The Big City of Madrid
Madrid, is a big city and to see all the attractions and do activities is not an easy affair. Every corner of Madrid has something or other that draws in tourists. Madrid is also one of Europe’s top shopping destination. It is rich in monuments and landmarks. To make your trip easy we have sorted out certain places that are unique and must visit one’s.
Temple of Debod
These is an oldest building in Madrid. These temple was actually shifted from Nubia in ancient Egpyt. Works on the temple began at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. In the 20th century, owing to the construction of the Aswan dam, the Egyptian government gave the temple as a gift to the city of Madrid and it was transported and rebuilt stone by stone in its current location. You can visit this place in evening to get the best sunset view ever.
Puerta del Sol
This square situated in the centre of the city, is one of the famous tourist sites. Semi-circular in shape it links many of the important and historical places of Madrid. You can see the Casa de Correos building, which has a famous ancient clock. On the last day of the year, you can see all eyes on these clock. People across the city usher in the New Year by eating 12 lucky grapes to the twelve chimes of midnight struck by this clock. Across the square, at the beginning of Calle Alcalá, Madrid’s longest street, you’ll find the famous Oso y Madroño. The official symbol of the city, the statue of a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree is a popular meeting spot for people of Madrid.
Royal Palace
Nowadays, used as official residence. This palace was home to many great kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. Royal palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Seventeen years passed constructing this palace. It comprises of around 3000 rooms. You can visit the royal armory where you can see the weapons and armor worn by kings of Spain. Then you can view the famous paintings at the Painting Gallery which has large number of artistic treasures. Finally you can visit the Royal kitchen, which is one of the oldest well preserved kitchen of European royal residences.
Cibeles Fountain
The fountain depicts Cybele, the Great Mother and Roman goddess of fertility and agriculture, atop a chariot drawn by two lions, the mythological creatures Hippomenes and Atalanta. The goddess and the lions were carved out of marble and the rest of the statue is made of stone. It is situated in the center of the Plaza de Cibeles.
El Retiro Park
Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree.
Stay tuned for the next part……
