Spain
Madrid
Madrid
Above: Madrid became Spain's capital thanks to its geography. However, the
city has few natural advantages - it is 300km from the sea on a
650-metre-high plateau, freezing in winter, baking in summer - and it was
only the determination of successive rulers to promote a strong central
capital that ensured its success. Madrid's 18th-century Royal Palace
(pictured above) has not been used as a royal residence for some time and
today is used only for official receptions. The building claims more rooms
that any other European palace.
city has few natural advantages - it is 300km from the sea on a
650-metre-high plateau, freezing in winter, baking in summer - and it was
only the determination of successive rulers to promote a strong central
capital that ensured its success. Madrid's 18th-century Royal Palace
(pictured above) has not been used as a royal residence for some time and
today is used only for official receptions. The building claims more rooms
that any other European palace.
Above: The cavernous Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena was completed in 1992, and is
located next to Madrid's Royal Palace.
located next to Madrid's Royal Palace.
Above: The Prado is not just the best-known museum in Madrid, it's one of the world's most elite art
collections. The main focus is on Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art from the 15th to 19th centuries, with
great coverage of Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. One of Goya's masterpieces can be seen above.
collections. The main focus is on Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art from the 15th to 19th centuries, with
great coverage of Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. One of Goya's masterpieces can be seen above.
Above: A statue of a bear pawing a madrono bush lies on the north side of Puerto
del Sol; this is the emblem of the city. Puerto del Sol is officially the centre of the
nation.
del Sol; this is the emblem of the city. Puerto del Sol is officially the centre of the
nation.
Above: Plaza Mayor if the most important architectural and historical landmark in Madrid. This extremely
beautiful, seventeenth-century arcaded square is where trials of faith were held by the Inquisition, kings
were crowned, and bulls fought.
beautiful, seventeenth-century arcaded square is where trials of faith were held by the Inquisition, kings
were crowned, and bulls fought.