco
Franco who realized the
enormous potential of tourism
for the economy. In this
context, the Prado Museum
facilities were insufficient and
Jose Alvarez de Toledo (Duke of
scarce.
Alba) painted by Francisco de Goya
During the decades following
the museum continued to increase the number of visitors and the
Spanish Government carried out a series of improvements to
become the museum one of the best in the world. As part of the
project, the Authorities decided to expand the museum. In 2007 the
Jeronimos Building, designed by the renowned architect Rafael
Moneo, was inaugurated. This expansion is connected to the main
building through an underground passage and allowed to expand
the collection of the museum about 50%.
The third building which forms part of the complex is the Cason del
Buen Retiro that houses the Prado Museum Study Center, inspired
by the Ecole du Louvre (1882). Prado Museum Study Center has as
its mission the research and analysis of the history of art, especially
in Spain. At the same time, it is a center specialized in training of
experts and has an extensive library.
Finally there is a fourth building integrated in Prado Museum, the
former Army Museum (Mendez Nuez Street). In the early twentyfirst century the Army Museum was moved to Toledo and the
building was incorporated into the Prado Museum although its
function is still being defined. So far the building has housed some
temporary exhibitions and conferences.
Essentials:
If you visit this wonderful museum, some of the paintings you
cannot miss under any circumstances are:
Page 33
WHAT TO VISIT
The Mamelukes (Goya)
Las Meninas
(Velazquez)
Third of May (Goya)
The Spinners
(Velazquez)
The Clothed Maja
(Goya)
The Family of Carlos IV
(Goya)
Children on the beach
(Joaquin Sorolla)
The Surrender of Breda
(Velazquez)
The Nobleman with his
hand on his chest (El
Greco)
Copy of La Gioconda
(Unknown)
Francisco de Goya (1746-1828)
The Nobleman with his hand on his chest, El

Greco (Prado Museum)
Visiting the Prado

Museum
A visit to the Prado Museum, walking along its endless corridors and
halls, could last a lifetime so we want to offer you some points to be
considered when visiting the museum:
Basement: Decorative Art
("Grand Dauphin" and "pietre dure and cassoni desks).
Ground Floor: Paintings & Sculpture from 1100 to 1600:
Raphael
Van der Weyden
Bosch
Durer
First Floor:
Paintings from
1550 to 1800.
El Greco
Titian
Poussin
Caravaggio
Rembrandt
Rubens
Velazquez
Bank
Murillo
Goya
Second Floor:
The Holy Family of the Little Bird
Bartolome Esteban Perez Murillo
Paintings from 1700 to 1850.
(Prado Museum)
Goya (works from 1800 to 1828)
Mengs
Address: Calle Ruiz de Alarcn 23
Tiepolo
Watteau
Prices: General 14/Reduced 7/ Free
Admission: Monday-Saturday (18:00 to
Last chance for souvenir
20:00) and Sundays (17:00 to 19:00) /
shoppers! Before leaving
the museum, there is a shop Children Free Admission.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: from
where you will find all
10:00 to 20:00. Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00
kinds of souvenirs, books,
Website: www.museodelprado.es/en/
postcards, etc.
Tip: We recommend buying a pack that includes

ticket + museum guidebook (available in multiple languages:
English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, etc.) for 23. In the
Museum entrance hall there is a Visitors Information Desk:
here you can buy an audio guide or get a map of the museum
that will be very helpful to not get lost in the endless corridors
and countless rooms of the museum.
Madrid Express
Goya (Fuentedetodos -1746, Bordeaux -1828)is considered as one of

the greatest painters in history.
After a study period in Zaragoza,
Madrid and Italy, in 1771
Francisco de Goya achieved his
first major work: the ceiling
decoration at the impressive
Basilica del Pilar (Zaragoza). In
1775 Goya moved to Madrid.
During this early stage, Goya
combined works as "Picnic on
the banks of the Manzanares"
with orders from the Royal
Tapestry Factory where he made
designs for seventeen years.
In 1789 Goya achieved his
Goya Portrait by Vicente Lopez
dream, the King appointed him
Portaa (Prado Museum)
Court Painter, the highest
consideration for a painter. Unfortunately in 1793 Goya suffered a
serious illness and became deaf for the rest of his life.
Between 1795 and early nineteenth-century Goya received orders
from very powerful families (Naked )Maja, The Dukes of Alba, The
Clothed Maja, Family of Charles IV or Jovellanos).
In the late eighteenth century Goya published his famous series Los
Caprichos, 80 etchings where the painter criticizes the Spanish
society. A little later Goya painted The Disasters of War a protest
against the violence of the Spanish War of Independence (18081813) against the French.
In 1819 Goya bought a house in Madrid and decorated it with 14
magnificent works called "Black Paintings" (Saturn devouring his
son, Witches Sabbath or Men Reading). Unfortunately, in 1828
Goya passed away in Bordeaux. In 1901 his remains were
transferred to San Antonio de la Florida Shrine (Madrid).
Reina Sofia Museum

Most visited Museums
Reina Sofia Museum is considered
by many experts the best Modern
in the World
Art Museum in Spain and one of
1. Louvre Museum (Paris)
the best in Europe (15th most
2. British Museum (London)
visited museum in the world:
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art
3,200,000 visitors in 2013).
(New York)
This interesting museum contains
4. Tate Modern (London)
works from the nineteenth
5. National Gallery (London)
century until today by wonderful
6. National Gallery of Art
artists such as Salvador Dal,
(Washington D.C.)
Picasso, Mir and many more.
7.
Museum of Modern Art (New
Avant-garde, Surrealism, Cubism
York)
and Modernism are fantastically
8. Centre Pompidou (Paris)
represented in the Museum, a
9. National Museum of Korea
real paradise for modern art
(Seoul)
lovers. Besides paintings, the
10. Orsay Museum (Paris)
museum houses an interesting
11. Prado Museum (Madrid)
collection of sculptures by various
European artists.
The Building:
The Building was built in 18th century as part of a larger project
initiated by the monarch Carlos III to revitalize the center of Madrid.
The King wanted to create a huge General Hospital with modern
facilities for the care of the citizens of the Spanish capital. Carlos III
commissioned this important task to the Italian architect Sabatini,
who designed an elegant neoclassical building. Unfortunately In
1788 part of the project was canceled and the building began
operating as Hospital until 1965.
In the late twentieth century the building was in deplorable
condition. In 1980 the Government decided to rehabilitate the
building to house a Cultural Center and a museum of Modern
Page 34
WHAT TO VISIT
Art. Perhaps the most striking aspect of this reconstruction was the
installation of two
external elevators,
sign of identity of the
museum. In 1992 the
building was finally
inaugurated as a
museum by the Kings
of Spain, in a solemn
ceremony.
In 2006 was opened an
extension of the main
building designed by
Reina Sofia Museum
the French architect
Jean Nouvel which substantially improve and modernize the
facilities of the museum: the building was expanded 30,000 square
meters, including a documentation center, a free-access library
specializing in art and a cafeteria run by the famous Catalan chef
Sergi Arola.
Address: Calle Santa Isabel 52
Metro Station: Atocha
Prices: General 8/ Reduced 4/ Free
Admission: Monday-Saturday (19:00-21:00) (except
Tuesday) / Sunday (15:00-19:00)
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: from 10:00 to 21:00
/ Sunday: from 10:00 to 19:00 / Tuesday Closed
All you need to know

about what to visit,
culture, gastronomy
and much more in the
palm of your hand.
"Guernica" by Pablo Picasso

Without doubt the most
popular painting at Reina
Sofia Museum is "Guernica",
painted by Pablo Picasso
(1881-1973). The Andalusian
painter, opponent of all
totalitarian regimes, made a
criticism of the Spanish Civil
War (1936-1939) through the
recreation of the German and
Italian aerial bombardment
that took place on the Basque
town of Guernica: a ruthless
attack that killed over 300
people and marked the recent
history of Spain.
Portrait of Picasso by Juan Gris (1912)
Since the beginning of
armed conflict, Guernica had been a priority for the fascist troops
since the small town was an icon of the Basque culture and also had
several weapons factories. On April 26, 1937 early in the afternoon,
dozens of German and Italian aircraft bombed Guernica intensively,
with particular damage in the historic center and the civilian
population. After three hours of horrific bombings, the town was
completely destroyed. The fire spread everywhere and people tried
to find their relatives and friends. Fortunately, the city had a series
of bunkers that prevented the number of victims was even higher.
International journalists, who stayed in Bilbao, moved to Guernica
and left written evidence of the brutal attack. Soon the news spread
rapidly and Governments all over the world condemned this
despicable act. Unwittingly Guernica had become an antiwar icon. In
1937 the Republican Government, which fought against the fascist
troops, commissioned this painting to Pablo Picasso. During the
early years the painting was exhibited in Paris with the intention of
winning support for the Republican cause. Later the painting was
moved to New York where it remained until 1981. For eleven years
the Picasso's work was exhibited at the Cason del Buen Retiro in
Madrid. Finally in 1992 this fantastic painting arrived at Reina Sofia
Museum where was placed in a special room along with preliminary
sketches of the painting and other works of the Andalusian painter.
Madrid Express

Page 35
WHAT TO VISIT
international conflicts and
Useful Information
social inequalities. However
the
Address: Plaza Canovas del Castillo
Canovas del Castillo Square

This central square is dedicated to Canovas
del Castillo, famous conservative politician
who was assassinated by an anarchist in
1897
his square, located on the Paseo del Prado, was built in the
eighteenth century and was part of an ambitious plan, devised
by Carlos III (1716-1788), to reform the eastern part of the
Spanish Capital: the King wanted to give the city a wide boulevard
where locals could enjoy a nice walk. Numerous trees were planted
and important buildings were designed (Prado Museum, Buenavista
Palace, Villahermosa Palace, The Royal Botanical Garden, etc.). This
urban revolution of the city, unique in Europe, was completed with
the placement of three sculptural groups: the Goddess Cybele, the
God Apollo and Neptune. Today the square is full of cafes, luxury
hotels, and international franchises becoming one of the busiest
points of Madrid.
Neptune Fountain
Canovas del Castillo Square is dominated by an elegant neoclassical
fountain (see picture above) which represents God Neptune on a
chariot drawn by sea horses. This fountain was designed by Ventura
Rodriguez in 1782. Neptune in his left hand is holding the powerful
trident with which he whipped and stirred the seas. On the right arm
is coiled a sea snake. The choice of Neptune by Carlos III was not
casual. With this sculpture the King wanted to reinforce the feeling
of union and improve relations with the Spanish colonies in America.
Attention! Atletico de Madrid F.C. and hundreds of thousands of
unconditional fans come to this fountain to celebrate when they win
a title, creating traffic chaos in downtown: roads are closed by the
police and players climb up the fountain to tie a team scarf around
the neck of Neptune.
Ritz Hotel
During the nineteenth century the country was ravaged by wars,
Madrid Express
beginning of the twentieth

century marked the
beginning of a new era: wide
avenues were built,
sumptuous buildings were
designed, electrical
installations in houses
remarkably improved,
trolleybus came into
operation and foreign capital
began to flow in the country.
At the same time, the city
began to receive foreign
influences thanks in large
part to the inauguration,
twenty-five years earlier, of
the rail service.
Although Madrid began to
experience an era of
prosperity, the city still did
not have a luxury hotel unlike
other important European cities (Paris, London, Vienna, etc.). In
view of this situation the King Alfonso XIII promoted the creation of
a magnificent hotel that would put the city on a par with the major
European capitals. The building was designed by the French
architect Charles Frdric
Mewes between 1908 and
Neptune: The God of the
1910. Once the hotel was
Seas and Oceans
built, the management
Neptune, brother of God Jupiter, was
was granted the famous
one of the most powerful gods of
hotelier Cesar Ritz.
Greek and Roman mythology.
When Ritz Hotel was
In ancient mythology, the world was
inaugurated, it was one of
divided into three parts: sky (Jupiter),
the most modern in the
sea (Neptune) and underworld
world and was equipped
(Pluto). Neptune lived in a castle in
with all the latest
the depths of the ocean and his
technological advances.
trident could cause storms, huge
For example there was a
waves, floods and even earthquakes.
phone next to the elevator
Normally this dreaded god is
on each floor, something
represented as a muscular and
never seen before.
bearded man in a chariot drawn
Sadly during the Spanish
by sea horses and accompanied by
Civil War (1936-1939) the
his inseparable dolphins which show
158 hotel rooms were
him the way.
used as hospital to treat
According to tradition, Neptune
wounded soldiers.
became infatuated with the beautiful
Over the years Ritz Hotel,
nymph Amphitrite, but she rejected
one of the most luxurious
him by his grotesque appearance
in Europe, has hosted
(beard, messy hair, etc.). However,
members of Royal
thanks to one of Neptune's dolphins,
Families, politicians,
the beautiful Amphitrite agreed to
ambassadors, diplomats,
marry him. Unfortunately, Neptune
etc, becoming a symbol of
and Amphitrite had no children.
Madrid.
Over the years, Neptune began an
Amazingly enough, until
extramarital relationship with
very recently the hotel
Medusa and had several hideous
had a special admission
children, Pegasus and Chrysaor.
policy: customers had to
Page 36
WHAT TO VISIT
wear tie and women could not wear pants. Likewise the hotel didnt
admit reservations for neither artists nor bullfighters. This company
policy was always complied without execption.
Westin Palace Hotel
This wonderful hotel (468
Illustrious Guests at
rooms) was opened in 1912,
Ritz Hotel
two years after the
inauguration of Ritz Hotel,
with the full support of
The list of illustrious guests at
Alfonso XIII who convinced
Hotel Ritz is endless. Here are
the Belgian businessman
some of them: Heinrich Himmler,
George Marquet to build a
Head of Hitlers SS Police, who
new luxury hotel. Marquet,
visited Spain in 1940 to improve
who saw a great business
the relationship between Spain
opportunity in Madrid, liked
and the Nazi Germany. Margaret
the idea and construction
Thatcher, Prime Minister of the
works began shortly after.
United Kingdom from 1979 to
During the First World War
1990. King Khalid of Saudi Arabia
Spain maintained a neutral
(1975-1982). Fidel Castro,
position which made the city
communist revolutionary and
flourish as bombs devastated
former Prime Minister of Cuba.
much of the European
Vladimir Putin, current President
continent. Ministers,
of Russia. As you can see, this
presidents, ambassadors,
hotel played an important role in
businessmen, etc. from many
Spains relationships with other
European countries took
countries.
refuge in Spain filling the
rooms of the luxury hotels in Madrid, mainly Ritz Hotel and Westin
Palace, the two best in the city. Even the legendary German spy
Mata Hari stayed at the hotel a long period of time under a
pseudonym.
Westin Palace Hotel was considered one of the most avant-garde
and cosmopolitan places in the city. In fact, Madrileos used to
say that modernity entered Spain through the Westin Palace. All
rooms had telephones, toilet and intercoms. The company had a
careful policy of Human Resources, never seen before: there was a
nursery room at the hotel
where employees could
leave their children while
working.
Unlike Hotel Ritz, closed
to those who were not
guests of the hotel, local
people could enjoy the
lovely cafeteria and the
English-style bar.
Furthermore, the
cafeteria of the hotel was
the first in Spain where
Hotel Ritz
women could drink coffee without being
accompanied by a man. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
this luxurious hotel was turned into a hospital: the ground floor was
converted into operating room where the wounded by the horrific
fascist bombings were treated. When the attacks damaged the
electrical service in the hotel, surgeons moved the operating room
to the Salon de la Rotonda as the wonderful glass dome allowed
natural light. At the same time, almost eight hundred beds were
installed trying to give the best care in terrible conditions.
The last major reform at the hotel was carried out in 1997 when the
Royal Suite, a solarium, a gym and a wine cellar were built,
improving exisitng facilities . The luxury of Westin Palace is so
excessive that the guests have at their disposal a gold vending
machine. Definitely this hotel is a unique place where you can enjoy
a magical stay in Madrid surrounded by a part of the history of the
city, of course if you can afford it as the price of the rooms is not
exactly cheap.
Did you know? For a short period of time the first floor of the
hotel was also used as the Official Embassy of the Soviet Union
(1936).
Madrid Express
Monument to the Fallen for Spain

Near Canovas del
Castillo Square you can
visit a small obelisk that
commemorates one of
the most important
days of recent History in
Spain, the Second of
May 1808.
Spain was being
humiliated by the
troops of Napoleon
Bonaparte, the King of
Spain (Carlos IV) was
forced to abdicate, went
into exile and his throne
was occupied by Jose
Bonaparte (Napoleons
brother). This tense
situation was getting
Obelisk commemorating 2nd May Heroes
progressively worse: the
Spanish aristocracy decided not to interfere in political affairs which
could affect their business, the powerful Catholic Church washed
their hands and remained silent, the brutality of the French army
was terrible and the economic outlook was really bad. Everything
blew up on May 2, 1808 when Napoleon's troops seized and
imprisoned the last two members of the Spanish Royal Family:
infants Francisco de Paula and Maria Luisa. The locals flocked to the
gates of the Royal Palace to show their dissatisfaction with this
decision and frustrate the expulsion of the infants from Madrid. The
French General Murat commanded disperse the demonstration
using artillery, causing countless deaths. They were not aware of it
but the revolution had begun and the protests spread across
squares, streets, and neighborhoods.Madrileos organized
commands using knives, sticks, penknives and even stones. The
General Murat, a bundle of nerves, decided to crush the revolt with
an iron fist (see the painting The Mamluks by Francisco de Goya,
Prado Museum). Contrary to what could be expected, madrleos
rose again and tried to occupy a major French barracks (Montelen).
Late in the afternoon the French army had finally managed to quell
the revolt and restore calm to the city but it was too late, these
heroes, who died for their country, had started the Spanish War of
Independence. Few day later clashes spread across the length and
breadth the country.
The Mameluks by Francisco de Goya (Prado Museum)
Page 37
WHAT TO VISIT
carried
out by
Useful
Information
Address: Calle Carrera de San
Jeronimo S/N
Prices: Free Admission
Opening Hours: Saturdays from 10:30
to 12:30. Closed during the month of
August.
Attention: Personal Identification is
required to access.
Spanish Parliament
This imposing building houses the Spanish
Parliament since the mid-19th century
his neoclassical building was an initiative by Isabel II, Queen of

Spain. Currently the Spanish Parliament holds 400 seats and is
considered the heart of Spain, where major decisions are
taken for the future of all citizens.
From the architectural point of view, the columns, pediments and
bronze lions are worthy of mention. The bronze used for the lions of
the Congress came from the cannons of the Moroccan army which
were brought to Spain by the end of the War of Africa (1859-1860).
If you visit the Congress you can see several bullet holes in the
ceiling, a reminder of the failed coup (1981) by Antonio Tejero who
tried to prevent left-wing political parties coming to power. It was a
very crucial moment for democracy in Spain as few years earlier
(1978) the country had approved the Constitution, the law that rules
the life of 47 million people in Spain. The original text of the
Constitution, signed by the King Juan Carlos I, is preserved inside the
Congress.
If you visit the area on Wednesdays is completely normal to see
many police cars, police officers on horseback, elegant official cars,
deputies and TV cameras as the government control sessions are
held every Wednesday. Very near the Parliament we can admire the
peculiar Plus
Ultra Building.
this elegant
French-style
building was
designed for a
marquis who
chose this
exclusive area
of the city to
live.
Construction
works were
Joaqun Lpez-Calvo Roj in

1910, a time when Madrid
was experiencing an
economic explosion. Years
later the building was
purchased by the
insurance company
Groupama Seguros to
convert it into offices. In
1993 it was installed a
monumental carillon clock
with popular figures of
Madrid: Duchess of Alba,
King Carlos III, Francisco de
Goya, the bullfighter Pedro Romero and a woman dressed in folk
costume. Every day at noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. dozens of people
gather to enjoy the small show and take pictures. The carillon was
made by the prestigious Royal Factory of Eijsbouts (Netherlands).
In front of the Congress there is a small and charming square (Plaza
de las Cortes) where it was placed a statue of Miguel de Cervantes
(1835). During some preservation works in the twentieth century, a
mysterious box was found in the basement of the statue. This
strange box contained documents and books dedicated to the
wonderful novelist and even gold coins. According to historians, this
tradition was very common in the nineteenth century to
commemorate the figure of a writer, artist , etc.
War of Africa (1859-1860)

In the nineteenth century Europe experienced a brutal development
and needed new territories to expand. The great superpowers such as
England and France began the process of colonization of Africa in
search of new raw materials and routes. Spain, gripped by an economic
crisis and a fragile political situation, did not participate in this process.
But the countrys international prestige was at stake, Spain was the
only major European country whose presence in Africa was scarce.
The War of Africa
The War of Africa faced the Spanish army against the troops of Sultan
of Morocco. For several years Moroccan rebel groups made incursions
in Spanish cities in North Africa (Ceuta and Melilla) while the Moroccan
government remained passive and did not condemn these actions.
In view of this situation, the Spanish Authorities declared war and the
military attacks began quickly. Six months later the Spanish army
asserted its strength and crushed Moroccan troops.
Consequences of the War of Africa
On April 26, 1860 the Treaty of Wad-Ras ended the war. As
compensation Morocco was required to pay one hundred million
pesetas (600,000) to Spain. Despite being a short war, it is estimated
that approximately 10,000 soldiers died during the conflict. Spanish
victory sparked a wave of patriotism throughout the country. However
the economic benefits of this victory were really scarce.
Parliament Inside
Madrid Express
Page 38
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address:
Metro: Plaza Espaa
Plaza Espaa
During the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries this area of Madrid was occupied
by a military barracks, used by Jose
Bonaparte due to its proximity to the Royal
Palace
radually the city grew and urban density intensified traffic

congestion in this area. Fortunately, in 1909 the project for
the construction of a large square was approved thanks to
the initiative of the government. However the current configuration
of the square was carried out under Francisco Francos dictatorship:
two of the most important skyscrapers in Europe were built in this
square as an allegory of the power of the dictator (Torre Madrid
1957 and Espaa Building 1953).
Today Plaza Espaa is a meeting point for locals and a must-visit for
the hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the city.
At the same time, two of the main clogged streets of the city center
converge at Plaza Espaa: Princesa Street and Gran Via Street. if you
walk up Princesa Street you will reach the district of Moncloa, where
an important battle took place during the Spanish Civil War (19361939).
Espaa Building
This building was designed between 1948 and 1953 and is 117
meters high (27 floors). Its construction was used as an icon of
nationalism and national pride by the dictator, Francisco Franco.
It was one of the tallest building in Madrid and was designed
according to monumental proportions and equipped with every
conceivable luxury. The huge building, today closed, might remind
you of the great buildings designed by Josef Stalin in Moscow as a
propaganda symbol as well. Until 2006 the building housed a
shopping mall, offices, a hotel and luxury apartments. After being
renovated, new appartaments and offices were designed. But the
financial crisis erupted, so the building was completely closed until
further notice. Without any doubt here we have one of the most
bitter faces of the economical and financial crisis in Spain.
Madrid Express
Madrid Tower
This immense building, one of the
symbols of Madrid, was built in 1957
and is 142 meters high (up to 1967
this tower was the tallest building in
Europe). Construction works lasted
three years (1954-1957) and were
carried out by Machimbarrena
Otamendi, architect of Basque origin.
As a curiosity, the building was
provided with the world's fastest
elevators (3 meters per second).
Unfortunately the building, once the
financial epicenter of Madrid, is partly
empty and just some apartments and
offices are occupied.
Cervantes Memorial
In the center of the square there is a
beautiful obelisk (1929) devoted to
the novelist Miguel de Cervantes and his most important work "Don
Quixote". At the base of the obelisk are represented some
protagonists of this popular Spanish novel: Don Quixote, Sancho
Panza, Dulcinea del Toboso and Aldonza Lorenzo.
In front there is a beautiful pond that creates a pleasant sense of
movement to the square,which is surrounded by huge buildings.
Miguel de Cervantes
During the sixteenth and seventeenth century Spain experienced a
true cultural revolution and became one of the major cultural
epicentres in Europe. In parallel, a new generation of writers
destined to make history emerged (Lope de Vega, Quevedo,
Gongora, Miguel de Cervantes, etc.) taking Spanish Literature to a
Golden Age. When Madrid became the Spanish capital (1561)
numerous writers decided to settle in Madrid where the possibilities
were infinitely greater: if you visit Barrio de Las Letras (Literary
Quarter), you can see the house where Cervantes lived and died.
Miguel de Cervantes was born (1547) in Alcala de Henares, a small
town near Madrid. Economic difficulties forced the family to move
several times (Cordoba, Sevilla and Valladolid). In 1569 Miguel de
Cervantes was wanted by Spanish Authorities after participating in a
duel and decided to take refuge in the Spanish possessions in Italy.
At that time, Cervantes was an inveterate reader but he had not yet
published any book. Shortly later, Cervantes decided to join the
army seeking to increase his income. In 1571 he was recruited by
the Spanish Army to participate in the Battle of Lepanto, a conflict
between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire in which Spain
intended to maintain its hegemony in the Mediterranean Sea.
During the battle, Cervantes was wounded in his left hand. When he
was returning to Spain, the ship was hijacked by Barbary pirates who
took him prisoner. After five years of captivity, Cervantes could
return to Spain where he tried to get money to amend the dire
economic situation of his family. During his last years of life,
Cervantes worked as a tax collector. In 1605 he published the first
part of his most famous novel, Don Quixote of La Mancha which
allowed him to achieve fame and win some money. Finally in 1616
Cervantes died at his home in Madrid.
Page 39
WHAT TO VISIT
Casa Gallardo
(Address: Intersection between Plaza Espaa and Ferraz Street)
In one corner of Plaza Espaa you can admire Casa Gallardo. This
building was designed between 1909 and 1914 by the architect
Federico Arias Rey and is one of the major works of Spanish
modernism. Sun is reflected on the cream-colored faade and the
top of the building is crowned with small dark domes and slate roof.
Officially, the architect was Federico Arias Rey, but according to
some documents the building was designed by the Italian Enrique F.
Daverio Bara. A law forbade foreign architects to work in Spain.
Here is the reason why the plans were signed by Federico Arias Rey.
Today the building houses luxury apartments for businessmen.
Asturiana Mining Company Building
(Address: Plaza Espaa 8)
Asturiana Mining
Company was a
leading mining and
metallurgical firm
which operated in
much of Europe
and North Africa
and brought huge
profits to its
shareholdres. In
1891 the company
decided to design
Asturiana Mining Company Building
an elegant office
building and
apartments in an area of Madrid that aspired to become one of the
most active in real estate transactions. Construction works were
carried out by Manuel Martinez Angel and ended in 1899. The first
two floors were built of stone and unburned brick, while on the
third floor the building material used was slate.
Unfortunately, Manuel Martinez Angel was murdererd right in front
of the building by one of his pupils (he also worked as University
professor). Today the building belongs to the Government of
Madrid.
The temple is oriented to the West in honor of the God Ra (The Sun
according to the Egyptian mythology). Classical religious texts say
that Isis gave birth to her son Horus (The Time) in this temple.
Surrounding the temple we can enjoy beautiful gardens (Parque del
Oeste) where the locals come to stroll, rest, cycling while enjoying
the magnificent views of Madrid.
During the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1813), this small hill
witnessed the shooting of Spanish revolutionaries committed by the
French troops. The wonderful Spanish painter Francisco de Goya
recreated,with great skill, these horrendous acts of barbarism
rd
carried out by Napoleon (The Shooting of May 3 ).
The Shooting of May 3rd (Prado Museum)
Tip: We recommend visiting the Temple of Debod late in

the afternoon to see the sunset. The wonderful panoramic views
of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral are absolutely
amazing. On days with good visibility, you can even see the river
(Manzanares River), Segovia Bridge (the first bridge in Madrid,
built in 1584), Parque de Atracciones (Amusement Park), Casa de
Campo (public park five times bigger than Central Park in New
York) or Vicente Caldern Stadium (home of Atletico de Madrid).
The Temple of Debod

Five hundred meters from Plaza Espaa you can visit another mustsee in Madrid, The Temple of Debod, a monument of Egyptian origin
which was moved to Madrid in 1970.
This temple was donated by the Egyptian Government as gratitude
to Spain for collaborating on a recovery mission to save several
Egyptian temples in Nubia, which were endangered by the
construction works carried out to build the Aswan Dam (1968).
The temple was disassembled and transferred from Alexandria to
Valencia by ship. Later from Valencia to Madrid the temple was
transported by trucks. Once in Madrid the temple was rebuilt by a
team of archaeologists.
The temple was built in the second century BC by Pharaoh
Azakheramon and is dedicated to the Egyptian God Amon.
Special mention should be made of the following parts:
Entrance Hall:
Ornamental motifs
dating back to Roman
Times.
Corridor: The Egyptian
architects designed a
sundial in this part.
Terrace: In ancient
times the priests held
important
ceremonies, including
The Temple of Debod
the New Year ritual.
Madrid Express
Page 40
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Address: Avd Concha Espina 1
Metro: Santiago Bernabu
Tour Prices: 19 / Reduced 13
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday
(10:00 to 19:00) / Sundays & bank
holidays (10:30 to 18:30) Match Day:
until 5 hours before the beginning of
the game.
Santiago Bernabu Stadium

Real Madrid Stadium is located in
Chamartin district and has capacity for
80,000 spectators.
ccording to local Authorities Santiago Bernabu Stadium is

one of the most visited places by tourists along with the
Prado Museum and the Royal Palace: it is quite usual to see
a great number of tourist buses parked near the stadium and long
queues of foreign tourists waiting to buy tickets.
Real Madrid, founded in 1902, is the most popular and most
glorious football team in the history of Spain and Europe. The team
spends every year large sums of money in the most famous stars of
world football. In 1998 FIFA declared Real Madrid as the best team
of all the time. Real Madrid fans are called "merengues" (meringues)
because of the white stripe on their uniforms.
In addition to Real Madrid, in the Spanish capital there are also
other football teams such as Atltico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano or
Getafe but they have their own stadiums.
The legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona F.C.is
renewed every season especially in Champions League. The matches
between these two teams are broadcasted to a global audience,
becoming very popular in Asia, mainly in China and Japan.
The stadium was inaugurated in 1947. Previously there was a
smaller capacity stadium, inaugurated in 1924. Sadly during the
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) the old stadium was used as a prison.
Throughout the twentieth century the stadium has undergone
numerous improvements works to make it more comfortable and
modern. Today the stadium is fully adapted to new technologies
(heating system, VIP areas, lifts, all seats have an 87% tilt, etc.). The
stadium even has its own Metro Station (Line )
In 2007 UEFA gave Santiago Bernabu the consideration of Five Star
Stadium, a category which allows it to host major soccer events.
Finally special mention should be made of the Santiago Bernabu
Madrid Express
Stadium Tour which allows

fans to visit the bleachers,
dressing rooms, trophy
room, VIP areas, grass,
Official Store, etc.
Join the celebration!
Each time Real Madrid wins
a title, no matter
whether a national or
European title, their fans
come to Cybeles Fountain
to celebrate. The downtown
roads are blocked and the
Authorities increase the
police presence to prevent
damage to street furniture.
After the match the players
join the celebration in
Cybeles Square until dawn. Without a doubt, fun is guaranteed!
Who was Santiago Bernabu?

Santiago Bernabu was one of the biggest
legends of Real Madrid during the
twentieth century. Bernabu, was born in a
small town in Albacete (eastern Spain) in
1885. In the early twentieth century his
parents, a wealthy lawyer and a Cuban
woman, decided to move to Madrid, a city
with ample opportunities for an ambitious
First Real Madrid
boy. Santiago Bernabu had his first contact
Shield (1902)
with football playing in the school team
when he was still a child. When he was a teenager he joined Real
Madrid where he acquired deep sporting values. The years went by
and Santiago Bernabu started College and made
) his professional
debut in the Spanish First Division (1913). During his time as a Real
Madrid player Santiago Bernabu was a strong and brave striker,
scoring over 60 goals. In 1927 he retired and graduated as a lawyer.
Immediately after retiring, Santiago Bernabu joined Real Madrid as
Executive, taking important decisions that changed the future of the
world's best team. In 1936 Spanish Civil War broke out and Santiago
Bernabu, a member of a right-wing party, went to France and even
fought on the frontline. After the war, he returned to Madrid and
was named President of Real Madrid (1943). During his
management the team entered a new dimension: the current
stadium was designed, excellent players were recruited and finances
were reorganized. As a result of this management, the team reached
sporting success. For instance, during his Presidency (1943-1978) the
team won 16 Spanish Championships, 6 European Cups and 1
Intercontinental Cup. Sadly in May 1978 Santiago Bernabeu passed
away at his home in Alicante, causing a great commotion in the
world of football and Madrid society.
Page 41
WHAT TO VISIT
Useful Information
Metro: Ventas
Tour Prices: Free of Charge
Opening Hours: March-Oct:
Tuesday to Friday (09:30-14:30)/
Sundays & bank holidays 10:0013:00) Nov-Feb: Monday to Friday
(09:30 to 14:30)
Las Ventas Bullring

Bullfighting is possibly one of the most
exciting spectacles in the world.
upporters or not, bullfighting is a spectacle worth

contemplating at least once in your life: a man and a beast of
more than 500 kg fight for its life in a tragic dance where
only one can come out alive.
The bull is an animal closely linked to the Mediterranean culture.
Over the centuries, in many parts of the Mediterranean basin have
been held games and parties involving bulls (Greece, Southern
France, Crete, Spain, Portugal, etc.).
Culturally, bullfighting is part of the legacy of Spain. The great
Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, big fan of bullfighting, called it
"authentic religious drama."
Regardless of the cruelty of the show, bullfighting is an important
generator of wealth in rural areas of southern Spain, providing jobs
to thousands of people. At the same time, bullfighting has preserved
the purity of the Spanish Fighting Bull, popularly known as Toro de
Lidia.
In early twentieth century bullfighting become more and more
popular in Spain and the Government decided to build a new
bullring much larger and modern which allowed cheaper tickets for
fans. The old bullring was located near Alcala Gate, in downtown.
st
On October 21 1934, Las Ventas Bullring was inaugurated in
Madrid with great expectation among locals and residents. The
building was designed in Neo-Mudejar style (artistic style that
blends Christian elements with Arab motives).
Few years after the inauguration, the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
broke out with terrible consequences for the country: hunger spread
along the city. Madrid was besieged and the people had to endure
horrible conditions. During these years Las Ventas Bullring was used
as a garden where people planted vegetables and fruits to stave off
hunger. Fortunately, the war ended in 1939 and the country
gradually returned to normal.
Madrid Express
Temple of Bullfighting
Las Ventas Bullring is the
biggest in Europe and
third in the world after
Mexico City and
Valencia (Venezuela)
where bullfights are very
popular too. However
experts consider that
Las Ventas is the most
important worldwide.
All bullfighters dream of
triumphing at Las Ventas
and getting a standing
ovation here.
Others famous bullrings
in Spain are La
Maestranza in Seville, La
Malagueta in Malaga or
La Plaza de Toros in Valencia. Attention! Bullfights were banned in
the Spanish region of Catalonia in 2010. However, they maintain
local traditions as or even more dreadful than bullfights. For
example the correbous, a tradition in which participants place two
fireballs in the animals horns.
This fantastic bullring has a capacity of 23,800 people (all seated)
and modern systems that allow the evacuation of all spectators in
just few minutes. Moreover visitors can enjoy a really interesting
bullfighting museum, where is possible to admire an interesting
collection of objects related to the world of bullfighting (capes,
banderillas, bullfighter costumes or bulls' heads). Sporadically the
bullring is also used as a concert venue and even for tennis matches,
increasing revenue for the bullring managers.
Keys to understand Bullfights

A bullfight is divided into three parts. The first two parts consist in
weakening the forces of the bull and convince the public. In the last
part, the bullfighter has to kill the animal what represents the most
important moment of the show. Once the bullfight is finished the
audience shows its enthusiasm and decides the prize for the
matador by showing white handkerchiefs. The maximum prize for
the matador is two ears and the tail of the bull. The bullfight
season in Spain begins in March and ends in November.
Some basic words you must learn before attending a bullfight:
Picador: Man riding a horse. The picador jabs the bull with a lance.
Banderilla: Small decorated harpoon which is stuck in the bull.
Capote: Small cape with which the matador tries to trick the bull.
Callejn: Corridor surrounding the arena where the bullfighter and
his teams shelter.
Burladero: Lifesaving barrier.
Presidencia: V.I.P area occupied by the President of the bullring.
Puerta Cuadrillas: Incoming door for bullfighters and their teams.
Toriles: Place where bulls are kept right before the fight.
Corrales: Bull pens.
Page 42
Culture
Madrid Express
Page 43
CULTURE
Welcome to Madrid, the
most active and modern city
in Spain!
Despite what some people
might think, cultural life in
Madrid is comparable to
cities as creative as Berlin,
Copenhagen or Buenos
Aires.
Madrid is home to a wide
range of cultural activities
that make Madrid a unique
and privileged city.
In addition to fantastic
musuems like Prado or Reina
Sofia, we can also enjoy
classical operas, prestigious
wine tastings, musicals,
gastronomic fairs, Rock
concerts, exhibitions of
Modern Art and a long
etcetera. Especially at a time
of economic crisis, the city is
committed to culture.
To make your stay in Madrid
as enjoyable as possible, we
offer you a special selection
of the best of cultural life in
Madrid.
Museums
National Archaeological Museum
This museum, founded in 1867 by Queen Isabel II, is one of the most
visited in Madrid. The National Archaeological Museum was created
at the express wish of the Queen, who wanted to provide Spain with
a great museum where preserve, classify and exhibit the
archaeological treasures of the vast history of Spain.
Prehistory (Ground Floor)
Pre-Roman Spain and Roman Hispania (First Floor)
Numismatics and Muslim Spain (Mezzanine Floor)
Egypt, Middle East , Ancient Greece, Medieval Christianity in Spain
and Modern era (Second Floor)
This museum, opened in 2014 after 3 years of reform, is equipped
with interactive displays, multimedia guides, 3D projections, etc.
making the visit that much interesting.
Ivory Crucifix (11th century / room 27). This Crucifix was donated by
the Kings of Leon to the Basilica of San Isidoro (Len). According to
archaeologists, it is the first sculptural representation of the body of
Christ in Spain. In the lower part is represented Adan.
th
Pozo Moro (6 century / room 12) This tower-shaped tomb, found
in the province of Albacete (East Spain), was used for the burial of a
King or some important dignitary in the Iberian culture. The tomb is
richly decorated with lions, figures, animals, etc. According to
experts this tomb is the best preserved monument of the Iberian
culture so far.
Lady of Elche (5th century BC/ room 13) This beautiful sculpture is
one of the icons of the Iberian culture in Spain. It depicts a high
society woman, perhaps a priestess or a queen. According to the
experts it was a polychrome sculpture and was used as a funerary
Madrid Express
urn. The sculpture was found in Elche (Eastern Spain).

Visigothic Crown (7th century/ room 23) This gold crown was found
near Toledo (former capital of Spain during the Visigothic era) and is
decorated with beautiful pearls and sapphires. This crown was part
of a much larger treasure (Tesoro de Guarrazar) composed of six
crowns and five crosses.
Address: Calle de Serrano 13
Metro: Serrano
Prices: General 3 / Reduced: 1,5 / Free Admission:
Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: from 09:30 to 20:00.
Sunday: from 09:30 to 15:00
Website: www.man.es
Prado Museum
Prado Museum offers a wonderful journey through the history of
painting, giving special attention to the best Spanish painters of all
time (Francisco de Goya, Velazquez, Murillo, etc.). A must-see spot
for all visitors. More information: see Golden Triangle of Art (see p.
32).
Address: Calle Ruiz de Alarcn 23
Prices: General 14/Reduced 7/ Free
Admission: Monday-Saturday (18:00 to 20:00)
and Sundays (17:00 to 19:00). / Children Free
Admission.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: from 10:00
to 20:00. Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00
Website: www.museodelprado.es/en/
Page 44
LAS MENINAS & VELZQUEZ

Without any kind of doubt, we can say that Las Meninas (Prado Museum) by
Diego de Velzquez is the most universal work in the history of Spanish
painting. Many experts have tried to interpret this painting: there is a wide
variety of versions, from complicated technical analysis to strange versions
difficult to believe. However Diego de Velzquez took the secret of Las
Meninas to his grave. Perhaps all this mystery surrounding the work of
Velzquez renders it, even if possible, more attractive.
Characters: Las Meninas shows a large room at the Royal Palace in Madrid,
probably the studio of Velzquez who was the favorite Kings court painter.
In fact Velzquez painted himself on the left part of the painting. In the
middle we find the Infanta Margarita (daughter of King Felipe IV)
accompanied by two maids of honour and others servants. At the moment
when Las Meninas was painted, Infanta Margarita was the only child of King
Felipe IV. This was a problem because at this time only males could inherit
the Spanish throne. Unfortunately, Infanta Margarita died very young at the
age of 21 in Vienna while giving birth to her fourth child.
King Felipe IV and his wife Mariana de Austria are reflected in the mirror
located in the background. King Felipe IV wont go down in history for its
glorious political decisions. In fact, his reign is remembered as one of the
worst. But Felipe IV was a great lover of art; he collected paintings,
sculptures, clocks, etc. Even many of the paintings that today we enjoy at
Prado Museum belonged to his private collection.
At the door we can see Jose Nieto Velzquez who worked as Royal
Upholsterer at the Royal Palace. Many questions surround this character:
Why Velzquez painted Jose Nieto? Is he entering or leaving the room? Why
only the Kings can see him?
Did you know? When Velzquez painted Las Meninas, he was not yet
member of the Order of Santiago (see the red cross in Velzquezs chest).
Someone added it later. According to some experts, it was Velzquez
himself who added the red cross shortly before his death.
Tip: If you want to expand your knowledge about

Velzquez, we recommend the book in English The lives of
Velzquez, one of the most complete biographies ever
written about the Spanish painter. The film Alatriste,
starring by Vigo Mortensen, offers also a wonderful context to
understand the seventeenth century in Spain.
Madrid Express
Order of Santiago: For a

long time, Velzquez
struggled to receive the
Order of Santiago, a noble
title which opened many
doors and involved
exclusive privileges, for
example a substantial
amount of money. King
Felipe IV interceded and
got the Order of Santiago
for Velzquez in 1659, only
one year before the painter
passed away.
The fateful day of Velzquezs death: On
August 6, 1660 Diego Velazquez passed away
after seven long days of agony. Mysteriously
one week later, his wife Juana Pacheco died
too. Experts still do not know the exact
causes that affected Velazquezs family but
according to the symptoms, it would very
probably be a serious infectious disease.
Velazquez and his wife were buried at San
Juan Bautista Church (Ramales Square) which
no longer exists. Unfortunately their mortal
remains were never found. If you visit the
square where the church was located, you will
only find a small cross in memory of
Velazquez (see picture).
Diego de Velazquez painted Las Meninas in 1656 for King Felipe

IV, who was great lover of art and culture. At this time Madrid had
approximately 125,000 inhabitants and Spain was plunged into a
deep economic and territorial crisis.
Diego Velzquez Biography: (Seville 1591 - Madrid 1660). Baroque painter, considered one of the
leading exponents of Spanish painting and one of the most renowned painters in the world.
He spent his early years in Seville, where he developed a naturalistic style, influenced by
Caravaggio (Old Woman Cooking Eggs, The Water Seller of Seville). When he was 24,
Velazquez moved to Madrid, where he was appointed painter to King Felipe IV and four years
later promoted to Official Chamber Painter, the most important position among the painters of
the court. His job mainly consisted of painting portraits of the King and his family as well as other
paintings to decorate the royal residences. His first trip to Italy allowed him to evolve and develop his
style (The Forge of Vulcan and Joseph's coat). Years later he returned to Madrid with a special learning
from Italian classics (The Surrender of Breda, Felipe IV on horseback). In 1649 he traveled again to Italy to
buy old paintings and sculptures for the King (Portrait of Pope Innocent X). In June 1651 he returned to
Madrid and the King appointed him Royal Chamberlain. According to experts in art history, his last 10
years were enormously successful (Las Meninas, or The Spinners).
Page 45
CULTURE
National Museum of Natural Sciences
The origin of the museum dates back from 1771, when King Carlos III
bought a collection belonging to a Spanish merchant who resided in
Guayaquil (Ecuador). During the nineteenth century the museum
was located in different buildings throughout the city. Finally in 1910
the museum was moved to its current location in downtown.
The Natural Museum of Natural Sciences has outstanding collections
of mammals, minerals, fossils etc. worthy of the best museums in
the World.
One of the rooms houses a Megatherium Americanum, a creature
similar to a huge bear that lived millions of years ago in the
Americas. This amazing mammal was over 6 meters tall (almost 20
feet) and had bones as robust as an elephant. In the same room we
can see a Glyptodon (a kind of giant armadillo) and a dinosaur
skeleton replica really amazing.
The African Elephant (Sudan) is other of the most popular pieces of
the Museum. Besides all this, visitors can admire an amazing old
Natural History Laboratory with fishes, lizards and snakes preserved
in formalin.
Address: Calle de Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2
Metro: Gregorio Maraon
Prices: 6 / Reduced 3
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-17:00 /
Saturdays: 10:00-20:00 (July & August: 10:0015:00) / Sundays & bank holidays: 10:00-17:00
/ Mondays Closed
Website: www.mncn.csic.es
Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando

This building, built in the 18th Century, was previously an Academy
where great geniuses like Salvador Dali or Picasso studied and
completed their education.
Today the museum houses a wonderful collection of art works from
Tiziano and Raphael to El Greco or Rubens. One of the most
important rooms of the museum is dedicated to the Spanish artist
Francisco de Goya, former director of the Academy. Dont miss the
Portrait of Manuel Godoy or The Madhouse, two celebrated
Goyas paintings.
Metro Station: Sol / Sevilla
Prices: General 6 / Reduced 3
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: from 10:00 to 15:00 /
Mondays Closed
Website: www.realacademiadebellasasrtessanfernando.com
Royal Tapestry Factory
Thyssen Bornemisza Museum

This museum houses the private collection of the Thyssen Family.
Thanks to a partnership between Hans Heinrich (Baron Thyssen) and
the Spanish Government, visitors and residents can enjoy one of the
most interesting art collections in Europe.
More information: see Golden Triangle of Art (see page 32)
Address: Calle Santa Isabel 52
Prices: General 10/ Reduced 7/ Children under the
age of 12 Free Admission/ Monday from 12:00-16:00
Free Entrance for visitors.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: from 10:00 to 19:00.
Monday closed (except from 12:00 to 16:00)
Website: www.museothyssen.org/
During the eighteenth century, The Spanish Royal Family ordered

the construction of different Royal Factories in Spain with the
intention of boosting economy. Some of them were destroyed
forever and others such as The Royal Tapestry Factory were
fortunately preserved for centuries.
Here visitors can admire hand-woven tapestries and carpets of
exceptional artistic value. The famous painter Francisco de Goya
worked for the Royal Tapestry Factory during seventeen years
designing patterns for tapestries: some of these designs are
exhibited at the Prado Museum and at The Royal Monastery of El
Escorial. Currently, The Royal Tapestry Factory elaborates carpets
and tapestries for special events and restores antique pieces.
Address: Calle de Fuenterraba 2
Metro Station: Atocha / Menendez Pelayo
Prices: General 4/ Reduced 3
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: from 10:00 to 14:00
Closed on weekends & holidays
Website: www.realfabricadetapices.com/
National
Museum of
Anthropology
Tip: If you are a big fan of art, there is an

economic way to visit all museums, monuments and
attractions in Madrid! MadridCard gives you the chance
to visit much of Madrid historical and cultural
heritage at a reduced price:
Adult 24 hours 45
Adult 48 hours: 55
Adult 72 hours: 65
The benefits of this card dont end here: priority
access at the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza
Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Royal Palace, Wax
Museum and Bernabeu Stadium Tour. Discounts at
restaurants, sightseeing tours, car rental, etc.
More information: www.madridcard.com
This museum was

inaugurated by King
Alfonso XII in 1875, a
time of profound
change for the Spanish
capital. Anthropology
Museum of Anthropology
lovers will see their dreams
come true in this place. The museum tries to offer a closer look at
diversity in the world around us, including interesting collections
about Africa and Asia as well as incredible objects such as reduced
skulls, tribal weapons, African jewelry or even a dissected man who
was 2.35 meters high.
Naval Museum
Address: Calle Alfonso XII, 68

Prices: General 3 / Reduced 1,5
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: from 09:30 to 20:00
Sundays & bank holidays: from 10:00 to 15:00/
Mondays Closed
Website: mnantropologia.mcu.es
This building is located on Paseo del Prado, just 10 minutes walk

from the Prado Museum, and it houses an extensive collection of
objects related to the glorious Spanish Naval History. You should
know that Spain dominated the seven seas during centuries.
Unfortunately this did not translate into significant economic
benefits and progress. Although the country received large
Madrid Express
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CULTURE
amounts of gold and commodities (diamonds, precious gems, wood,
etc.) from America, the Royal Household, a parasitic nobility and
wars consumed much of the budget.
Without any doubt, the most valuable piece of the museum is the
cartography of Juan de la Cosa (1500) which was designed to be
shown to the Catholic Kings, Fernando and Isabel. This cartography
includes the Americas for the first time in history. We also can find
interesting collections that bring together a variety of objects,
including figureheads, amphorae, compasses, astrolabes and even a
beautiful collection of old ship models.
Address: Paseo del Prado, 5
Prices: 3
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: from 10:00 to 19:00/
Mondays & holidays closed
Website: www.armada.mde.es/
Address: Calle Doctor Esquerdo, 36

Metro Station: Sainz de Baranda
Prices: Free Entrance
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: from 10:00 to 17:30 /
Satuday, Sunday & bank holidays: from 10:00 to 14:00 /
Mondays closed
Website: www.museocasadelamoneda.es
Reina Sofia Museum
Fernando Botero & Madrid

Many tourists often inquire as to the meaning of these sculptures
with strange proportions right in the middle of Madrid. To
understand the context better, we have to talk about Fernando
Botero and his relationship with Madrid, one of his favorite cities.
Fernando Botero is
probably the most
famous and
representative artist in
Latin America (Colombia
1932). His works reflect
all kinds of feelings and
situations with a very
personal style, (bulky or
proportionally
exaggerated sculptures
and very small heads)
Woman with mirror (Coln Square)
becoming an icon of
contemporary art.
In 2005 Botero gained international attention for his Abu
Ghraib series, where the author made a formal complaint about the
abuse of prisoners by U.S. troops during the Iraq War.
Fernando Botero, deep lover of Madrid, gave three sculptures to the
city: Woman with mirror (Coln Square), Hand (Paseo de la
Castellana) and Rape of Europa (Barajas Airport).
His sculptures not only decorate the streets of Madrid but also other
major cities like New York, Medellin, Dubai or Shanghai.
If you have the opportunity to visit Bogota (Colombia), dont miss
The Botero Museum where you can appreciate in greater depth the
work of this wonderful artist.
Casa de la Moneda Museum

This museum is located in one of the most exclusive areas of
Madrid, the heart of Salamanca district. During the nineteenth
century this area was occupied by bankers and wealthy families. It is
for this reason that the buildings are so beautiful and richly
ornamented. At the present, the neighborhood continues to be the
epicenter of luxury and fashion in Madrid.
Inside the museum visitors will make a fascinating journey through
the History of money: since the use of salt to buy up to the
implementation of the European currency.
The museum has a notable coin collection: Ancient Greece, Roman
Empire, Al-Andalus, etc. If you are a genuine lover of numismatics
you should know that the collection of the museum includes
Madrid Express
all kind of engraving tools to produce banknotes and other

machinery necessary to develop coins. Curiously, the museum has
an interesting collection of stamps and lottery. The lottery was
introduced in Spain (1763) by King Carlos III to finance the war and
cleaning up public finances. It is well worth a visit.
In the museum shop you can satisfy your desires and buy exclusive
collector coins, stamps, watches, etc.
The inauguration of the Museum of Modern Art (1992) significantly

changed the cultural panorama in Madrid.
Reina Sofia Museum is home to an extraordinary collection of
modern art, including Salvador Dali, Mir, Picasso and a long
etcetera. Do not miss the masterpiece of Pablo Ruiz Picasso, El
Guernica, in which the Spanish painter makes a criticism of the
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
More information: see Golden Triangle of Art page 32
Address: Calle de Santa Isabel 52
Prices: General 8/ Reduced 4 / Free Admission:
Monday-Saturday (19:00-21:00) (except Tuesday) /
Sunday (15:00-19:00)
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: from 10:00 to
21:00/ Sundays: from 10:00 to 19:00 / Tuesdays Closed
Website: www.museoreinasofia.es/
Cerralbo Museum
This museum is unknown to many people in Madrid but it
possesses an immense historic-artistic legacy, which well
worth taking the time to discover.
The mansion housing the current museum was built in the
nineteenth century for the Marquis of Cerralbo who was a notable
politician and historian. Over his lifetime, the Marquis of Cerralbo
directed major archaeological excavations and became an influential
art collector. According to experts, the Marquis of Cerralbo achieved
one of the most important private collections in Europe. When the
Marquis died (1922) he donated to the State his entire art collection
and the Cerralbo Museum began to take shape (1944). The vast
collection includes busts of the eighteenth century, ceramic from
the Iberian Peninsula and ancient Mediterranean civilizations,
paintings by great masters (Goya, Zurbarn, Alonso Cano, etc.)
weapon collections, tapestries, antique furniture, etc.
Strongly recommended!
Address: Calle de Ventura Rodriguez, 17
Metro Station: Plaza Espaa
Prices: General 3 / Reduced 1,5 / Free Admission:
Saturdays (14:00-15:00) Thursdays (17:00-20:00) &
Sundays (10:00-15:00)
/ Thursdays: from 17:00 to 20:00 / Sundays & bank
holidays: from 10:00 to 15:00 / Mondays Closed
Website: museocerralbo.mcu.es
Sorolla Museum
This building belonged to Joaqun Sorolla (Valencia 1863 Cercedilla
1923) and was used by the painter as a workshop until 1923 when
Joaquin Sorolla passed away. After his death, the widow of the
painter decided to transform the building into a museum.
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The museum offers a
spiritual journey through
different styles of Joaquin
Sorolla: from the famous
Mediterranean beaches and
landscapes to the wonderful
portraits.
At the same time, the rooms
of the building have been
preserved intact and, thank
to this, we can still admire
old furniture belonging to
Sorolla and tools used by the
Walk on the Beach Joaqun Sorolla
painter. The attractiveness of
(Sorolla Museum)
the museum does not end
here: we can also visit a charming garden designed by the painter
himself, private rooms, sculptures, etc.
Attention! If you are looking for Children on the Beach, one of the
most famous paintings of Sorolla, you will have to visit the Prado
Museum.
Address: Calle General Martinez Campos 37
Metro Station: Ruben Dario / Gregorio
Maraon
Prices: General 3 / Reduced 1,5 / Free Admission:
Saturday (14:00-20:00) & Sundays (10:00-15:00)
/ Sundays & bank holidays: from 10:00 to 15:00 /
Mondays Closed
Website: museosorolla.mcu.es
House-Museum Lope de Vega

The history of Spanish literature would not be the same without
Felix Lope de Vega y Carpio (Madrid 1562-1635). The building where
Lope de Vega lived is located in the Barrio de Las Letras (Literary
Quarter). The streets of this district were walked by the most
famous writers and poets of all time. In fact a few meters ahead, we
can see the house where Miguel de Cervantes, author of the most
famous work of Spanish literature, Don Quixote de la Mancha,
lived and died. Lope de Vegas house, converted into a museum in
1935, perfectly recreates the daily life of the famous poet and
playwright. The furniture was donated by the Museum of Decorative
Arts and the books belonged to the National Library.
Visits must be arranged in advanced (available in Spanish, English &
French).
Address: Calle Cervantes, 11
Metro Station: Antn Martn
Prices: Free Guided Tour (Spanish, English & French)
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 /
Mondays Closed / Booking required (10 pers. max. per
group) by calling (+34) 91 429 92 16
Email: casamuseolopedevega@madrid.org
Theatres
Royal Theatre (Opera)
The Royal Theatre is located in Oriente Square, right in front of the
Royal Palace, an unbeatable spot for one of the leading Opera
Theatres in Europe. In 1850, after thirty-two years of planning and
construction, Queen Isabel II inaugurated the theatre with the
representation of "La Favorita" by Gaetano Donizetti. Today, the
theatre stages around seventeen opera titles per year, as well as
two or three major ballets and several recitals.
The buildings interior is really surprising: the orchestra is decorated
in red and gold, creating a sumptuous atmosphere. On the sixth
floor there is a nice cafeteria decorated with works on loan from
Reina Sofia Museum. The second floor is occupied by a beautiful
restaurant. In the past, this room housed the Ballroom, the place
where the Queen held private parties.
Madrid Express
After some
improvement
works in the late
twentieth century,
the total capacity
is 1,750 spectator
seats.
The orchestra of
the Royal Theatre
is the
Madrid Symphony
Orchestra,
conducted by Ivor
Royal Theatre
Bolton (British-born) who has worked in theatres
of such renown as The Wiener Staatsoper (Wien) and The Sydney
Opera House.
Address: Plaza de Oriente S/N
Prices: Guided Tour (approximate duration: 50
minutes): General 8 / Reduced 6 / Children under 7
years old: Free Admission
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: from 10:30 to 13:00
(every 30 minutes)
Tour Duration: 50 minutes
Website & Tickets: www.teatro-real.com/
Tip: If you like Opera and you're under 30

years old, you're in luck! The Royal Theatre offers
90% discount if you buy your ticket from 4 hours
before the beginning of the play (2 hours before
If Sunday or Bank Holiday). This measure is
designed to promote Opera among young
people. Dont miss the opportunity!
Gran Va Theatres
Gran Via Street, popularly known as the Spanish Broadway, has the
largest concentration of theaters, cinemas, musicals and
entertainment all over the country. Each week this well-known
street is filled with thousands of fans who flock the cinemas to
watch the latest Hollywood movies. A few lucky ones even get
autographs from their idols at premieres.
Since its inauguration in the early twentieth century, Gran Via Street
has been fortunate to host a wide range of top-notch
entertainment and events, including theaters, cinemas, musicals,
ballets, zarzuelas (Spanish Opera) etcetera.
Over the years, the country was evolving and Spanish tastes were
changing. At the same time sound movies became popular and
many theaters were converted into cinemas.
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Gran Via Street was a
prime target for the enemy troops: bombs destroyed numerous
buildings and the street was barricaded. Even in such a dramatic
context, theaters and cinemas continued their usual programs. The
Civil War finalized and the fascists came to power. The military
dictatorship sadly imposed a strict censorship on all films and plays.
Slowly, Gran Via became the epicenter of Spanish performing arts.
All artists dreamed of triumphing in the theaters of this famous
avenue and saved money to travel to Madrid and start his artistic
career. At the same time, new shows began to emerge, revitalizing
Madrids nightlife (cabarets, clubs, variety shows, etc.). In 1975
Francos dictatorship ended and Spanish society ushered in a new
era: creativity surfaced on practically every corner of any street in
Madrid, new bands emerged and directors and actors experienced
new genres. With the advent of consumer society and the economic
boom, huge multiplex cinemas began to be built on the outskirts,
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CULTURE
weakening the hegemony of the old cinemas located on Gran Via
Street. From this time on, the cinemas were gradually converted
into theaters and only few of them survived. Finally, we cannot
ignore the revival of Musicals that today enliven again the most
popular street in Spain.
GRAN VIA THEATERS
Teatro Alfil
Address: Calle del Pez s / n
Telephone Number: 915214541
Website: www.teatroalfil.es/
Teatro Caser Caldern
Address: Calle de Atocha 18
Website: www.teatrocalderon.com/
Prncipe Gran Va
Address: Calle Tres Cruces, 8
Website: www.teatrosgrupomarquina.es
Teatro de la Abada
Address: Calle Fernndez de los Ros 42
Website: www.teatroabadia.com
Teatro Compac Gran Va

Address: Calle Gran Va, 66
Website: www.gruposmedia.com/
Teatro de la Comedia
Address: Calle del Prncipe 14
Website: -
Teatro Coliseum
Address: Calle Gran Va, 78
Website: -
Teatro Lope de Vega
Teatro Espaol
Address: Calle del Prncipe 25
Website: www.teatroespanol.es
Address: Calle Gran Va 57

Website: www.teatrolopedevega.org/
Teatro de la Latina
Address: Plaza de la Cebada 2
Website: www.teatrolalatina.es/
Corralas: Public Theaters

This type of building started becoming popular during the sixteenth
century, especially in humble neighborhoods like Lavapies (old
Jewish Quarter) or Malasaa. The origin of these buildings lies in the
need to find a decent and convenient place to accommodate the
huge number of immigrants who came to work to Madrid. Dont
forget that shortly before, Madrid had been named capital of Spain
by King Felipe II (1561).
Corralas consisted of a series of apartments organized around a
small central courtyard where much of the public life of tenants
took place: neighbors placed chairs in the courtyard and
chatted softly among themselves until midnight.
Apartments were really small, no more than 30 square meters, and
had no bathroom or potable water. When people wanted to obtain
water or use the bathroom, they had to go to the courtyard where
there was a small communal bathroom and a well with fresh water.
Over the years, some of these buildings were converted into
scenarios where acclaimed plays were represented. Something very
similar happened in England where popular plays were
represented in outdoor theaters (Elizabethan Theater). These early
theaters played an important role in the development of the
Golden Age of Spanish Literature (sixteenth and seventeenth
century). Gradually, the popularity of these buildings was growing
and the local authorities approved the construction of more
corralas. Sadly with the passing of years, the vast majority of
corralas were abandoned or destroyed to build modern
apartments. If you want to visit an genuine Madrid Corrala, you
can go to Street Meson de Paredes 79 where a Corrala has been
restored and is perfectly visible from the outside.
Downtown Theatres
Although Gran Via Street concentrates much of the most important
theaters of the capital, the cultural offer is much larger, making
Madrid a paradise for those who love Theatre. Some of the most
popular theaters located in downtown are:
Madrid Express
Teatro Cofidis
Website: www.teatrocofidis.com
Teatro Nuevo Apolo

Address: Plaza Tirso de Molina 1
Website: www.summummusic.com
Teatro Pavn (National Classical Theatre Company)
Address: Calle Embajadores 9
Website: www.teatroclasico.mcu.es/
Teatro Reina Victoria
Address: Calle Carrera de San Jernimo 24
Website: www.teatrovictoria.net/
Teatro Maravillas
Address: Calle Manuela Malasaa, 6
Website: www.teatromaravillas.com/
Theater Tickets
The price of theater tickets is not outrageously expensive considering
the cost of living in Spain. The prices range from about 15 to 30
depending on the theater, the actors or the popularity of the plays.
Normally the middle-aged people purchase tickets in person at the
box office. However, young people prefer the Internet
(www.atrapalo.com / www.entradas.com ) where they can find great
discounts. Some theaters offer the possibility to purchase tickets by
phone. Attention! Some theaters do not accept credit cards when
purchasing at the box office. Anyway there are plenty of ATMs
where you can draw money.
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Music
Each year Madrid hosts major concerts, classical music concerts,
Flamenco festivals, etc. The biggest stars of world music scene have
delighted their audience in Madrid (Rolling Stones, Cold Play, Black
Eyes Peas, Bruce Springsteen, etc.), a city famous for its passion.
Generally these events are held in large stadiums like Vicente
Calderon Stadium, Las Ventas Bullring or the Sport Palace. However,
parallel to these concerts, the city is full of live music venues,
making more dynamic, if possible, the nightlife in Madrid.
As if this werent enough, we strongly recommend you not to miss
two of most genuinely Spanish artistic expressions: Flamenco, a
style that erupts from the depths of the soul and Zarzuela, a musical
style similar to the Opera that was born in Madrid in the
seventeenth century.
Live Music Venues

Jazz:
Caf Central
Address: Plaza del ngel 10
Metro: Sol
Berlin Jazz Caf
Address: Calle Jacometrezo 4
Metro: Callao
Caf Jazz Populart
Address: Calle Huertas 22
Metro: Sol
Sala Clamores
Address: Calle Alburquerque 14
Metro: Bilbao
Miscellaneous:
La Boca del Lobo
Address: Calle Echegaray 11
Metro: Sol
Orange Caf
Address: Calle Serrano Jover 5
Metro: Argelles
Joy Eslava
Address: Calle Arenal 11
Metro: Sol / Opera
Galileo Galilei
Address: Calle Galileo 100
Metro: Canal
Sala Arena
Address: Calle Princesa 1
Metro: Plaza Espaa
Alternative Music:
Siroco
Address: Calle San Dimas 3
Metro: Noviciado
Marula Cafe
Address: Calle Caos Viejos 3
Metro: La Latina
Madrid Express
Flamenco
Your visit to Spain will never be complete unless you let yourself be
seduced by Flamenco. It is believed that the Flamenco genre
emerged in the late eighteenth century in cities and agricultural
villages of Andalusia (South Spain). Thanks to the efforts of the
Government, in November 2010 Flamenco was inscribed on
UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity. This is what UNESCO says about Flamenco: Flamenco is
an artistic expression fusing song (cante), dance (baile) and
musicianship (toque). Andalusia in southern Spain is the heartland
of Flamenco, although it also has roots in regions such as Murcia and
Extremadura. Cante is the vocal expression of Flamenco, sung by
men and women, preferably seated, with no backing singers. The
gamut of feelings and states of mind grief, joy, tragedy, rejoicing
and fear can be expressed through sincere, expressive lyrics
characterized by brevity and simplicity.
Baile Flamenco is a dance of passion, courtship, expressing a wide
range of situations ranging from sadness to joy. The technique is
complex, differing depending on whether the performer is male
(heavier use of the feet) or female (gentler, more sensual
movements). Toque or the art of guitar playing has long surpassed
its original role as accompaniment. Other instruments, including
castanets, hand-clapping and foot-stamping are also employed.
Flamenco is performed during religious festivals, rituals, church
ceremonies and at private celebrations. It is the badge of identity of
numerous communities and groups, in particular the Gitano
(Roma) ethnic community, which has played an essential role in its
development. Transmission occurs through dynasties, families,
social groups and Flamenco clubs, all of which play a key role in its
preservation and dissemination.
The endless variety of cultural venues in Madrid allows visitors to
enjoy great Flamenco shows in the heart of the city. Although the
prices are sometimes a little bit expensive, you will have an
unforgettable experience.
FLAMENCO VENUES IN MADRID (TABLAOS)

El Corral de la Morera
Address Calle Morera 17
Website: www.corraldelamoreria.com
Price: From 50 (21% V.A.T. included)
Metro: Opera
Casa Patas
Address: Calle Caizares 10
Website: www.casapatas.com
Metro: Antn Martin
Caf Chinitas
Address: Calle Torija, 7
Website: www.chinitas.com
Metro: Plaza Espaa / Santo Domingo
Tablao Villa Rosa
Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, 15
Website: www.villa-rosa.es
Metro: Sol
Torres Bermejas
Address: Calle Mesonero Romanos, 11
Website: www.torresbermejas.com
Metro: Gran Va / Callao / Sol
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Modern Architecture
Tip: If you want to learn more about the world of
Flamenco, we recommend a visit to El Flamenco Vive. In
this little shop you will find all kinds of accessories
(flamenco dresses, dance shoes, shawls, instruments, etc.)
as well as an extensive collection of books and records of
the best flamenco artists.
Address: Calle Conde de Lemos 7
Website: www.elflamencovive.com
Metro: Sol / Opera
The tour Company OgoTours offers a great Flamenco Tour
in which you will discover the origins of flamenco and
interesting stories about this musical genre. The price (40)
includes a flamenco show in one of the best Tablaos in
Madrid. More info www.ogotours.com
Zarzuela
Zarzuela, direct descendant of Italian Opera, was born in Spain
during the seventeenth century. Shortly after, the new musical
genre spread to South America (mainly Cuba and Venezuela) and
the Philippines (former Spanish colony) where it was very well
received by local people.
Initially, Zarzuela was the favorite theatrical genre of the Spanish
Royal Family but when the Bourbon dynasty came to power in Spain
(eighteenth century), Zarzuela ceased to be the Royal Genre and
was replaced by the Italian Opera. After some conflicts with Italian
ministers in Spain, there was a revival of popular patriotic feeling
and Zarzuela returned to the theaters. Zarzuela quickly spread all
over the districts in Madrid and people sang the catchy songs
everywhere. The heyday of Zarzuela took place during the
nineteenth and twentieth century when it became an extremely
popular musical style among madrileos.
One of the most famous Zarzuelas in Madrid is called La Revoltosa
written by Ruperto Chapi. Other famous Zarzuela composers are:
Federico Chueca, Tomas Breton, Amadeo Vives or Fernandez
Caballero.
If you are interested in discovering this unique musical genre, visit
the Teatro de la Zarzuela (Zarzuela Theatre) (Address: Calle
Jovellanos 4 / Metro: Sevilla).
Chotis
Chotis is the typical dance of Madrid but what many people dont
know is that originally this dance comes from Central Europe
(Austria, Germany, Bohemia and Poland).
During the nineteenth century this dance (called Schottisch)
became enormously popular among working-class and rural people
in Central Europe. Later, this dance came to important cities like
Vienna. On 3 November 1850 Queen Isabel II, avid music lover and
one of the main promoters of the Royal Theatre in Madrid,
organized a party at the Royal Palace. During the feast, the
musicians played for the first time in Spain a Schottisch.
Amazingly enough, this dance touched the heart of many
madirleos who adopted it as their own. But they
made some changes: Schottisch was
renamed as Chotis, easier to pronounce
for Spanish speakers and a special barrel organ
was introduced. Chotis is relatively easy to
dance but you have to follow some rules.
Normally it is a partner dance; man turns around
his center axis and woman turns around man.
At one point, the music changes and the couple
takes three steps back and three steps forward.
Then the couple begins to turn again.
Traditional Madrid Costume
Madrid Express
Since the mid-twentieth century, Madrid has been at the forefront

of European architecture. Major Banks and international companies
hired the best architects of the moment to build their offices,
making of Madrid one of the most active financial centers of the
continent.
Picasso Tower
(157 meters)
Until the
inauguration of the
new financial center
(CTBC), Picasso
Tower was the
tallest building in
the city and a
symbol of the
economic power of
the Spanish capital.
The building was
designed between
1974 and 1986 and
was one of the first
intelligent buildings
in Europe: every
little aspect of the
building was
Picasso Tower
controlled using a
central computer, something really amazing for that time.
Recently the building has been acquired by Pontegadea Real Estate,
owned by Amancio Ortega, founder of ZARA emporium and one of
the richest men in the world.
Address: Ruiz Picasso Square
Metro: Nuevos Ministerios / Santiago Bernabu
Europe Tower
(120 meters)
Impressive skyscraper located in the financial district, between
General Pern Street and Paseo de la Castellana, right in front of
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium (Real Madrid). The building was
designed in 1985 by Miguel Oriol e Ibarra. During weekdays the
building is a hive of business activity. However during the weekends
the area is quite popular among young people as there are many
pubs and nightclubs around here.
Historical note: In 2002 the Basque terrorist group ETA tried to
cause a slaughter placing a car bomb near Europe Tower coinciding
with a Real Madrid- Barcelona F.C. match. Luckily there was only
material damage.
Address: Paseo de la Castellana 95
Metro: Santiago Bernabu / Nuevos Ministerios
Puerta Europa Buildings
(114 meters)
Puerta Europa Buildings
are a symbol of the
capital and a
fundamental part of the
skyline of Madrid. The
towers, inaugurated in
1996, were designed by
American architects
(Philip Johnson and John
Puerta Europa
Burgee). Each building is
114 m tall with an inclination of 15, making them the first inclined
skyscrapers in the world. With this inclination the architects tried to
symbolize a gateway to Madrid.
Address: Plaza de Castilla Square
Metro: Plaza Castilla
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Bankia Tower
(248 meters)
This immense building, one of the highest in Europe, was designed
by Norman Foster and
inaugurated in 2009.
Apparently, the
building seems to be
divided into three
blocks which creates a
sensation of
movement. The
structure was designed
in steel and the facade
is covered with glass
and stainless steel.
Address: Cuatro Torres
Business Area (CTBC)
Metro: Begoa
Crystal Tower
(249 meters)
Wonderful building
designed by Cesar Pelli,
creator of Petronas
Towers (Malaysia). The
Bankia Tower
building has a square
base that turns into an oval as it goes up, creating a beautiful effect
that resembles a diamond. The skyscraper houses offices since its
inauguration in 2009. As a side note, there is a nice vertical garden
with more than 20,000 plants.
Address: Cuatro Torres Business Area (CTBC)
Metro: Begoa
Space Tower
(230 meters)
The building, designed by Henry N. Cobb, houses offices and is
equipped with all services and facilities you can imagine: restaurant,
car wash, gym, etc. The whole facade is covered with glass.
Metro: Begoa
PwC Tower
(236 meters)
This beautiful
building houses
offices and a
wonderful 5-star
hotel with the
best views of the
city. The
skyscraper was
designed by the
Spanish
Architects Carlos
Rubio Carvajal
and Enrique
lvarez Sala
Walter.
As a curious fact,
the tallest hotel
in Europe, Gran
Hotel Bali, is
located also in
Spain, to be
exact in
Benidorm
(Alicante).
Metro: Begoa
Madrid Express
Holy Week in Madrid

If you visit Madrid during Holy Week (Semana Santa), you will
discover one of the
most emotive
celebrations in
Spain.
Although the
Spanish
Constitution
provides that Spain
is a secular country,
religion
is lived in a very inte
nse way.
For centuries, the
Catholic Church had
great influence in
the country, what
sometimes led to
serious social
conflicts. You must
not forget the
Church of San Isidro
enormous power of the Spanish
Church
Inquisition, which was abolished in 1834 by Queen Mara Victoria.
Today the Catholic Church still has some power in certain areas (eg,
the Catholic Church enjoys some tax exemptions), which is difficult
to imagine in other European countries.
During Holy Week, churches across the country are decked out and
the polychrome wooden sculptures are decorated with candles,
colorful flowers etc. to take part in the processions (procesiones)
along with thousands of devotees. Usually these processions are
accompanied by music bands and "nazarenos" (men dressed in long
robes, whose faces are covered by a veil draped over a tall cone
shaped hat, known as capirote). Costaleros are other main
protagonists in this emblematic celebration. They carry the weight
of the float ("pasos") on their shoulders and neck. You can imagine
the great physical conditions required to support a weight of
approximately 50-100 kilos per person during several hours.
The most important processions take place on Holy Thursday and
Good Friday and commemorate the death of Jesus. Finally, on Easter
Sunday hundreds of people gather in Plaza Mayor Square to beat
drums and bass drums ("tamborrada").
The celebration of Holy Week also has its influence on food. On
Good Friday madrileos eat a delicious stew of chickpeas with cod
(potaje). Other typical dishes during Holy Week are Soldaditos de
Pavia (crunchy pieces of battered cod) and torrijas (typical
sweets).
Popular Processions in Madrid:

Cristo de la Fe y el Perdn (Palm Sunday)
Address: Baslica Pontificia de San Miguel
Metro: Sol / Opera / Tirso de Molina
Nuestro Padre Jess del Gran Poder y Mara Santsima de la
Esperanza Macarena (Holy Thursday)
Address: Real Colegiata de San Isidro (Church of San Isidro)
Metro: Tirso de Molina / La Latina
PwC Tower
Jess Nazareno de Medinaceli (Good Friday)

Address: Iglesia-Baslica de Nuestro Padre Jess de Medinaceli de los
PP Capuchinos
Metro: Atocha / Antn Martn
Page 52
Gastro
nomy
Madrid Express
Page 53
GASTRONOMY
pain can be considered as a gastronomic paradise for culinary

lovers. The Mediterranean diet is varied and very beneficial for
health thanks to the high consumption of vegetables, fruits
and fish. In many regions fish is the major protagonist of the local
cuisine. In fact, Spain is the second country in the world with higher
consumption of fish, topped only by Japan.
In addition, the country boasts some of the best chefs in the world
who impulse many of the new trends in gastronomy all around the
world.
Madrid's cuisine is diverse and brings together different and
multiple influences, especially from the north and south of Spain.
Winter is cold in Madrid and thus gastronomy is influenced by
northern dishes as Cocido Madrileo (chickpea stew), Callos a la
madrilea (tripe stew) and others fatty stews. During the summer,
temperatures rise and the diet is much lighter to withstand the heat
(influence of southern regions): salads, lots of fruit, cold soups and
vegetables. The most representative dishes of Madrid are:
Cocido Madrileo (Chickpea stew)
Its a traditional chickpea stew very popular during the winter when
cold intensifies. The main ingredients of cocido are: chickpeas,
vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and turnips. In some cases,
green bean, mangold and cardoon are also added) and finally meat
such as pork, pork belly, beef, chicken, chorizo (Spanish sausage)
and onion morcilla (blood sausage). Tradition states that the
ingredients of cocido must be served separately: first, soup with
noodles then chickpeas and vegetables and finally meat.
This dish is highly caloric and helps combat the intense cold It is
not for dieters!
Some of the best places in the city to enjoy a genuine cocido
madrileo are: La Bola (Address: Calle Bola 5 / www.labola.es).
Restaurant Lhardy (Address: Calle Carrera San Jernimo, 8 /
www.lhardy.com) or Malacatn (Address: Calle de la Ruda, 5 /
www.malacatin.com)
Callos a la Madrilea (Traditional Tripe Stew)
It is a traditional Spanish stew, originating from Asturias (North
Spain), which includes a wide variety of ingredients: beef tripe, pig's
foot or ox tail, sausages, blood sausages (optional), beef stock,
vegetables, chickpeas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, chili and even bell
peppers or carrots. This dish is characterized by the strong smell
while it is being cooked. Despite what many people may think, this
dish is not highly caloric as tripe is rich in gelatin and has little fat.
Bocadillo de Calamares (Squid Sandwiches)
Squid sandwich is a
culinary specialty in
Madrid and is
considered as a typical
fast food for the locals.
Squids are coated with
flour and fried in very
hot oil. Some
madrileos add a bit
of mayonnaise or
lemon drops to their
sandwiches while
drinking a cold beer.
We recommend not
adding more sauces,
such as ketchup or
mustard that can ruin
the flavor of this great
sandwich. The best
places in Madrid for a
squid sandwich are
Madrid Express
Bar El Brillante
located near Plaza Mayor: Bar La Campana (Address: Calle

Botoneras 6) or Bar La Ideal (Address: Calle Botoneras 4). Near
Atocha Train Station you can find another bar which is famous for its
squid sandwiches, Bar El Brillante (Address: Plaza del Emperador
Carlos V, 8)
Jamn (Spanish Ham)
You cannot visit Spain and not try the Spanish Ham, one of the most
exquisite products of the Spanish Gastronomy. The hind legs of pork
are cured for months in special places with certain lighting
conditions and optimum moisture. The result is an extremely tasty
and juicy meat, highly appreciated by Spanish people and foreigners.
Despite its price, it is very popular in Spain, especially at Christmas
when even some companies give away a Spanish Ham to their
employees.
The Roll Royce of hams can be quickly identified by its intense red
meat and thin veins of excellent fat. This great meat is a result of
feeding pigs naturally. These delicious hams are known as Jamon
de Bellota.
One of the best places in Madrid to try this delicacy is Museo del
Jamn, literally The Ham Museum. The variety is truly amazing
and at prices to suit every pocket. In addition, they have also an
economic restaurant, ideal to recharge your batteries after a day of
sightseeing (address: Calle Carrera de San Jernimo 1 / Calle Gran
Via 72 & Calle Cava de San Miguel 11 /
www.museodeljamon.es/madrid/).
Museo del Jamn
Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish Omelette)

Its maybe one of the most popular dishes in Spain. Tortilla de
Patatas is characterized by its softness and texture. There is no bar
in Madrid that does not offer this famous icon of Spanish
gastronomy. Ingredients to cook a genuine Spanish Omelette: eggs
and potatoes fried in olive oil (onions and peppers can be added
too). Chronicles say that this dish was born in Navarre (North Spain)
in the nineteenth century. During the Carlist Wars (1833 to 1876),
the last major civil war for the throne in Europe, General Tomas
Zumalacrregui created the Spanish Omelette as an easy, fast and
nutritious way to feed his troops. From there, the Spanish Omelette
was spread throughout the country. Bar Cerveriz (Plaza San Miguel,
2) offers one of the best Tortillas de Patatas in Madrid.
Tapas
Tapa in Spanish means "small portion of food served with the
drink. This custom was born in Andalusia (South Spain) in the 19th
century and today is a social event in Spain: friends, coworkers or
family members gather for a snack in packed bars right before lunch
or dinner. These typical tapas range from olives or chips to small
tasting dishes that blend tradition with modernity. Some of the most
common tapas are: morcilla (blood sausage), cheese, ham,
Patatas Bravas (potatoes topped with spicy sauce), croquettes,
prawns, lacn (pork shoulder), ensaladilla rusa (Spanish potato
Page 54
salad), patatas alioli (potatoes in garlic mayonnaise), Spanish

Omelette, marinated olives, almonds, meatballs, Manchego
cheese, mussels, pork ear, pinchitos (marinated pork skewers),
grilled cuttlefish, squids, etc. The list can be endless and depends on
the imagination
and creativity of
the bar or
restaurant.
Sometimes when
you order a drink,
they offer a free
tapa as a
courtesy.
Normally, these
snacks are eaten
standing at the
Fried Cod at Casa Labra
bar, not sitting.
Some madrileos still preserve an old curious habit when eating
out: clients throw napkins or scraps of food (olive pits or shells) to
the floor. Sporadically, the waiters clean the trash while people
continue with this "tradition". This behavior, apparently unhealthy,
has its explanation. In the past, people knew when a bar was good
and offered quality tapas if the floor was plenty of napkins or scraps
of food. So customers threw their napkins to the floor in gratitude
for good tapas and wine.
Huevos Rotos (Fried eggs with French fries)
This popular dish is made with just three simple ingredients: freerange eggs, potatoes and olive oil. All of them masterfully combined.
In the past, this dish was very popular among the poorer classes in
Madrid. The Spanish genius Diego Velzquez painted in 1618 an old
poor woman while she was frying eggs to prepare this dish (Old
Woman Cooking Eggs National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh,
United Kingdom).
Over the years this dish made the leap from poor neighborhoods to
the most avant-garde restaurants in Madrid. There is a place where
this dish has become the restaurants specialty. We are referring, of
course, to Casa Lucio (address: Calle Cava Baja 35). The walls are
decorated with pictures of celebrities who have been here: King of
Spain, Eva Longoria, Nicolas Sarkozy, Will Smith, Bill Clinton, etc.
Sangria
Dont leave Madrid without trying the famous sangria, a
refreshing drink of Spanish origin that is consumed in Spain and
Portugal since the 19th century. Ingredients used to make
traditional sangria are: red wine, sugar or syrup, orange and
lemon juice, chopped fruit (peach, apple, pear, etc.), cinnamon,
orange soda, vermouth and spirits such as brandy. It is important to
leave the fruits macerating with the wine for 2 or 3 hours. In this
way, flavors, scents and colors harmoniously blend together.
Thanks to the Spanish immigration to Argentina during the early
twentieth century, this drink is also very popular in certain South
American countries, especially in Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba.
Caa (Beer)
Probably, you will see this word written in the vast majority of bars
and taverns in Spain. "Caa" simply means draft beer served in a
small glass with capacity of about 20 cl. This is, no doubt, the most
popular way to drink beer in Spain.
Although beer is not the favorite drink among Spaniards (they are
passionate about wine), is also very popular, especially among
young people. Spanish beer is characterized by its strong flavor,
bitterer than German or Czech beers.
Mahou is the beer par excellence in Madrid. Every single day,
madrileos consume thousands and thousands of liters of this
popular beer either in bars or at home. In addition, Mahou is the
official beer sponsor of Atltico de Madrid, one of the most popular
football teams in Spain after Real Madrid and Barcelona F.C.
Others popular beer brands in Madrid are: Cruzcampo, Aguila
Amstel, Estrella de Galicia or Alhambra.
Madrid Express
GASTRONOMY
Spanish Olive Oil
If there is a product that defines the Mediterranean cuisine is,
without doubt, the olive oil: in every bar, restaurant, tavern,
supermarket, etc. you will find a wide variety of olive oils at a good
price.
The climatology and soil conditions make Spain the world's largest
producer of olive oil (30%). Other major producers of olive oil are
Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Portugal. Besides being
an eminently producer country, Spain is the country that consume
more liters of olive oil per year in the world. If this were not enough,
experts consider that the Spanish olive oil is the best in the world
thanks to its intense flavor and aroma. Seize this unique opportunity
and enjoy the Spanish olive oils.
Chocolate con churros (Chocolate & Spanish Fritters)
Eating chocolate & fritters is one of the most typical traditions in
Madrid, especially during fall and winter when temperatures drop.
You can choose between two types of fritters: churros (loop
shape) and porras (longer and thicker). Apparently churros are
ridged due to having been piped from a churrera, a syringe with a
star-shaped nozzle. Churros are fried until they get crunchy. If you
want, fritters can be sprinkled with sugar.
Usually churros and porras are eaten for breakfast or as an
afternoon snack, popularly known as merienda, and dipped in hot
chocolate or coffee. The most popular place in the city center to eat
Chocolate con Churros is Chocolateria San Gines (Address:
Passage of San Gins 5) located 5 minutes from Puerta del Sol.
Croissants
Despite what many people think, croissants dont come from
France! The croissant was born in the seventeenth century in
Vienna. In 1683 the Austrian city was being besieged by the Turkish
army. After several months, the Turks withdrew and the Austrians
claimed victory. To celebrate the end of the siege, the King of
Austria organized a great feast in his residence. Palace bakers made
a pastry in the shape of the crescents they had seen on the battle
standards of the enemy. That is the way this delicious curvedshaped bread was born.
Interestingly, the croissant (cruasn in Spanish) came to Spain and
became very popular in Madrid. In fact today it is one of the favorite
choices for locals when they go out for breakfast. The traditional
way to eat a croissant in Madrid is grilled and served with butter and
jam. Yummy! Where to find a good croissant in Madrid? There are
many places, but we would like to recommend you our favorites:
Harina (address: Plaza de la Independencia, 10), Viena la Crem
(address: Calle Santa Brgida, 6), Isabela Gourmet Market (address:
Paseo de la Habana, 3)
and Mallorca (address:
Calle de Serrano, 6).
Barquillos (Spanish
Wafer Rolls)
Barquillos are made
of unleavened flour,
sugar and cinnamon.
The origin of this
popular sweet dates
from the late
nineteenth century,
Barquillero
when the streets of
downtown Madrid were full of kiosks and street vendors
(barquilleros) who sold barquillos throughout the year.
Unfortunately, at present,barquilleros have become an anecdote
in the Spanish capital. You can find them dressed with regional
costumes near the touristic spots such as the Royal Palace or the
Retiro Park.
Page 55
TAPAS IN MADRID
Few cities in Spain live their traditions as vividly as Madrid. And tapas are no exception
to the rule. Every weekend bars are full of people enjoying delicious tapas while they
chat and laugh about everything and nothing in particular. According to tradition, the
origin of tapas dates back to the nineteenth century in Andalusia (South of Spain) when
mesoneros (innkeepers) covered the glass of wine with a plate of food to prevent flies
and insects from falling into the glass. This custom became popular throughout the
country and today is a global phenomenon. Tapa or Pincho? Many tourists wonder the
difference between tapa and pincho (pintxo in Basque). The truth is that there is a very
fine line between them. According to the purists, tapas are eaten with utensils. However
pinchos are small bites of food where ingredients are skewered with a toothpick and
served over slices of bread. Pinchos were born in the Basque Country where cities like
San Sebastian have reached the rank of gastronomic capital of the country.
Jamn Serrano: Undoubtedly, Serrano ham,

along with olive oil, is the most highlyrated foodstuff beyond the borders of Spain.
Jamn Serrano should be served in thin
slices at room temperature. Despite its price
is one of the favorite tapas in Spain.
Manchego Cheese: Spain loves cheese and

the variety is amazing but maybe Manchego
Cheese is the most popular. This cheese,
typical of the Land of Don Quixote, is made of
sheep's milk and is characterized by its
intense flavor and strong aroma.
Tortilla (Spanish Omelette): Probably the

most classic dish of Spanish Gastronomy and
one of the most popular tapas among
tourists. Madrileos love tortilla and no bar
or tavern worthy of the name can survive in
Madrid without tortilla. Must-try dish.
Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes accompanied

by a slightly spicy sauce. According to
tradition Patatas Bravas were invented in
Madrid in the 60's. But nowadays many bars
compete for the best Patatas Bravas in
town.
Croquetas (Croquette): Despite the fact that

its origin is French, today is one of the
signature dishes of Spanish gastronomy.
Genuine Madrid croquettes are made of hen
and should be crispy on the outside and soft
on the inside.
Boquerones en Vinagre (Anchovies in

Vinegar): Anchovies in vinegar are one of the
favorite snacks for Madrileos. The anchovies
are marinated for hours in vinegar and served
with abundant extra virgin olive oil, garlic and
parsley. Delicious!
Where to eat Tapas?

This is a great question and difficult to answer. There is not only one bar to eat delicious tapas but dozens of them. In other words, madrileos visit various bars and eat the specialty of the house in each one.
For this reason we recommend you several routes and areas of the city where you will find wonderful and genuine tapas.
Route 1: Plaza Santa Ana Plaza Mayor: Casa Labra (Calle de Tetuan, 12) was opened in 1860 and specializes in homemade croquettes and fried cod slices! Casa Alberto (Calle Huertas 18), inaugurated
in 1827, is one of the temples of gastronomy in Madrid. Las Bravas (Calle Alvarez Gato, 3) Dont leave Madrid without sampling the best Patatas Bravas in town. La Casa del Abuelo (Calle Victoria, 12) A bar
with more than one hundred years and specialized in prawns and shrimps. Simply delicious! The tiny Cava de San Miguel Street is full of traditional taverns and bars highly recommendable (Mesn de la Tortilla,
Mesn del Champion, Museo del Jamn, etc.). San Miguel Market (Plaza de San Miguel s/n) Maybe it is a very tourist place which raises the price of products. However, the quality of some stalls is undeniable.
Route 2: Plaza Mayor La Latina: Casa Amadeo (Plaza del Cascorro, 18) This bar is known throughout the city for snails which are served in a delicious sauce with chorizo and ham. They also offer a
wide variety of tapas such as callos a la madrilea (tripe stew), pigs ear or chorizo cooked in apple cider. Casa Paco (Puerta Cerrada, 11) It is a genuine Madrid tavern. We recommend trying meat dishes,
pisto manchego (ratatouille) and chicharrones (pork rind). Casa Revuelta (Calle Latoneros, 3) A must stop on your tapas route. This bar offers delicious bacalao rebozado (battered cod) and callos a la
madrilea (traditional tripe stew). Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio (Calle Cava Baja, 30) The most famous place in Madrid to eat huevos rotos (scrambled eggs with French fries). El Schotis (Calle Cava Baja, 11) It
is one of those places where you feel like the locals. The specialties of the house are tortilla de patatas (Spanish Omelette) and croquetas (croquettes).
Madrid Express
Page 56
GASTRONOMY
rent a dinner suit: Trajes Guzman (address: Calle de Serrano 2/

Phone Number: 91 431 47 73/ Website: www.trajesguzman.com/
Traditional Restaurants
Restaurant Info
Madrid has a multitude of restaurants of all types and price, from
humble eatery (tabernas) or Chinese restaurants to some of the
best restaurants in Europe which are frequented by politicians and
multimillionaire football players. The excess of restaurants in Madrid
causes fierce competition between them, benefiting enormously the
customer. In addition, the relaxed pace of life and good weather in
Spain favors eating out in restaurants.
Lunch time is taken very seriously in Spain: usually people spend 45
minutes or 1 hour eating and extend the conversation after-lunch
enjoying a coffee (caf).
Opening Hours:
Traditionally in Spain lunch and dinner are really very late in
comparison to others European countries. Spanish families tend to
have lunch between 14:00 and 15:00 and dinner is served from
21:00 to 22:30. The ideal time to enjoy the famous tapas (snacks) is
about 13:00 and at the end of the afternoon, between 19:30 and
21:00.
The restaurants begin to serve meals from 13:00-13:30 and dinners
from 20:30-21:00. If you want to eat before, you can always go to
some fast food franchise where you will benefit from more flexible
and longer opening hours.
Prices & Tips:
From Monday to Friday
Men del da is an
economical way to eat in
Madrid, especially in
downtown: for a fixed
price, some restaurants
offer first course, second
course, drink, bread and
dessert or coffee.
Normally you have to ask
the waiter for the "Menu
del da" because
sometimes they do not
show it openly. Usually
these menus include
traditional Spanish food
such as soups, salads,
legumes, omelets,
Menu del da
scrambled eggs, meat and
fish.
VAT in restaurants is 10% and must be included in the price of the
menu.
Unlike other European countries, Spanish people usually leave no
tips. If you are happy with the service, 5% will be well received by
the waiter.
Almost all the restaurants accept credit cards: VISA and MasterCard
are the most used. Before entering, you can check if they accept
credit cards or Restaurant Checks.
Reserve:
If you want to eat at a particular restaurant it is advisable to book a
table, especially at lunchtime when thousands of workers,
businessmen and government employees fill the restaurants and
bars of the capital. A call a couple of hours before is enough.
Etiquette:
In most restaurants it is not necessary to wear formal dress and
there is no a dress code. On the contrary, if you want to eat at the
most exclusive restaurants in Madrid, you will need a dinner jacket
which is provided for some restaurants. In any case, you can always
Madrid Express
The number of indicates the approximate price

level based on a main course with a drink.
Expensive: more than 30 per person.

Middling: 20-30 per person.
Cheap: less than 20 per person.
Restaurante El Bodegon
Address: Calle Pinar, 15
Metro: Gregorio Maran
This is without question one of the best restaurants in Madrid.
Delight your senses in El Bodegon, which is commanded by the
internationally renowned chef Hilario Arbelaitz, who will please the
most exigent palates. Exquisite service, seasonal recipes, large and
varied selection of excellent wines and an extraordinary collection of
artworks.
Restaurante Teatro Real de Madrid
Address: Calle Felipe V s / n
Metro: Opera
The restaurant, decorated by Pascua Ortega, is a reflection of the
great Operas that have been staged at the Royal Theater. There is a
clothing collection which includes dresses and accessories worn by
famous actors and actress. Clients can also admire beautiful musical
instruments or parts of sets used during the Operas.
The restaurant entrance is free and independent of the theatrical
performances.
Asador Donostiarra
Address: Calle Infanta Mercedes, 79
Metro: Tetuan
This restaurant is hugely popular in Madrid, especially among Real
Madrid players and fans, so its advisable to book well in advance.
Specialties: Merluza a la vasca (Basque Hake), Besugo a la
espaola (Red Bream), red meats and Leche frita (Fried Milk).
Casa Lucio
Address: Calle Cava Baja, 35
Metro: La Latina
When you enter Casa Lucio you feel like in a nineteenth-century
tavern. This restaurant is very well-known in Madrid and frequented
by politicians, artists or bullfighters among others.
Spanish quality food guaranteed to please all. Sometimes is quite
difficult to get a table so dont forget to book in advance.
Specialties: Zancarrn (Beef Stew), Callos a la Madrilea (Tripe
Stew), Huevos Rotos (Fried eggs with French fries), Tortilla de
patatas con pisto (Spanish Omelette with ratatouille), Arroz con
Leche (Rice Pudding).
Las Bravas Bar
Address: Pasaje Matheu 5
Metro: Sol
This is one of the best places in town to try the typical Patatas
Bravas, one of the signature Madrid dishes: potatoes are cut into
dice (irregular size), fried in oil and served with a spicy tomato sauce
called "salsa brava", which is poured over the potatoes. Yummy!
Restaurante La Dorada
Address: Calle Orense, 64
Metro: Nuevos Ministerios
Maritime dcor with individual cabins which try to imitate an Ocean
Liner. This restaurant is the place to be for fish and seafood lovers.
Reservations are only accepted for groups between six and forty
Page 57
GASTRONOMY
persons. La Dorada is equipped with telephone, direct fax, Internet
access and TV screen. Dont miss the amazing wine cellar. If you
come by car dont worry, the restaurant has a parking attendant.
Restaurant La Bola
Address: Calle Bola 5
Metro: Opera
This restaurant is an excellent choice if you want to try an authentic
Cocido Madrileo (chickpea stew) and other traditional dishes
such as lamb or hake. Over the years, this popular restaurant has
had the pleasure of serving many celebrities such as Ava Gadner,
Paolo Futre, Camilo Jose Cela, etc.
Restaurante Casa Valencia
Address: Paseo del Pintor Rosales 58
Metro: Argelles
Restaurante Casa Valencia, inaugurated in 1975 by the Kings of
Spain, is the perfect place to enjoy a rice dish. You can choose from
many varieties: black paella, traditional paella from Valencia (rabbit,
chicken and vegetables), seafood paella, etc. We strongly
recommend trying the delicious Fideu which is a kind of paella
made of thin noodles and fish, very popular in Valencia.
Casa Mingo
Address: Paseo de la Florida 34
Metro: Principe Pio
This restaurant, hugely popular among locals, can be defined as a
genuine Asturian Cider Bar (North Spain) in the heart of Madrid. You
will enjoy typical dishes from Northern Spain such as Empanada
(meat pie) or sausage in cider, really yummy. They also offer Spanish
omelettes and grilled chicken. The homemade cider, which is
elaborated at the restaurant, is one of the strong points in Casa
Mingo.
Taberna Pompeyana
Address: Calle Alvarez Gato 5
Metro: Sol
Beautiful pizzeria located very near from Santa Ana Square, in the
bohemian Literary Quarter. Tapas are great and delicious. Some
days a week they serve a free pizza slice when you order a beer.
Malandrin
Address: Calle Almendro 9
Metro: La Latina
Wonderful tapas bar that combines traditional Madrid cuisine with
modern touches. You cannot miss the great toasts, highly
recommended.
Mesn El Lacn
Address: Calle Manuel Fernandez y Gonzalez 8
Metro: Sol
Typical Andalusian tavern where you can try delicious traditional
dishes such as Pimientos del Padrn (small peppers fried in olive
oil with Maldon salt), croquettes, or Revuelto de Bacalao
(Scramble eggs with salt cod). Free tapas with your drink! In short,
traditional food and excellent value for money.
Four Original Proposals to Eat in Madrid

Cafe de Oriente
Address: Plaza de Oriente 2
Metro: Opera
This classic cafe is located in one of the most emblematic places in
Spain, just in front of the Royal Palace and next to the Royal
Theatre, the leading theater in Spain.
The wonderful views will captivate you and will make you feel a part
of the history of Spain.
The cafe was opened in 1983 and was designed in a Neo-Baroque
Madrid Express
style, really elegant. Shortly after its inauguration, Caf de Oriente

became an icon of the capital and began to be frequented by
famous people. For example the table number nine was reserved for
the Mayor of Madrid, Enrique Tierno Galvan. Subsequently, this
table was assigned to Antonio Mingote, famous Spanish journalist
who passed away in 2012. However, the most illustrious customer
was not a person. For many years, a small sparrow entered the cafe
everyday where he took refuge, seeking warmth and food. Soon the
little sparrow became a much loved pet by employees and clients of
the cafe. After spending the day among waiters and tables, the cute
animal returned to the park where he lived.
Tommy Meals
Address: Calle Hortaleza 34
Metro: Chueca / Sol
Themed restaurant inspired by the 50s American diners: juke box,
Elvis Presley songs, neon lights, pretty waitresses dressed in pink,
delicious burgers, grilled steaks and wonderful milkshakes and
desserts.
This is America and caloric food dominates the menu: hot dogs,
sandwiches, burgers, beacon, French fries, etc. but do not expect
the typical fast food restaurant. Tommy Mels is a unique place
where quality plays an important role. Do not forget to try the
cheesecake, really amazing!
During lunchtime the restaurant is filled in minutes and you'll have
to wait to be served. Unfortunately reservations are not accepted.
San Miguel Market
Address: Plaza San Miguel, 1
Metro: Opera
This gastronomic market is located in San Miguel Square, just a few
meters from Plaza Mayor.
Since the nineteenth century this place was occupied by a street
food market: traders set up their stalls and sold meat, fruits, salted
fish, etc. in very poor hygienic conditions. During the nineteenth
century hygienic theories were gaining ground and local authorities
took measures to shut down this kind of markets. In 1916 the
Government built the current market which dazzled the locals with
its nice iron structure inspired by the major European markets such
as in Paris or Amsterdam.
In 1999 reconstruction works were carried out and the market was
transformed into a "Gastronomic Market" where high quality
products are sold. You can taste what you buy and sit for a while
eating delicious tapas: Serrano ham, homemade cheese, oysters,
Rioja wine, paella, sushi, etc. Actually, San Miguel Market has
become one of the trendiest places in Madrid to the point that on
weekends you can hardly walk the market galleries.
Restaurante Casa Botn
Address: Calle Cuchilleros 17
Metro: Opera / La Latina
Without doubt, Restaurante Casa Botn offers one of the most
unique dining experience in the world. Do you want to know why?
Read more! Restaurante Casa Botn holds the distinguished record
of being the oldest restaurant in the world. Casa Botn was opened
in 1725 very near Plaza Mayor, an area replete with history and
legends. Many historical and international figures have enjoyed this
restaurant such as Juan Carlos I (King of Spain), Ernest Hemingway,
Martin Luther King or a man called Francisco de Goya. Yes, we are
talking about the famous Spanish painter who worked at the
restaurant washing dishes when he was a teenager. Years later he
became the official painter to Kings Carlos III and Carlos IV.
The specialty of the house is the slow-roast suckling pig in a wood
oven. Piglets are brought directly from Segovia, a small town located
90 kilometers from the Spanish capital and famous for its piglets and
lambs. A taste you will never forget!
Page 58
Where
to
Stay
Madrid Express
Page 59
WHERE TO STAY
adrid is a city with hundreds of hotels to choose from

cheap cozy hostels to some of the best hotels in the
World. Pack your suitcase and lets go!
If you dont know where to star, dont despair. We give you the keys
to choose the best hotel for a perfect holiday!
The number of indicates the approximate price
level based on double occupancy.
Lisboa Hostel
Address: Calle Ventura de la Vega 17
Metro: Sol
Lisboa Hostel is only 500 meters from Thyssen Museum, one of the
best Art Galleries in Europe. This area of Madrid belongs to the
Barrio de las Letras, the neighborhood where illustrious figures of
Spanish literature such as Miguel de Cervantes or Lope de Vega
lived. Today this district has become one of the most bohemian
areas in the city and is full of terraces, typical bars and cozy squares.
Lisboa Hostel has comfortable and lovely rooms that will make you
feel like home.
Expensive: over 150 per night.

Middling: 50-100 per night.
Hotel Urban
Address: Calle Carrera San Jernimo 34
Metro: Puerta del Sol
Amazing boutique hotel located few meters from the Spanish
Parliament and 300 meters from Puerta Sol.
The hotel owner is a passionate lover of Egyptology and Urban Hotel
reflects this passion: there is a wonderful collection of Egyptian
pieces which can be beholden by guests.
The hotel cafeteria is really fantastic and frequented by politicians
and deputies.
Shuttle service from and/or to Madrid Barajas Airport and limousine
service are available for all guests.
Cheap: less than 50 per night.
Symbol Key:
City Center Hotels

NH Palacio de Tepa
Address: Calle San Sebastian 2
Metro: Sol
This nice building dates from the eighteenth century and is located
just 350 meters away from Puerta del Sol, tourist epicenter of the
Spanish capital. The hotel was inaugurated recently after
improvement works to refurbish this elegant and luxury Palace
which belonged to the Count of Tepa.
Hotel Vincci Via 66

Address: Calle Gran Va 66
Metro: Gran Via
This great hotel is located 150 meters away from Plaza Espaa, one
of the busiest places in the city center. The hotel is ideal for a
romantic stay in Madrid: enjoy a drink on the terrace of the hotel
and discover the best views of downtown Madrid.
Modern and contemporary interior decoration spiced up with
elegant touches.
Hotel Petite Palace Londres

Address: Calle Galdo 2
Metro: Sol
Fantastic hotel located very near from Puerta del Sol and Preciados
Street where you can find all kinds of restaurants, bars, shops and
boutiques. The hotel has a modern and warm decoration, ideal for
both young couples and businessmen. In every room there is a
laptop with internet connection.
There is a wonderful terrace where breakfast is served in summer.
Madrid Express
Maria Elena Palace

Address: Calle Aduana 19
Metro: Sol / Gran Via / Sevilla
This hotel is ideal for city breaks thanks to its perfect location, 300
meters away from Puerta Del Sol and pretty close to the main
attractions. In addition the area is full of bars, restaurants, fast food
franchises, shops and souvenir shops.
Rooms are elegantly decorated and comfortable. The hotel
restaurant serves Oriental cuisine fused with traditional Spanish
cuisine.
Hispalense Hostel
Address: Calle Fuentes 12
Metro: Opera
Hostel Hispalense is located between the Royal Theatre and Puerta
del Sol Square, in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias (Habsburg
Madrid).
Hostel rooms are comfortable, cozy and equipped with airconditioning and minibar. 24-hour reception for those who want to
discover the famous Madrids nightlife. Good value for money.
Hotel Exe Lope de Vega

Address: Calle Lope de Vega 49
Metro: Anton Martin
This hotel, dedicated to Lope de Vega, is located just in front of the
Prado Museum, one of the five most visited Museums in the World.
Its design is cozy, elegant and efficient which make it ideal for both
tourists and business travelers.
Assorted buffet breakfast which is not included in the room price.
Hotel Vincci Capitol

Address: Calle Gran Via 41
Metro: Gran Via
Hotel Vincci Capitol is located in front of the well-known Callao
Square, one of the crowded places in Madrid.
Art-dec decoration is really irresistible. Rooms are spacious, fully
Page 60
WHERE TO STAY
equipped and overlooks Gran Via Street, the most popular street in
Spain. Fortunately, all rooms are noise insulated.
Dont forget to visit the wonderful roof top terrace from where you
will enjoy killer views of Madrid.
Hotel Liabeny
Address: Calle de la Salud 3
Metro: Sol
This elegant hotel is located just 200 meters away from Puerta Del
Sol. Hotel design is modern and functional which makes it perfect
for tourists or business travelers.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Spanish cuisine.
Hotel Petite Palace Mayor Plaza

Address: Calle Mayor 46
Metro: Sol
This charming boutique hotel (64 rooms) is located in the heart of
Madrid Old town, very close to the main attractions such as the
Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol or
San Miguel Market.
Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. There are family
rooms up to 6 people: King-size bed or two beds plus bunk beds
(baby cots free of charge). The hotel offer free loaner bikes as
amenities which is great to discover Madrid in a different way.
Financial District Hotels

Eurostars Madrid Tower
Address: Avenida de la Castellana 259B
Metro: Chamartin
This awesome hotel is located in the new Financial District of the
Spanish Capital. Eurostars Madrid Tower was built upon the old Real
Madrid Training Camp which was moved to Valdebebas.
The 474 amazing rooms, situated at a height of more than 200
meters, boast breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
100 meters away from the hotel there is a Metro Station (Begoa
) which connects the Financial District with the historical center.
Husa Chamartin
Address: Calle Agustn de Fox, S/N
Metro: Chamartin
Husa Chamartin is located a few meters from Chamartin Train
Station from where you can take trains to France, Bilbao or
Barcelona. At the same time, this Station is connected with the
Airport by a regular commuter train (Cercanas).
Husa Chamartin has all the services you can imagine for a perfect
stay. Rooms (378) are spacious, with large windows that allow
natural light.
The hotel restaurant is especially recommended and offers
traditional Mediterranean dishes. Anyway it is not difficult to find a
good restaurant in this area of the city.
Abba Castilla Plaza

Address: Paseo de la Castellana, 220
Metro: Plaza Castilla
This modern hotel is located in Plaza Castilla, one of the largest
transport hubs in Europe (200,000 people per day). From here you
can take metro or bus to almost anywhere in the city.
Rooms are fully equipped: mini-bar, plasma screens, large windows,
Wi-Fi connection, hairdryer, magnifying mirror, etc.
Madrid Express
Gastronomy plays an important role in this hotel. There is a snack

bar, a piano bar and a restaurant specialized in Basque cuisine which
is considered as one of the best in the world.
All the same, around the hotel you will find countless restaurants,
bars, cafes, fast food franchises, etc.
Hotel AC Cuzco by Marriott

Address: Paseo de la Castellana 133
Metro: Cuzco
This incredible hotel managed by Marriott is located in a strategic
point, between the Congress Palace and Plaza Castilla, one of the
biggest intermodal transport hubs in Madrid.
Hotel AC Cuzco boasts sophisticated and elegant rooms which are
fully equipped. Common areas are really stylish.
Dont miss the fantastic hotel restaurant (open 24h) managed by the
distinguished chef Abel P. Cervantes.
Airport Hotels
High Tech Hotel Madrid Aeropuerto
Address: Calle Galen, 25
Metro: Alameda Osuna
The Spanish hotel chain High Tech, founded in 2001, has recently
opened this incredible hotel very near from Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Rooms are functional, tastefully decorated and offer all the comfort
of an urban hotel. If you have an early morning flight, you can enjoy
a light breakfast (05:00 am-07: 00am). Furthermore, there is a
shuttle service from and/or to the Airport
Alameda de Osuna Metro Station () is located just 300 meters
away and connects this residential neighborhood with downtown
Madrid (approximately forty minutes) without changing the line,
which is great if you want to visit the city.
Hilton Madrid Airport

Address: Avenida de la Hispanidad, 2-4
Metro: Canillejas
Hilton Madrid Airport is a modern hotel located a few minutes drive
from Barajas Airport. Hilton is always guarantee of quality and
comfort and this hotel is no exception.
If you need to go to the city center the hotel offers a free shuttle
service. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, very appropriate for
business travelers.
The hotel restaurant offers wonderful Spanish and International
cuisine. At the same time, you can enjoy traditional tapas at the bar.
Clement Barajas
Address: Avd General 43
Metro: Barajas
This fantastic hotel is located 400 meters from Barajas Metro
Station which connect directly the hotel with Terminal 1, 2 and 4.
The hotel is specially designed to make your stay as comfortable as
home, especially if you have to catch a flight the next day.
The hotel has a cozy bar where we can take a sandwich or a salad.
For guests leaving the hotel before 7:00, the hotel offers free coffee.
Free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and vice versa.
Page 61
Entertai
nment
Madrid Express
Page 62
ENTERTAINMENT
ootball, night shows, theaters, theme parks, jazz concerts, etc.

Few cities in Europe can boast so much choices of
entertainment like Madrid. Check out this section and you will
discover everything you need to know about entertainment in
Madrid.
Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (Amusement Park)
Madrid Amusement Park receives over two million people a year
and offers fun all year round: over 40 attractions that make the Park
an ideal place for children and adults. "Tarantula" (a roller coaster
25 meters high and 700 meters length) is one of the most popular
attractions.
The Park is full of restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, hot dog kiosks
etc. Anyway it is possible to take food from home, which is great if
you want to save some euros.
If you come by car the Park has a big parking lot (free of charge).
Nevertheless, the Park is well connected by public transportation
(Metro ).
Address: Casa de Campo s/n 28011 Madrid
Metro: Batan
Telephone: 902 345 009
Website: www.parquedeatracciones.es/
Prices: General 29.90 (people over 1.20 meters) Reduced
23.90 (people from 90 cm to 1.20 meters). You can get
discounts buying online
Warner Bros Theme Park

This amazing theme park is located 30 kilometers away from the city
center, in a small town called San Martin de la Vega.
Warner Bros Theme Park, inaugurated in 2002, is one of the most
avant-garde and modern parks in the old continent: it has four of
the highest and terrifying roller coasters in Europe and the second
free-fall world's highest tower.
The park is divided into five areas: Hollywood Boulevard, Movie
World Studios, DC Superheroes World, Old West Territory, and
Cartoon Village. At the same time, the park offers wonderful shows
for children as Looney Tunes Theatre or Daffy Ducks Home.
Facilities are complemented by 24 themed restaurants (its not
possible to take food into the Park) and 13 stores depending on the
area of the park where we are. Private Parking for your car (8).
Address: San Martn de la Vega 28330 (Madrid)
Telephone: 918 087 600
Website: www.parquewarner.com
Prices: General 38,50 Reduced 29,50
Public Transportation: Commuter Train Cercanas (C3)
from Atocha Station (direction Aranjuez) to Estacin de
Pinto. Then, you need to take bus 413.
Ski in Xanad Shopping Centre

This huge Shopping Centre, located in Arroyomolinos (29km from
downtown Madrid), is one of the favorite for madrileos. If you
think its a bit far, dont worry because it is perfectly communicated
with the city center.
Xanad Shopping Centre was opened in 2003 and is widely known
for its Indoor Ski & Snowboard slope (Madrid SnowZone), the
biggest in Europe, where you can rent ski suits, a pair of skis and
everything you need.
More than 200 shops (Bershka, Apple Store, Adolfo Dominguez,
Etam Lingerie, Desigual, etc.), restaurants, cafes and infinite fun
(Mini golf, Cinemas, Bowling and Indoor Karting) make it a perfect
Madrid Express
place for families.

The popularity of Xanad Shopping Center is so high that sometimes
the Mall is chosen for events, fashion shows, casting for TV shows,
etc.
Address: Highway A-5, Exit 22
Arroyomolinos, 28939 (Madrid)
Website: www.madridxanadu.com/
Public Transportation: Buses 528,
534 and 539 from Principe Pio Bus
Station (journey time approximately 30 minutes)
ZOO-Aquarium
The Madrid Zoo, which is
located within Casa de
Campo Park, is considered as
one of the best ZOOs in
Europe. The huge variety of
animals is absolutely
amazing. Moreover, the Zoo
is equipped with some of the
most modern facilities.
Madrid Zoo was opened in
1972 but fortunately has
undergone major reforms
since then.
The Zoo allows us to enjoy
more than 500 different
species of animals from the
five continents: in total it is
Xanad Shopping Centre
estimated that the Zoo
population is over 6000 animals.
The Park is divided into continents: Africa, Europe, America, Asia
and Oceania. You will see maps all around the Park which show the
recommended walking routes.
In addition to all this, there is an area designed for free flight bird
shows. Dont forget to visit the wonderful Aquarium where you will
find animals as fascinating as sharks or penguins. If you come with
children you cannot miss the great dolphin show.
Address: Casa de Campo s/n 28011 Madrid
Website: www.zoomadrid.com
Metro: Casa de Campo
Prices: General 22,25 / Reduced 18
Hop on & Hop off Tourist Bus
Book your ticket for the Double-decker tour bus and relax as you roll
through the city.
This bus is a fantastic way to enjoy Madrid in a different way. You
can hop off in any stop and then continue again with the tour. There
are two routes: Modern Madrid (green line) and Historic Madrid
(blue line). All Passengers are given a map and headphones with
explanations of the monuments in thirteen different languages
(English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese,
Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Catalan, Basque and Galician).
Address: City Tour Bus Information: Calle Felipe IV
Website: www.madridcitytour.es
Prices: 1-day ticket: 21 (reduced 10) / 2-day ticket: 25
(reduced 13)
Bus frequency: 15-20 minutes
Tour Duration: Blue line: 80 min/ Red line: 65 min
Page 63
ENTERTAINMENT
OgoTours Free Walking Tour
OgoTours offers a great tour (about 3 hours) during which you can
experience the best of Madrid accompanied by a guide, who will
explain you the history of buildings, mysterious stories and
incredible historical facts that have shaped Madrid into the great
city it is today.
There is no charge to participate in the tour. This means that you
pay what you feel the tour was worth. At the end of the tour you
will have the opportunity to determine your contribution to the
guide.
Meeting Point: Puerta del Sol Square (Equestrian Statue)
When: Every day at 10:45
Website: www.ogotours.com
Languages: English, Spanish
Football
Football in Spain is a religion, each weekend thousands of diehard
fans live with passion the matches and enjoy the show of La Liga
(Spanish Championship).
Madrid has three football teams in La Liga: Real Madrid, Atltico de
Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. In Getafe, a dormitory town located
30km from Madrid, is based a small team (Getafe F.C.) which also
plays in the Spanish Championship.
Real Madrid is one of the most glorious teams of the World (winner
of nine Champions Leagues) and the team with most Spanish
Championships. Each season the team spends vast amounts to sign
best players in the World: Zidane, Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker
Casillas, Ronaldo de Lima, Roberto Carlos or Raul Gonzalez, are some
of the stars who have worn the jersey of Real Madrid.
Even Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which can accommodate 80.000
spectators, has become a must-see for tourists.
The main rival of Real Madrid in the city is Atltico de Madrid:
derbies are lived with intense passion in the capital and sometimes
riots happen between Police and hooligans. If you ever have the
opportunity to attend one of these matches, do not miss the
chance, the ambiance is amazing. Atltico de Madrid Stadium is
named Vicente Calderon in honor of one of its presidents and is
located near the Manzanares River. The stadium has a capacity of
60,000 people, one of
the largest in Spain.
Finally, we cannot
forget Rayo
Vallecano, which is a
modest football team
based in Vallecas
neighborhood (northeast Madrid). The
team competes in the
highest tier of
Spanish football with
a very small budget.
Vicente Caldern Stadium
In fact, it is rare to find Rayo
Vallecano supporters outside the neighborhood. One might say that
its a tradition that is passed down from parents to children.
Huertas (Nightlife)
Madrid never sleeps. This is what many foreigners often say: no
matter if it's Monday or Tuesday, August or December, in Madrid
you'll always find a place to have a drink and stay up dancing all
night. Huertas Neighborhood, located in the heart of the city, is the
most popular area to hangout in Madrid: thousands of young people
fill its streets every weekend creating an incomparable festive
atmosphere.
There are dozens of clubs and discos open until 05:00 or 06:00 so
fun is guaranteed. If you dont speak Spanish, dont worry. This area
is frequented by many young tourists, expats and college students
who normally speak fluent English.
Madrid Express
If you want
something quieter,
other popular
areas to hangout in
Madrid are:
Chueca, La Latina,
Moncloa or Cuzco.
Maybe you're
wondering if
Madrid is a safe
city at night, the
answer is
absolutely yes. The
streets of the capital are heavily patrolled 24
hours a day by the police.
Madrid Nightlife
Cable Car Madrid

Madrid cable car was inaugurated by the Mayor of Madrid in 1969.
Its construction was not bereft of controversy: neighbors
complained that they had no privacy in their homes as they could be
seen from the cable car cabins.
The cable car is about to turn 40 years. Despite this, it is a very safe
and ecological transport. In addition, it allows users to enjoy a
wonderful bird's-eye view of Madrid: The Royal Palace, The
Almudena Cathedral, Casa de Campo Park, skyscrapers, etc.
The cable car service operates from "Paseo de Rosales" to "Casa de
Campo and vice versa (there are parking facilities on both stations).
The distance covered by the Madrid cable car is 2.5 km which takes
11 minutes. The point of maximum height is 40 meters.
The station located in Casa de Campo has a nice cafeteria where you
can buy sandwiches, hot dogs, cakes, etc. The views from the
terrace are absolutely amazing!
Address: Paseo del Pintor Rosales s/n (Downtown) & Calle
Cerro Garabita s/n (Casa de Campo Park).
Website: www.teleferico.com
Opening Hours: Check schedule:
www.teleferico.com/en/opening-hours
Prices: One-way 3,85 / Return 5,50 (Reduced
4,90) / Kids under 3 years old Free
Approximate Duration: 10 minutes
Faunia Nature Park
This huge nature theme park covers 140 hectares and is organized in
different areas which recreate the animal's natural habitat: the
Amazon jungle, the Mediterranean forest, the Poles and the African
jungle.
Visitors can explore the Flamingo Lake or the area called Silent
Shadows where they will find nocturnal animal species. Other
activities offered at Faunia Nature Park include interactions with
pelicans and sea lions, feeding farm animals or themed films.
The whole park is dotted with small food kiosks and two nice
restaurants: El Roble Burger and El Olivo Restaurant.
Parking is not included in the price (5). If you come with kids, dont
forget to rent a buggy (Baby Car 10).
This park is not only designed for tourists. Faunia also has a clear
pedagogical vocation and promotes scientific research. In fact, the
park collaborates with Universities and Scientific Associations round
the year.
Address: Avenida de las Comunidades 28, 28032 Madrid
Website: www.faunia.es/
Opening Hours: Check schedule www.faunia.es/calendario
Prices: 25,95 (23 online) / Reduced 19,95 (18 online)
Public Transportation: Commuter Train Cercanas C2
(Viclvaro Station) / Metro ( Valderbernardo Station) /
Urban Bus (line 71)
Page 64
Shopping
&
Souvenirs
Madrid Express
Page 65
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS
adrid is the perfect place if you consider yourself a

shopaholic: the whole city is full of luxurious streets
such as Serrano or Velazquez, exclusive boutiques, flea
markets (El Rastro), fashion franchises and huge shopping centers
located in the outskirts of the city.
Useful Information
Opening Hours:
Large Department Stores and Malls open continuously from 10:00 to
approximately 22:00. However, traditional shops and small business
generally open from 10:00 to approximately 13:30. They take a
break to have lunch and rest and then, they open again from 17:00
to 20:30/21:00. Normally shops close on Sunday but legally, they are
free to choose their opening hours. In fact, the majority of shopping
centers are open from Monday to Sunday.
Payment options:
In the vast majority of shops and Malls you can pay by debit/credit
card or by cash. When paying by credit card you have to show your
valid identity card or passport.
Taxes:
VAT rate in Spain is 21%. Non-EU residents may avail of tax-free
purchase - Value Added Tax (VAT) for purchase of more than 90.15
Dont forget to apply for reimbursement at the Airport!
Sales:
Sales period (Rebajas) take place twice a year: Summer sales are
nd
from July until September, whereas winter sales start on 2 January
and last until the end of February.
During Rebajas you can find great discounts from 15% to 75%. As
you can imagine, streets are full of people trying to find the best
discounts and you will have to endure long queues when paying,
especially on weekends. Arm yourself with patience!
Shopping Streets
Chueca & Fuencarral Street

In Chueca, the largest gay neighborhood in Europe, you will enjoy all
sorts of avant-garde fashion stores, original art galleries, gourmet
shops, cafes, restaurants, bookshops, etc.
Surrounding Chueca there is a maze of streets full of interesting
shops for all tastes where you can find almost everything you can
imagine. Special mention should be made of Hortaleza and
Fuencarral Streets, a paradise for alternative fashion lovers: leather
shops, shoes, beginner designers, tattoos & piercing, jewelry, belts,
accessories, etc. If you come to Fuencarral Street, dont forget to
visit San Ildefonso Market, a really gastronomic temple.
Metro: Chueca / Bilbao
Serrano Street & Salamanca Area
This neighborhood, popularly known as the Golden Mile, is the
best exponent of luxury sector in Madrid. Serrano Street and others
adjacent streets such Goya, Velazquez or Jorge Juan boast the best
and most exclusive boutiques of the capital (Chanel, Ferrari, Prada,
Loewe, Valentino, Lacoste, etc.). In fact, it is not uncommon to see
numerous groups of Chinese, Indians, American or Russian tourists
doing their shopping here, as well as actors or famous football
players.
ABC Serrano Shopping Center (Serrano Street 61): This elegant
building (former headquarters of the newspaper ABC) houses one of
the most elitist and exclusive Shopping Centers in Madrid, ABC
Serrano. Dont forget to visit the cafeteria on the top floor! List of
shops on www.abcserrano.com/tiendas/
Metro: Serrano / Velazquez / Goya
Department Stores
Preciados Street & Puerta del Sol Area

This small shopping street, probably the most popular in Madrid, is
full of fashion franchises (Zara,
Breshka, Mango, H&M, etc.)
where is not difficult to find real
bargains. At the end of the street,
near Plaza Callao, you can visit
Fnac, a tremendously popular
store specialized in CDs,
Videogames, electronic products
and books.
During the sales period, Preciados
Street can become a wild place:
hundreds of thousands of people
throng the small street trying to
find the best discounts and willing
to do anything, so it can be a bit
stressful. Use public
transportation!
Rebajas
Around Preciados Street and Puerta del Sol there
are numerous parallel and perpendicular streets (Carmen, Arenal, or
Carretas) filled with all kind of shops: elegant boutiques, shoe shops,
lingerie shops, sex shops, etc.
Metro: Sol / Callao / Opera
Gran Va Street
Besides its wonderful buildings, this major street, inaugurated in
1910, has a huge variety of shops, boutiques, jewelries, fashion
Madrid Express
stores, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, which make it an

ideal place to spend a lovely day.
Although the street is full of life 24 hours a day, you better avoid this
area when stores and small business close.
If you are looking for an eating spot while shopping, we especially
recommend VIPS which is one of the most popular restaurant
franchises in Madrid.
Metro: Gran Via / Callao / Santo Domingo /
Plaza Espaa
El Corte Ingls Department Store

Anyone who visits Madrid, quickly becomes familiar with this great
Department Store Group, which has more than thirty stores in the
Spanish capital. In fact, it is the biggest Department Store Group in
Europe and ranks fourth Worldwide. Stores are very large in size and
offer a wide range of products: music, movies, portable & household
electronics, furniture, hardware, books, clothes, groceries, gourmet
food, cars and real estate events.
The companys international expansion began in 2001 in Portugal,
with a huge store in Lisbon and continued in 2006 with the
inauguration of a new store in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto.
Website: www.elcorteingles.es/
Fnac
Fnac inaugurated its first store in Madrid in the late nineties and
since then, this French company has gained enormous popularity in
the Spanish Capital. Fnac is specialized in music, books and
electronic products (videogames, cameras, TV screens, etc.). You can
find almost anything. Its success is based on popular prices and a
good selection of products.
Website: www.fnac.es/
Metro: Callao / Gran Via
Downtown Shopping Centers

The outskirts of Madrid are dotted with giant malls which have
certainly changed the consumption habits of thousands of
Page 66
SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

madrileos. But let's focus on those shopping centers located
within the city.
Prncipe Po Shopping Center
Formerly this building housed one of the most important train
stations in Spain, La Estacin del Norte (North Station), which
operated direct trains to North Spain and France. In the late 90s the
station was closed and converted into a large shopping center.
In Principe Po Shopping Center you will enjoy a wide variety of
shops and restaurants: ZARA, Benetton, H&M, Springfield, Levis,
Lola Rey, Mango, McDonalds, Burger King, Kebab Istanbul and much
more. In addition, Principe Po offers free Wi-Fi access for its clients,
which is great as sometimes it is pretty difficult to find a Wi-Fi
hotspot in Spain.
Website: www.principepio.es/
Metro: Principe Pio
La Vaguada
The tremendous popularity of this shopping center and its
unbeatable location (30 minute metro ride from downtown) make it
the most visited shopping center in Spain (25 million people a year).
La Vaguada was inaugurated in 1983. However, this shopping center
has adapted to changing times and Spanish consumers tastes. Here
you will find all kind of shops, fashion franchises, video game stores,
restaurants, Starbucks, Alcampo, El Corte Ingles Department Store,
jewelries, etc.
If you come with children, dont worry. La Vaguada offers free baby
buggies, childcare service, identification bracelets and even lactation
room.
Website: www.enlavaguada.com
Metro: Barrio del Pilar
La Gavia
Despite being a bit away (45-50 minutes by metro from the city
center) this huge shopping center is worth a visit.
If you are one of those who love shopping, this is your place. One
can spend the whole day here: more than 150 shops, cinemas, 25
restaurants, cafeterias, Carrefour, IKEA, etc.
Website: www.lagavia.es/
Metro: Las Suertes
Flea Market
El Rastro
This famous flea
market dates from
the Middle Ages
and fortunately
has been
preserved by
madrileos until
El Rastro Flea Market
today. Thousands of locals and curious
tourists come every Sunday morning looking for antiques, paintings,
old comics, or whatever you can imagine.
El Rastro, the biggest flea market in Europe, extends around Plaza
del Cascorro and La Latina district. The most crowded parts of the
market are located around Ribera de Curtidores and Embajadores
Streets where are concentrated the largest number of stalls.
However, we recommend visiting the side streets where you can
find real bargains and unexpected treasures.
Do not forget to bring cash. Generally most stalls do not have cardreading equipment. By the way, feel free to haggle over the price!
Pay attention to your belongings! Unfortunately due to the large
influx of tourists and locals this place is frequented by pickpockets
who try to fleece unsuspecting tourists.
Metro: La Latina
Opening Hours: Sundays and bank holidays from 10:00 to 15:30
(approximate).
Madrid Express
Souvenirs
The city center is full of souvenir shops where you will find
everything, from typical fridge magnets or postcards to absurd
souvenirs designed for compulsive tourists. But dont panic! In
Mundo-Guides we want to help you choose the perfect gift for those
who you love.
Abanico (Fan)
Fans were brought by European traders from China and Japan
during the fifteenth century. Shortly after, Spain became one of the
largest fan producers worldwide. The quality of these fans was so
high that were exported all over the world. Currently in Cadiz (South
Spain) is located the only fan school-workshop in the world. But
dont be fooled! You will find fans for 3-4 or even less. However, a
quality fan is a hand-made product and is not exactly cheap. We
recommend visiting Casa Diego who sells fans since 1858 (address:
Puerta del Sol 12 / www.casadediego.net).
Chulapos and Chulapas dolls
Small dolls dressed in regional costume. The origin of this costume
dates to the nineteenth century. However, today it is used almost
exclusively during La Verbena de la Paloma (Fair of the Dove)
th
th
which takes place from 6 until 15 August.
Real Madrid Jersey
What better gift than a jersey of the most famous team in the
history of football! Visit the Official Store at Gran Va Street. If you
prefer, you can go to the Stadium where there is a huge store for
Real Madrid fans.
Jamn (Spanish Ham)
Jamn is, without a doubt, one of the most appreciated products of
the Spanish gastronomy. If you dont want to miss the opportunity
to try it, we recommend "El Museo del Jamn where the variety is
immense (address: Calle Carrera de San Jernimo 6). For more
information check Gastronomy (page 53).
Mantn de Manila (Manila shawl)
Today Mantn de Manila is strongly related to flamenco. However,
in the past it was a usual garment among women. Generally they are
made of silk and decorated with hand embroidery. The variety of
designs is absolutely amazing.
Azafrn (Saffron)
Saffron is very common in Spanish cuisine. Harvested by hand, it has
a distinctive aroma and flavor which will enrich your dishes. The best
saffron in Spain is cultivated in Castilla La Mancha. Look for the
certificate seal to be sure of the quality of the product.
Manchego cheese
If you are a cheese lover, you have to try this wonderful Spanish
cheese made with goats milk. Manchego cheeses are produced in
Castilla La Mancha and are very popular in Spain. This type of
cheese is characterized by its strong flavor and intense scent.
Violet candies
Delicious candies made with violet flower essence. In the past, King
Alfonso XIII used to give these candies to his many lovers.
Olive Oil
According to experts, Andalusia (South Spain) produces the best
olive oil in the world. Seize the opportunity and take home a bottle
of this wonderful product.
Rioja Red Wine
Excellent red wine produced in North Spain. Rioja wines are
appreciated around the world for their excellent quality.
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CONTENTS

Expats Stories in Madrid

Our team is open to new suggestions and comments from all

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,

Last September I packed my bags and said

The Royal Palace 18

Puerta del Sol 24

Statue of the Fallen Angel

adrid offers all kinds of possibilities to suit all budgets,

Atocha Train Station

Chamartn Railway Station

Chamartin Train Station

Avenida America Station

Avenida America Bus Station

Mendez Alvaro Bus Station

There are six motorways

Distances in kilometres from Madrid

Address: Calle Mendez Alvaro 83

Travel Guides by Local Experts

adrid is probably one of the cities with the best public

The cost of a one-way ticket depends on your final destination: up to

Taking a Taxi at the

MADRID METRO MAP

hen someone visits a city for the first time is always

Emergency Services & Pharmacies

Calle Conde de Pealver 27

Smoking & Alcohol

Personal Space & Communication Skills

The opening hours in Spain are really longer compared to other

As in any big city, to prevent thefts or bad experiences watch your

other European countries. The average price of a ticket is about 10

Follow us and stay up to date

1 Gran Via Buildings

1 Gran Via Buildings

4 The Royal Palace

1 Gran Via Buildings 2 Prado Museum

3 Puerta del Sol

Gran Via Street is , without

This central square is, for

Prado Museum is one of

For centuries, this

If you visit Madrid, you

Madrid, the new capital of Spain:

We hardly have data on Madrid in pre-Roman times. Some

The Arrival of the Ancient Romans:

The Foundation of Mayrit:

The destiny of Madrid changed forever in 1561 when King

King Carlos III, the greatest Madrid Mayor:

Napoleon and the 19 Century:

The Spanish Civil War and Francos Dictatorship:

1807-1813: Napoleon entered Spain and the War of

1492: The Catholic Kings issued a decreed which ordered

1936-1939: The Spanish Civil War broke out.

Tourist Offices & Guided Tours

he Muslim Kingdom of Toledo (ninth century) built in this area

A charming staircase with 72 marble

designed in 1789 by Jean Demosthenes Dugourc who sent

Independence (1808-1813) madrileos stormed the Royal Armory

King Carlos III and Madrid

FREE WALKING TOURS

Madrid Free Walking Tour, Gastronomic

erhaps the Almudena Cathedral is not the kind of cathedral

15, 1993 (first church consecrated by John Paul II outside

The Spanish Royal House and the Almudena