Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre, with a large cultural and artistic heritage, a legacy of centuries of exciting history.
Madrid is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsula, 646 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest capital in Europe. Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals.
There are many reasons to visit Madrid. One of this is the vivacity of the city since it is always vibrant, energetic and aptly bustling with activity. From the Plaza de Espana, Puerta del Sol, to the famous Bernabeu stadium, the zest, vigor and stir of the capital is awesome, and there is a distinct socializing love that makes men and women go to the streets and maximize on every minute not spent in the office or workplace.
Anyhow, upon arrival in Madrid, we immediately checked in into NH Principe de Vergara Madrid Hotel and were given some free time for lunch which we made use of by finding a good tapas place. Again, my tummy was really very happy.
At the appointed time, we set out for a city tour with a tour guide. Our first stop was at the most popular sight of the Plaza de España’s monument to Miguel de Cervantes, writer of the world famous story of Don Quixote de la Mancha and his trusty squire, Sancho Panza. Visitors (like me) flock to the monument to get their picture taken in front of the bronze statues of Don Quixote on his horse and Sancho Panza on his mule. Behind them is a statue of Cervantes himself, looking over his creations.
Thereafter, we had a Tour of the Prado Museum. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed inside.
But to give you an inkling of what it is all about, the Prado Museum is Madrid's top cultural sight, whose permanent collection is one of the largest in the world. It consists of about 9,000 paintings, 5,000 drawings, 2,000 prints, 1,000 coins and medals, and approximately 2,000 decorative objects. This highly-acclaimed art museum is one of the most-visited attractions in Madrid, summoning the attention of lovers of great art from around the world with its expansive collection of a variety of works.
The Prado boasts the world's finest collection of Spanish art, with extensive examples of works by El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, and Murillo. Because the collection is so extensive, only about one-seventh of the museum's entire permanent holdings are displayed at a single time.
Its name derives from the district where it is located, formerly an area of market gardens known as the "prado" or meadow. The Spanish queen at the time had been impressed with the Louvre in Paris and wanted to showcase an enormous collection in her own country. The result is several thousand works at the present time, with a recent modern extension allowing more of them to be displayed.
The sheer scale of the collection can make it daunting, so it is important to arrive with a few of the highlights in mind and concentrate on those. Perhaps the collection's most famous painting is Velazquez's "Las Meninas" showing Princess Margarita and her two ladies-in-waiting as well as the artist himself with paintbrush and palette in hand.
The other major artist of the collection is Goya, whose depiction of nudity in the painting "The Naked Maja" led him to be accused of obscenity.
His works make up such a large part of the museum that his statue stands outside the main entrance.
There are so many other masterpieces in the Prado Museum that are worth your while or a “must see” when you are in Madrid.
Thereafter, we continued on an optional walking tour of the city. Our first stop was the Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid's historic center. This plaza is one of the busiest places in the city - a hub for the local transit system, a favorite meeting spot for locals, a visible area for festivals or political demonstrations, and an opportune location for tour guides, street performers, pickpockets and anyone else looking to take advantage of all the tourists on hand.
In the middle of the Puerta del Sol is a large equestrian statue of King Carlos III:
The King looks out on a beautiful 18th century Casa de Correos, the red-and-white building adorned with a clock tower on the plaza's south side. Originally the building served as Madrid's first post office, then the police headquarters under Franco, before being transformed into its current use as the office of the President of Madrid, the head of the regional government. The clock tower is noteworthy for being the center focus of New Year's celebrations every year, which are broadcast across Spain and mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes (one for each ring of the bell) and the beginning of a new year.
In front of the Casa de Correos, on the pavement, is the 'kilometer 0' plaque, marking the center of the Spanish road network. It is the starting point from where all the highway distances are measured.
The Puerta del Sol is also the location of the most famous symbol of Madrid: a 20- ton statue of a bear eating fruits from a tree. The official name of the statue is 'El Oso y El Madroño'. The Madroño is a tree related to the strawberry tree. The female bear symbolizes the fertile soil of Madrid and the tree symbolizes the aristocracy.
We then continued walking towards Plaza Mayor. Perhaps the best known plaza in Madrid, this impressive square is now one of the main stops on any tourist visit. Originally built outside the city walls, this enclosed square has played host to bullfights, markets, symphonies, tournaments and executions. Today, it is ringed with tourist shops, cafes and restaurants.
We were then given some free time to do whatever we wanted to do. The first thing I did was to go to the oldest restaurant in the world for some photo ops. It even has a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records to prove it.
After our shopping expedition, and at the appointed time and place, we walked towards Restaurante La Opera de Madrid for dinner where we were serenaded by opera singers.
Rafael made me play the piano when he learned that I could play it. I can’t believe I was playing the piano in the heart of Madrid! It was both memorable and overwhelming!
After that delightful dinner which showcased the best of what Madrid’s cuisine has to offer, we walked towards the Opera House and the Royal Palace for some night snapshots.
Back on the coach, we were transported back to the hotel and called it a night. What a fantabulous evening to cap a fantabulous day!
To Be Continued....
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