Known as the "lungs of Madrid", few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares, or 291.5 acres) in a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries, Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th Century and until 1868 it was exclusively reserved for the aristocracy. Whether you want to take a romantic stroll through the rose gardens of the park or enjoy a free summer concert, the Buen Retiro is a delightful place for a day out.
It's an officially listed building that contains important works of art considered to be national treasures. It has impressive collections of sculpture and paintings as well as a Neogothic library, antique glassware and lamps produced by the royal supplier (La Fábrica de Vidrio de la Granja). It's now a popular venue for cultural events, social events and press conferences. Its facilities include a sauna, gym, swimming-pool, reading room, bars and two restaurants. The Casino is a private club dating from 1910 and public access is restricted to the restaurants only.
Commissioned by Philip V, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a grand spectacle designed by the architect Juan Bautista Sacchetti. The plans were drawn up and the foundation stone was laid in 1738, but it would be another 17 years before Sacchetti's work was realized. Over the years, successive generations of the royal family furnished the palace with a lavish collection of artwork, antique furniture and decorative details, its halls illuminated by sparkling chandeliers and adorned with artwork by the country's masters. From the ceiling of the Throne Room and the floral motif of the Gasparini Room, to the secrets of the Royal Pharmacy, the Royal Palace is full of treasures. The Royal Armoury, the Paintings Gallery and the Royal Chapel house impressive collections of weapons, artwork and stringed instruments respectively, each offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Kings of Spain. Today, the Royal Palace plays host to State Ceremonies and is a popular tourist attraction.
The largest public library in Spain, the Biblioteca Nacional de España is the prestigious repository of Spanish heritage and culture. Founded by King Philip V in 1712, this 300-year old library's regal status was relinquished, and was transferred to the Ministry of Governance, who re-christened it as the Biblioteca Nacional. An impressive neoclassical building to one side of Plaza de Colón, the library's spectacular façade features three entrance archways with wrought-iron gates, and an upper gallery decorated with elaborate carvings and Corinthian columns. Statues of Alfonso X (The Wise) and San Isidoro stand on the grand main staircase. Alongside the main doors, one is welcomed by images of Lope de Vega, Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija and other famous Spanish writers like Santa Teresa, Quevedo and Fray Luis de León. The spectacular library contains more than five million books, besides manuscripts, journals, patents, maps, prints and drawings.
Dating back to the second century BCE, this small Egyptian temple is covered in fascinating drawings, hieroglyphics and religious inscriptions. It 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 Parque del Oeste and it is one of the few examples of Egyptian architectural heritage outside Egypt.
The Plaza de Cibeles is the most beautiful of all the grand squares in Madrid. The Cibeles Fountain forms the centerpiece of the square. Another attraction is the Banco de España, which is Spain's central bank headquarters and is an architectural delight. The Palacio de Comunicaciones looks like a cathedral and has a stunning appearance. Plaza de Cibeles is the best place to be at night, as the entire place is illuminated and looks breathtaking. An exemplar of Spanish heritage, the Plaza de Cibeles is also the celebratory venue for Real Madrid Football Club's victories.
Church of la Natividad de Nuestra Señora is an active church in San Martín de la Vega in Spain. The church was constructed during 16th-18th centuries and adorns a Herrerian-style building. The rectangular plan of church consist a single nave, a chapel and a sacristy.
Church of la Natividad de Nuestra Señora remains a beautiful place of worhsip in the the town of Valdetorres de Jarama. The church's architecture is considered to be one of the finest in the city. It was included in the Bien de Interés Cultural monument list in the year 1996. The church has its own childrens' choir apart from its regular ministries.
One of Madrid's famous legends surrounds this Renaissance-style house with seven chimneys. Apparently, the woman who owned it had a relationship with King Felipe II. After she died, people claimed to see her ghost walking around on the rooftop every night. When the building was converted into a bank in 1880, workmen found the remains of a woman dating from the 16th Century along with several coins of the period. It's said that Felipe II himself had the seven chimneys built to represent the seven cardinal sins. The building is now the Ministry of Culture. Benlliure's statue depicting War of Independence hero, Lieutenant Ruiz, stands in the square outside.
Known as the "lungs of Madrid", few cities can boast such a large park (118 hectares, or 291.5 acres) in a central location. There's a large boating lake and the park has three art galleries, Casa de Vacas, Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velázquez. On weekends and holidays, it fills with madrileños (citizens of Madrid) and performers of all sorts, including mime artists and jugglers, painters, singers, puppet masters and fortune-tellers. It was built as a royal park in the 17th Century and until 1868 it was exclusively reserved for the aristocracy. Whether you want to take a romantic stroll through the rose gardens of the park or enjoy a free summer concert, the Buen Retiro is a delightful place for a day out.
In 1798, Goya himself painted the frescoes on the dome in here and the result is charged with his usual expressive detail and originality. Called Milagro de San Antonio de Padua, it represents one of his most important works. The chapel itself is a simple and elegant example of late 18th-century neoclassical design and it houses the brilliant artist's tomb. In order to preserve the painting, an identical chapel was built next door in 1928 where mass is now held.
Cathedral of La Magdalena is a beautiful cathedral in Getafe in Spain. It was converted from a church to a cathedral in 1991. The church was built on the designs by the architect Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan Gómez de Mora. The church's plan consists a mid-14th century bell tower, a 17-century altar and paintings by José Leonardo, Angelo Nardi and Félix Castelo.