An Historical Walk

Description:

The Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the center of Madrid, both literally and figuratively. The historic square is the heart of the downtown shopping district and the site of Spain's most famous New Year's celebrations. This is where the Spanish ball drops come December 31 as Spaniards celebrate with grapes and Spanish sparkling wine (cava). The Puerta del Sol is also the site of Kilometer Zero, the point from which all distances in Spain and the country's road network are measured, which is commemorated with a plaque.

Description:

Founded in 1860 and run by the Molina family for the past 6 decades, the mellow brown-walled Casa Labra is located a mere stone's throw from the Puerta del Sol. Said to have started as a favorite meeting spot of the 19th-century socialist party, it's one of the center's oldest and most popular tapa bars, invariably crowded and full of atmosphere. Of the many tidbits on offer, the delicious deep-fried cod croquettes (croquetas de bacalao) are a must, accompanied by the house's modestly priced Valdepeñas wine. The adjoining restaurant provides a more relaxed and secluded eating experience and is priced accordingly.

Description:

There are many ways to spend your time and money at this attractive central square: stroll around and admire the architecture and the murals or even buy an original watercolor from one of the many pavement artists. During the Middle Ages, merchants congregated here to live and sell their wares. When Felipe II established the Court in Madrid, he decided that this square should be reserved for special occasions, and it started to take its present shape from 1790 onwards. The statue in the centre is that of Felipe III.

Description:

As the Plaza Mayor's first building, it served as a model for the rest. The original had archways that gave people access to the square and its daily market from the main street, or Calle Mayor. It was built for the bakers' guild in 1617 and had a colorfully painted façade that was later destroyed by fire. In the late 1980s, painter Carlos Franco was commissioned to redecorate the façade, which he did with allegorical depictions of time and the horoscope. The building now hosts interesting exhibitions about Madrid.

Description:

Taking a trip to the Coin and Stamp Collector's Market in Plaza Mayor is a perfect excuse to get to know the area and visit the sites around the plaza. On Sunday mornings, the square is lined with stalls selling coins and stamps for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This square was once a venue for bullfights as well as trials and executions during the Inquisition and now hosts concerts in summer and a Christmas Market in December.

Description:

Madrid's Plaza de la Villa is the oldest, most well-preserved part of the city. The square contains a 15th century Gothic-Mudejár home and tower, a 16th century Gothic-Plateresque palace and a 17th century Baroque home, the latter of which is used by Madrid's municipal government for official events. In the middle of the square you will find a 19th century statue to Spanish military hero Álvaro de Bazán surrounded by flowers.

Description:

Madrid's cathedral took over 100 years to build, due to political conflicts, wars and a lack of financial resources. According to legend, it's named after the Virgen de la Almudena, whose icon was found during the Reconquest hidden in a house that the Arabs called al mudena. The building's exterior is an example of eclectic 19th-century design. The doors are bronze and there's an image of the Virgen (now Madrid's patron saint) on the façade. The interior is full of light, benefitting from the stained-glass windows and multi-coloured ceiling. Its grand Grezing organ gets played on Sundays, holidays and the day before holidays.

Description:

This former royal residence houses a fantastic collection of paintings (Velázquez, Caravaggio and Goya), sculpture, furniture, tapestries, glassware, gold and silverware, medals, porcelain and musical instruments. It is well worth visiting the rooms decorated by Gasparini as well as the Royal Pharmacy, the Library, and the Royal Armoury. King Felipe V commissioned the Italian architect Sabatini to design the palace, and work was carried out betwween 1738-1770.

Description:

Located opposite Palacio Real (Royal Palace), this is the city's largest, most elegant and peaceful square. It's a semi-circle of landscaped gardens planted with many varieties of trees and flowers. Statues of medieval kings line one of the walkways and Felipe IV takes centre stage. The horse he sits on was modelled on a Velázquez drawing. It's an attractive pedestrianized area with an underground car-park below and many smart cafés with outdoor terraces to choose from. The Teatro Real (Opera House) is just round the corner.

Our Local Expert Says:

They don't take cards at La Bola so bring cash. While you should try the Cocido stew any time of the year you are in Madrid, winter makes the filling dish tastier.

Description:

This is one of those restaurants that has been around forever and, fortunately, does not seem to have changed over the years. It maintains its old-fashioned interior and continues to prepare traditional dishes the way it always has. Although it is famous for its version of Cocido Madrileño (a popular Madrid two-course soup/stew) it is also worth trying the delicately grilled sole or any of the other popular stews. The wine list has an acceptable range of varieties to choose from.

Description:

Plaza de España is a central square popular among locals and visitors alike. It features statues of Spain's Queen Isabella as well as Miguel de Cervantes's famous characters Don Quijote and Sancho Panza; a large fountain containing a statue of a naked kneeling woman; a reflecting pool; and grassy areas and benches. Craft fairs are occasionally set up there.

Our Local Expert Says:

Sunset around the Templo de Debod provides romantic views of Madrid!

Description:

This is a park popular among madrileños and tourists alike due to its central location, close to several historic sights. You will find lots of people taking a stroll through here during the day, although it's best to avoid the place at night. You'll enjoy the carefully tended gardens that display a wide range of different plants and a series of monumental sculptures. The most outstanding feature is the beautiful Rosaleda, or rose garden, which hosts an annual international competition. It's also worth visiting the National School of Ceramics and Templo de Debod, while you're here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Go inside this Templo where you'll find a museum about Egypt.

Description:

Dating from the second century BC, this small Egyptian temple covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics and religious inscriptions was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in 1970 in recognition of Spain's assistance in saving historical remains during the construction of the Aswan Dam. You will find it located in a peaceful and pleasant park, but you are advised not to come here after dark.

Description:

The cable car offers spectacular views of the western part of the city. Its cabins pass over the River Manzanares, Rosaleda (rose gardens), and Parque del Oeste. The best view of all is the cityscape immortalized in Goya's paintings that includes the Royal Palace, San Francisco Church, and the cathedral. You will eventually arrive at Casa de Campo park where you can have a picnic, feed the ducks, relax, or row a boat around the lake. Check website for admission prices.