The capital of Spain, the city of Madrid, has a long history and magnificent architecture. But this is not the only thing worth visiting the city for. Starting in March and ending in October, gallant handsome bullfighters go out to fight with bulls, and December is the time of numerous festivals. Many nightlife venues await tourists, opening their doors after midnight. And if you prefer an active pastime, then the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarama are at your service.
City `s history
Once the capital of the country belonged to the warlike Celts and was called Magerit. And only after the Arabs seized the country, the city was renamed to Majirit or Madrid. The end of the 19th century was a turning point for him. It was at this time that Charles III invited architects to give the city a more beautiful view, corresponding to the status. Madrid began to grow rapidly and soon turned into a city worthy of the title of the capital of a European state.
Napoleon, who partially rebuilt the city at his own discretion, also contributed to the modern look of the capital. The rulers who followed him did not lag behind, and by the beginning of the 20th century Madrid came close to its present architectural style, Art Nouveau. And the symbol of the capital is the "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue, which can be seen on the Puerta del Sol square.
What should you definitely see?
Madrid is, of course, great. But there are places that are definitely worth visiting. Having decided to take a sightseeing tour of the city, be sure to go to the Royal Palace. It was built in the 18th century and is located in a very beautiful location, surrounded by the magnificent gardens of Campo del Moro. Here, directly in the park, there is the Carriage Museum. And you can see the carriages that belonged to the royal families during different periods of their reign.
In the old part of the city there is a famous museum triangle - Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The art gallery of the Prado Museum has become a repository of paintings by such great artists as Velazquez, Cano, Murillo. Thyssen-Bornemisza exhibits the largest private collection of paintings, and at the Reina Sofia Museum you can admire the masterpieces of contemporary artists.
Of course, the numerous gardens, parks, and other attractions are worth seeing in person.
Updated: 2020.02.
