Tourist information and destination rating
Category: Cities, Local time: 03:47:55, Altitude: 658m, Official WWW website:
www.spain.info
Pros
flat surrounding area
mild climate
Suitable for
active vacation
festivals
history
carnivals
nightlife
cruises
romantic vacation
shopping
study
art
health tourism
Why to go there?
old&new architecture
skyscrapers
political centre
christmas markets
Transportation and means of transport
air
metro
railway
international airport
business travel (industry)
IT
food processing
textile
Information and Facts
Last update: 2012-10-22 07:03:07
Madrid is the capital city and the biggest city in Spain as well as the European no.1 capital city as to the altitude. The city center is specific by wide green roads and large round squares. In Madrid you can find a lot of historical objects, museums and galleries. Madrid is currently a strongly catholic city. In 9th century the city was possessed by the Maurs and the Muslims ruled. In 11th century Madrid was taken over by the crown of Castilia that brought catholic religion into the city. Muslim mosques were therefore rebuilt to churches. In 852 the Emir had built fortified Maur palace called Alcázar that was rebuilt by christian kings to a hunting chateau called Mayrit in 11th century. This chateau was used as a royal residence until 1734. Mayrit however burnt down and a new palace - Palacio Real - was built at the same place. The palace can be found in the Western part of the historical center. The royal palace is used by the King Juan Carlos I as a representation building. The palace is surrounded by beautiful parks, next to it is the city's biggest church - Virgen de la Almudena Cathedral. Another points of interest in Madrid are Museo del Prado gallery or Plaza de Espaňa square with the monument of Miguel de Cervantes and his novel figures Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. The most beautiful square of Madrid is Plaza Mayor where executions used to take place in the past as well as corrida or burning of heretics. In the National Archeological Museum in Madrid you can find Egyptian mummy of a female priest in sarcophagus called The Dame of Elche. A copy of Altamira cave was built in the museum gardens. Madrid is also home of world-wide known football clubs, such as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.