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ARCHITECTURAL MADRID
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A CIT Y OF ARCHITECTURE
Madrid offers visitors a wealth of great art emerging from the different architectural styles that have left splendid examples in the region throughout the centuries. From old Moorish and medieval remains to works developed under the Catholic King and Queen. But the really powerful architecture and art of Madrid coincided with the new political dimension acquired as from Philip IIs reign. The coming of the Hapsburgs, as of the 16th century, saw the start of the construction of great buildings, which resulted in the so called Madrid of the Hapsburgs, with lots of palaces, churches and convents full of character and art. The 18th century also left its neoclassical imprint on palaces, churches and fountains, with some splendid examples of this style. The most modern and avant-garde Madrid is found in the areas where its two main axes Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana were further developed.
P u e rta de l S ol
Puerta del Sol is one of the most famous spaces in the capital city and a meeting point for madrileos. It is here that visitors will find two of the most characteristic symbols of Madrid. One is the bronze statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, placed on the square in 1967. This same image also appears on the coat of arms of Madrid and represents the abundance of both species in the natural environment surrounding the city. The square also has another statue, also in bronze, representing King Charles III riding his horse. Puerta de Sol used to be one way to access the town. The gateway as such was built under the reign of Charles I, who ordered a gate to be built for better access into the town. This gate stood between Alcal street and Carrera de San Jernimo. As it was oriented towards the east, the Levant, a sun ornamented it and gave it its name. The square is bordered with very beautiful buildings, although the most relevant is a large one that presides over the square and is known as Casa de Correos (Post House). It was built between 1766 and 1768 and it currently houses the headquarters of the President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid. The building, the first Post Office House in Madrid, has preserved on its faade the clock that used to be at the church of Buen Suceso. This is the clock from which practically all Spanish people hear the chimes at midnight on 31 December. In Spain, it is a popular custom to eat a grape each time the clock strikes announcing the New Year and traditionally it is believed that if you manage to eat the twelve grapes at the same time as the clock strikes, you will be very lucky in the New Year. Also, a plate next to the Post Office House marks the 0 kilometre point from which all Spanish roads start.
Location: Puerta del Sol.
Fuente de la Cibeles
The Fountain of Cybele was part of the project designed for the construction of the Saln del Prado in Madrid. The idea was to create in the capital a recreational space for the madrileos, a walking area full of gardens and fountains. The spot chosen was the area occupied by the Prados de San Jernimo and Atocha (Fields), formerly called Prado Viejo. Among other things, this space had to have three magnificent fountains, among them La Cibeles. The other two fountains completing the formidable ensemble would be those of Neptune and Apollo. Set up in one of the most beautiful squares in the world, not only because of this monument but also because of its splendid surroundings, the fountain was designed by Ventura Rodrguez in 1777, under the reign of Charles III. It represents the image of Cybele, goddess of nature and fertility, riding on a chariot drawn by two lions. According to mythology, the two lions represent Hypomenes and Atlanta, punished by the goddess Aphrodite to draw this chariot until the end of time. The goddess and the lions were sculpted in white marble from the village of Montesclaros and the other elements of the statue in stone from Reduea, a small town in the mountains north of Madrid. Originally, in 1782, the fountain was placed in Paseo de Recoletos next to the Palacio de Buenavista, and towards the end of the 19th century it was moved to its current location. Today it is surrounded by magnificent buildings that enhance its location: the Palacio de Buenavista, the Palacio de Linares, known as Casa de Amrica, the Palacio de Comunicaciones or Central Post Office and the Central Bank of Spain, and thanks to its location it also offers some of the most wonderful views of the city: Puerta de Alcal, Paseo del Prado and Alcal street.
Location: Plaza de Cibeles, s/n.
P L A ZA M AYOR
The Old Square in Madrid is found right in the heart of the city, in the area traditionally called the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, not far from Puerta del Sol and Plaza de la Villa. It was built between 1617 and 1619 over what used to be the Plaza del Arrabal. Since the 17th century, when feasts, spectacles with bulls or solemn events were held, it has always been an unbeatable setting for all kinds of public events. It is a rectangular arcaded square, completely closed by three-storey buildings with very many balconies. Beautiful and majestic buildings like Casa de la Panadera or Casa de la Carnicera. A great number of bars and restaurants are located under the arcades supported by granite pillars, as well as shops selling stamps, coins and souvenirs. The square can be accessed through any of the nine archways into it, Arco de Cuchilleros being one of the most important and best known.
Location: Plaza Mayor, s/n.
P u e rta de A lc a l
Puerta de Alcal, one of the great symbols of Madrid, takes its name from the old road that used to be taken to go to the town of Alcal de Henares. The original gateway was built to welcome Margarita of Austria, wife to Philip III. Years later, Charles III decided to have it enlarged, so a new gate was built as it stands now. It is made up of three large semicircular arches and two straight arches. At the highest point in the middle of the gate there is a slab with the year it was built and a reference to Charles III, and this is crowned by a coat of arms held by Fame and a genii. In the past, each gap had wrought-iron gates that closed every day in the evening. Its wonderful location, next to Parque del Buen Retiro, and at the junction of some of the main streets of the capital, makes this monument one of the most interesting in the city.
Location: Plaza de la Independencia, s/n.
C AT E D R A L D E L A A L M U D E N A
The cathedral of Santa Mara La Real de La Almudena is a spectacular building which combines different architectural styles. Outside, it is the neoclassical style that embellishes the construction and inside visitors can experience a Neo-Gothic atmosphere. The crypt is in Neo-Romanesque style. It has the privilege of being the first Spanish cathedral consecrated by a Pope and the first one that John Paul II consecrated outside Rome. The event took place on the 15th of June 1993, on John Paul IIs fourth visit to Spain. It is located in the city centre. The main faade looks out to the Plaza de la Armera, in front of the Royal Palace, and it can be accessed from Bailn Street or from Mayor Street. Unlike other cathedrals, whose orientation is east-west, La Almudena has a north-south orientation, since it was designed to be part of a complex together with the Royal Palace.
Location: C/ Mayor, 90.
TeMPLO DE DEBOD
The Temple of Debod is very probably one of those constructions visitors do not expect to find in Madrid. This Egyptian temple with an east-west orientation and surrounded by water, in accordance with its original position, was given to Spain by Egypt for the aid provided by the Spanish government in order to save the temples in Nubia. Dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amon and Isis, it is 2,200 years old and it was located in Debod, on the banks of the Nile. It has several rooms and the main one is the so called Chapel of Reliefs, which is kept in its original state and is the oldest part of the temple. The reliefs show scenes of rituals. Set in the middle of very pleasant surroundings, with unbeatable views of Casa de Campo and close to Parque del Oeste, the temple looks particularly beautiful in the evening.
Location: C/ Ferraz, s/n.
CASA DE LA VILLA
Casa de la Villa, the seat of the Town Hall, stands on a small and lovely square Plaza de la Villa - in the most traditional and typical part of Madrid. Its construction, which lasted for 52 years, started in 1644, as designed by architect Juan Gmez de Mora. The faade of this building, which for some time was used as a prison, is formed by two large symmetrical blocks of brickwork and granite, made up of two towers and balconies on each side of the main entrance gate, where the coat of arms of Madrid is shown. Casa de La Villa is accessed through two twin doors and the Stairs of Honour, the Gallery, the Portraits Room, Goyas Room, the Chapel, the Room where Sessions are held, the Glass Courtyard and the Chariot Room are all found inside.
Location: Plaza de la Villa, 4.
P L A Z A D E OR I E N T E
The name Plaza de Oriente originated in the lovely location of this beautiful Plaza in Madrid, as it is situated east of the Royal Palace. It was built under the reign of King Joseph Bonaparte and several buildings in the area were demolished in order to enlarge the Plaza and its surroundings. Bailn street separates the Palace and Plaza de Oriente, although nowadays, with the reforms made, the Plaza forms a whole ensemble with the east faade of the Palace. The great location of the Plaza, close to the Palace and next to the Teatro Real and other great buildings, together with the absence of wheeled traffic, makes it a very pleasant spot for walks and quiet enjoyment. King Ferdinand VI ordered sculptures of all the Spanish kings to be made in order to ornament the cornice of the Palace. As these sculptures were never used for their original purpose, they were placed in different areas in the city and some came to this splendid Plaza.
Location: Plaza de Oriente, s/n.
BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL
The National Library was founded by King Philip V in 1712, under the name Royal Library, although it was not until four years later that a decree was published with references to its creation. The National Library was founded for two main purposes: spreading knowledge among all the citizens and housing privately owned libraries. The National Library building, declared a Monument of Historic and Artistic Value in 1983, began to be built in 1866. The faade is Doric on the lower level and Ionic on the upper level. Among the various elements, the front piece stands out, with statues representing the triumph of the Humanities, Science and the Arts. At present it is one of the libraries with the highest bibliography stock, as it has six million books, some 100,000 newspaper publications, 30,000 manuscripts and 8 million documents. Its stock is divided into modern books (from 1831 on), old books (up to 1830), manuscripts and documents, magazines and newspapers, engravings, drawings and photographs, maps and charts, music sheets and sound recordings.
Location: Paseo de Recoletos, 20.
E D I F I C I O M E T R P OL I S
During the first thirty years of the 20th century Madrid aspired to become a city open to the world and with a great desire to become modern. As a result of the ensuing structuring, there was intense activity in the construction of buildings and the creation of new infrastructures. Due to the beautiful location of this building, at the corner of Alcal and Gran Va streets, right in the financial and commercial centre of Madrid, and its size and its beauty, it is impossible to walk past it and not stop to admire it. It was necessary to demolish seven houses that stood on the plot where the Metrpolis Building stands now to construct this impressive and original building. Its architecture is elegant, eclectic, and with exceptional proportions, and, within the whole of the building, there stands out the black slate dome, with golden ornamentation and crowned by a wonderful winged Victoria. A beautiful rotunda of pairs of Corinthian columns was built at the second level. These robust columns support a third level decorated with statues representing trade, agriculture, mining and industry.
Location: C/ Alcal, 39.
Banco de Espaa
The building of the Central Bank of Spain is one of the best eclectic buildings in Madrid. The first stone was placed by King Alphonse XII in 1882, and it was finished in 1891. The works followed the project designed by Eduardo Adaro and Severiano Sainz de la Lastra. Its magnificent architecture and its privileged location make this building one of the most beautiful in the city.
Location: C/ Alcal, 48.
Fuente de Apolo
This fountain represents the Greek god Apollo with a flighty aspect and covered with a cloak, holding in his left hand a lyre alluding to music. Next to the figure of Apollo stand the allegoric images of the Four Seasons and Venus shells. The fountain was made in the 18th century and its situation, next to the Prado Museum, enhances its great beauty even more.
Location: Paseo del Prado, s/n.
Fuente de Neptuno
This sculpture set, made of white marble, represents Neptune, the god of the sea, in a shell-shaped chariot drawn by two horses with fish tails that symbolize sea storms. The god holds in his left hand a trident and a snake is wound round his right hand. This fountain stands majestically in a green space full of tranquillity and beauty.
Location: Plaza de Cnovas del Castillo, s/n.
I g l e s i a C o l e g i ata d e S a n I s i d r o
This church in Baroque style and built in the 17th century, over what was formerly called the Imperial College of the Jesuits, is one of the favourite churches among the madrileos. Inside, visitors can admire splendid works of art by Claudio Coello or Sebastin Herrera. And San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid, is buried here.
Location: C/ Toledo, 37 y 39.
L a Ca sa de Posta s
In 1795, the Crown commissioned architect Juan Pedro Arnal to build a new post office house, as an extension of the Real Casa de Correo. The new Post Office House, built between 1795 and 1800 with classical elements, stood on an irregular five-sided ground plan laid out round a central courtyard and with only two storeys. This Neoclassical building houses today the premises of the Community of Madrid.
Location: Plaza de Pontejos, 3.
MURALLA DE MADRID
Its the remains of a defensive Arab wall from the 9th and 10th centuries, and of another Christian wall from the 12th and 13th centuries. The remains preserved on Cuesta de la Vega can be reached from Bailn street, although the wall must have been higher than what it appears to be now. Within the Arab walled precinct stood the Fortress, the Mosque and the Emirs house.
Location: Cuesta de la Vega, s/n.
PUENTE DE SEGOVIA
Philip II ordered its construction in order to connect Segovia street to the Extremadura road and it is the oldest bridge in Madrid. It is thought that it was designed by architect Juan de Herrera and it was built between 1582 and 1584. It is formed by nine large arches and it has a gate at the front, built to make the access to the capital look grand.
Location: Puente de Segovia, s/n.
Puente de Toledo
This Baroque bridge was built under the reign of Philip II to connect the capital to Toledo. Built in yellow limestone, its central section is ornamented with the statues of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Madrid, and his wife, Santa Mara de la Cabeza. At present, it is closed to wheeled traffic and visitors can walk over it and enjoy a privileged environment.
Location: Between Glorieta de las Pirmides and Plaza del Marqus de Vadillo.
P u e rta de Tol e d o
This gate was built to commemorate the return to Madrid of King Ferdinand VII after the victory over Napoleons troops. Erected between 1817 and 1827, it is a granite structure with a large arch in the centre, showing on each side two rectangular-shaped passageways with fluted columns. It was the last gateway to be built in Madrid.
Location: Glorieta de la Puerta de Toledo, s/n.
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Templo de Debod. Puente de Segovia. Catedral de la Almudena. Palacio Real. Muralla de Madrid. Plaza de Oriente y Palacio del Senado. Casa de la Villa. Plaza Mayor. La Casa de Correos. La Casa de Postas. Puerta del Sol y La Real Casa de Aduanas. Edificio Metrpolis. Sociedad de Autores. Puente de Toledo. Puerta de Toledo. Iglesia Colegiata de San Isidro. Convento San Ildefonso Trinitarias Descalzas. Palacio del Congreso. Teatro de la Zarzuela. Banco de Espaa. Fuente de Apolo. Casa de Correos y Fuente de la Cibeles. Biblioteca Nacional. Fuente de Neptuno. Puerta de Alcal. Casn del Buen Retiro. Jardn Botnico. Palacio de Cristal. La Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas.
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about culture
A HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
The whole Community of Madrid is a display of unique buildings and monuments of a great landscape and architectural beauty. We can find all over the region a varied and rich architectural legacy, often found in wonderful natural surroundings: castles, churches, palaces and monasteries really worth a visit. It is really a must to tour these villages and towns, many of them World Heritage because of their cultural interest and unique beauty. Magical places where visitors can experience the feeling of travelling back in time. Apart from a magnificent cultural and historic experience, these locations also offer first-quality hotels, restaurants and shopping. Visitors can try typical dishes, see how traditional products sweets, cold meats or handicrafts are made and, of course, enjoy first-class accommodation in charming establishments.
M o n a s t e r io de e l pa u l a r
Henry of Trastmara ordered the construction of this building in Rascafra in the 15th century. The present Benedictine monastery arose from the repentance of this king for setting on fire the Chapel of Santa Mara del Paular during the French campaign, so a monastery was built where the old chapel had stood. Surrounded by the magnificent mountains on Sierra de Guadarrama, El Paular is situated in the unbeatable geographical setting of the Lozoya valley, which forms an impressive natural amphitheatre at an altitude of some 1,159 metres. Its cloisters are outstandingly beautiful, as is the church, in Gothic style with Baroque elements and a most valuable altarpiece: a large 9 x 12 metre piece covering the whole end part of the presbytery, with its space divided into rectangular niches and beautiful vaults.
Location: Rascafra (Madrid).
PLAZA DE CHINCHN
Chinchn is a town located in the south-east of Madrid, in a beautiful position right on the Tajus Jarama basin, which makes it a lovely place to visit. As beautiful as its surroundings, the town has an incredible Old Square that is quite enjoyable. The Plaza Mayor of Chinchn shows the typical Middle Ages style of popular architecture. Its shape is irregular, of great simplicity and clearly and neatly laid out. The first houses, with arcades and balconies, were built in the 15th century but the square would not be completed until the 17th century. The arcaded buildings have three storeys and 234 wooden balconies. Since it was first built, it has been not only the Old Square in Chinchn, but also the setting of a great many different activities: public executions, bull fights, theatrical events and performances, royal parties and even a film set. The majestic Church of La Piedad stands over one side of the square. Reconstructed several times, it was Renaissance in style, with Baroque, Plateresco and Gothic elements.
Location: Chinchn (Madrid).
C A S T I L L O D E B AT R E S
The house-fort known as Castillo de Batres was the residence of the famous poet Garcilaso de la Vega, who was born in Toledo circa 1501. One of the most valuable and original castles in the Community of Madrid, it is found in the town of Batres, in the south-west of the region, close to the border with the province of Toledo and on the banks of the Guadarrama river, which provides great natural surroundings. A fortified building of brick stood on flint stone foundations. The oldest part of the castle is the Keep, which stands out because of its proportions, harmony and advanced position. The ensemble has a square ground plan, with fine and elegant architecture of a certain military style. Its main gate, in Elizabethan Gothic style, shows the elaborately carved coat of arms of the Lasos and Guzmanes. The courtyard has a two-tiered gallery in Spanish Renaissance style, with columns typical of the Alcarria area in Toledo, and a central Gothic well showing remains of its former structure.
Location: Batres (Madrid).