The wonders of the Community of Madrid to experience at least once in life

Patones de Arriba and its black slate

There is no doubt that Patones de Arriba is one of the most beautiful villages in this region. Its narrow streets invite us to get lost in them, and the singular black slate of its roofs is the most emblematic feature of the village. The best way to get here is to walk from Patones de Abajo.

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

This is one of the must-sees in the Community of Madrid. This is the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is not only one of Madrid’s wonders, but Spain’s, since this architectural complex was designed by Philip II’s architect, Juan de Herrera, in the 16th century. The Royal Crypt sits inside the Basilica, and every monarch since Charles I is buried there.

The tiny houses of La Hiruela

Despite being one of the less populated municipalities in the whole community, this place is still fascinating. La Hiruela, on the Sierra del Rincón, is especially known for its small stone houses, extremely well-preserved old, tiny houses that conform the town’s heart. This village has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2005.

Chinchón’s main square

For many people, Chinchón has one of the most beautiful and interesting main squares in Spain. An irregular-shaped square surrounded by houses with green wooden balconies to enjoy the view, something particularly common during the bull corridas, since it is also a bullfighting ring. The clock tower, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the convent of San Agustín, now a Parador Nacional, are some other wonders that bring many tourists to Chinchón.

Buitrago del Lozoya and its walls

In the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Buitrago del Lozoya stands as one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the Community of Madrid. It is surrounded by spectacular walls of Arab origins and, at the same time, by the Lozoya river it gets its name from. The castle, the clock tower and the church of Santa María del Castillo are some of Buitrago’s must-sees.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Aranjuez is a mandatory stop on every route of Madrid. This municipality sits on the southern end of the Community of Madrid. Here await the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its spectacular gardens, an idyllic place that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should be visited.

Justo’s Cathedral in Mejorada del Campo

This is one of the most interesting buildings in the region. Justo’s Cathedral was built by a single person, Justo Gallego. He did so until his death, when the building was donated to a foundation that would finish the work. This cathedral, designed as any other Spanish cathedral, was Justo’s life project. After being expelled from a monastery in Soria when he was 27 years old, he began building this eye-catching cathedral in Mejorada del Campo by himself, without any training on construction.

The natural treasures of the Community of Madrid

San Juan reservoir, Madrid’s beach

Popularly known as ‘Madrid’s beach,’ San Juan reservoir is one of the most popular spots to enjoy a dive in the hottest seasons. Besides that, it is also perfect for hiking and to perform aquatic activities such as sailing.

Chorrera de los Litueros, Madrid’s highest waterfall

The highest waterfall in the Community of Madrid sits in Somosierra. The Chorrera de los Litueros is a spectacular cascade of 40 metres that sits 1440 metres of altitude above sea level. One can get there by completing a 12-kilometre-long route.

The Finnish Forest of Sierra de Madrid

It looks straight out of a fairy tale, but the Bosque Finlandés (Finnish Forest) sits in Rascafría. The bucolic scene of the lake surrounded by trees reminds us of some spot in Finland, which is actually very reasonable, since the trees are native Finnish species. Besides, El Potario, the place’s official name, offers a cabin with a sauna that makes the resemblance even closer. Near this spot, one can visit the Cascadas del Purgatorio (Purgatory Waterfalls), a well-known waterfall that can be accessed by following a simple route beginning in the Monastery of El Paular.

Puerto de Navacerrada

Segovia and Madrid are separated by Puerto de Navacerrada, one of the best places to ski in the snow season. It has eight ski slopes of diverse levels, but beyond skiing, this spot is perfect for visiting the mountain, since it has hotels, apartments, and restaurants.

Philip’s II chair

Near El Escorial, in the forest of La Herrería, sits a very interesting spot. This natural area consists of a set of granite platforms shaped as chairs. Legend has it that Philip II used to visit the place to watch the building of the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery.

The gastronomy of the Community of Madrid, a must to enjoy the province

The gastronomy of the Community of Madrid is very diverse. Its hot dishes are quite popular; cocido, callos a la madrileña and sopa de ajo are simple and comforting recipes.

Some dishes can be surprising due to the province’s location, like the bocadillo de calamares, which has an interesting history. Some recipes stand out and are usually offered as tapas, such as bravas, mollejas, snails, and gambas al ajillo.

But Madrid's traditional recipes are not its only appeal. Madrid’s local products are well known throughout the world. From D.O. Vinos de Madrid wines, a denominación de origen that covers the areas of Arganda, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, El Molar, and Navalcarnero, to Villaconejos’ melons, Aranjuez’s strawberries, and Chinchón’s anise.

The sweetest spot of Madrid’s gastronomy joins its culture. The rosquillas de San Isidro stand out among its most popular sweets, including every type of rosquillas: tontas, listas, francesas and de Santa Clara.

And, of course, this section cannot conclude without mentioning a classic to warm up in the coldest winter days: a hot chocolate with churros.

More recommendations to enjoy the Community of Madrid

Where to sleep in the province of the Community of Madrid

Sleep in Chamberí and la Castellana
Sleep in Chinchón
Sleep in Buitrago del Lozoya
Sleep in Boadilla del Monte
Sleep in Alcalá de Henares
Sleep in Cadalso de los Vidrios
Sleep in Buitrago del Lozoya

Where to eat in the province of the Community of Madrid

Where to eat delicious tapas in Madrid
Eating in el Madrid de los Austrias
Eating in the Retiro and Barrio de Salamanca
Eating in the Paseo del Arte - Madrid
Eating in El Barrio de las Letras - Madrid
Eating in Chueca - Madrid
Eating in Chamberí - Madrid
Eating in El Pardo
Eating in Rascafría
Eating in Cadalso de los Vidrios
Eating in Chinchón
Eating in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Eating in Patones
Eating in Navacerrada
Eating in Aranjuez
Eating in Boadilla del Monte
Eating in Alcalá de Henares

Nature and active tourism in the Community of Madrid

The Santillana reservoir, an architectural wonder and nature reserve

The beech forest of Montejo, a russet pause in Madrid

The valley of Fuenfría: she walks in poetry

7 getaways near Madrid to cool off

9 outdoor places in Madrid to enjoy the good weather

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

Follow us on Facebook to discover more fascinating places in Spain!

Wear your most comfortable shoes, get yourself a water bottle, and, if necessary, buy a public transport pass to get around the city. You’re ready to explore Madrid’s surprises and fall in love with them.

Day 1: The heart of the city

A journey to the past

Of course, every Madrid itinerary should begin at the Puerta del Sol, the zero kilometre, Madrid's true heart. There are few places in the capital where you can feel its energy so intensely, near the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (the Oso y el Madroño). This is the perfect spot to start the day.

Starting at Sol, we should walk to the Plaza Mayor (Madrid’s Main Square), the best setting to admire Spanish Golden Age architecture. Just close your eyes for a moment, and you’ll be transported to the past, when this place was filled with markets, bullfights, and even public executions. A good bocadillo de calamares is the perfect excuse for staying a little longer.

Art and luxury in the Madrid of the Austrians

The impressive Royal Palace is the Spanish Royal Family’s official residence. Its majestic façade, as well as the inside’s intricate details, like the main staircase or the Throne Room, take every visitor to a world of luxury and power. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll witness the changing of the guard, a spectacle that adds solemnity and tradition to the visit.

The Almudena Cathedral sits by its side, a modern building with classical details. Here is a tip: get to its dome to admire the most breathtaking views of Madrid.

Enjoying Madrid like a local

There is no such thing as a visit to the Buen Retiro Park in the evening, where you can walk under the trees or enjoy a boat ride at the pond in front of the Palacio de Cristal (literally, the ‘Glass Palace’). Don’t forget to look for the statue of the Fallen Angel, a monument dedicated to the Devil that holds a mysterious essence.

La Latina district is a good place to conclude the visit, a wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares. Enjoy some good tapas and maybe end the night at a tablao flamenco.

Day 2: Art and avant-garde spirit

What to see in Madrid as an art lover

The Prado Museum (or Museo del Prado) deserves to be explored in depth, so save a whole morning for it. There is a reason why it is home to some of the world’s masterpieces, such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Bosco’s work. Each room is a true journey to the past, and each painting is incredibly moving.

Don’t lose your artistic inspiration yet and dive into the Barrio de las Letras, whose literary atmosphere is evident in places like Huertas Street and the literary quotes embossed into the ground. Here, it is possible to feel the aura that surrounded our favourite Spanish writers.

Exploring the most avant-garde Madrid

Museums are one of the capital’s treasures, and they are worth a visit—in particular, the popular Reina Sofía Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. These spaces prove Madrid’s fascinating cultural richness.

Day 3: Traditions and views

Authenticity and creativity

Markets are excellent places to discover the city. Start your day at the Mercado de San Miguel to enjoy the top gourmet experience. Taste the most delicious Spanish olives and the best serrano ham. The colours, scents, and voices of these places are remarkably seductive.

Charming districts such as Malasaña have a bohemian, creative atmosphere. Many vintage shops and artistic murals can be found in its lively streets. On the other hand, Chueca and its great diversity and energy allow tourists to learn LGBT history.

A short trip to Egypt

The list of things to do in Madrid must include a truly unforgettable visit: the Debod Temple. This old Egyptian temple was donated to Spain and gifts us one of Madrid’s most spectacular sunsets, where the orange and pink sky reflects in the pond water.

Best nightlife in Madrid

Before leaving Madrid, you should dive deeper into its nightlife charms. Gran Vía is the perfect ending, the ‘Spanish Broadway’, where many theatre plays and musical performances are available.

To walk along this bright avenue is to feel the beat of a city that never sleeps. If you stop at some terrace with panoramic views for a last drink, you’ll admire a different, brighter Madrid. This is one of the best ways to end a short trip to Madrid.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

Follow us on Facebook!

And that is exactly what we are doing today as we begin our adventure in Callao Square, in the vibrant atmosphere that floats around its luminous signs and the waves of people, most of them moving toward Puerta del Sol.

We walk down Gran Vía, Madrid’s colourful and bright main artery, home to infinite towers and advertisements of the capital’s thrilling shows. A large, vibrant Manila shawl rises among the buildings, just a few steps from Plaza de España. A hotel that is deeply linked to the emblematic street and its history wears this elegant garment, the perfect façade embellishment.

The Grupotel Mayorazgo has been part of Flor Baja Street’s architecture since its foundation in 1963, and it can be found in the number 3 of said address. To enter its doors is to receive the comforting hug of that Manila shawl, to feel the touch of a city that keeps its past alive.

After a warm welcome by the staff in the hall, Bar Retiro takes us to one of Madrid’s green lungs. This intimate space simulates a lovely walk around Retiro Park with its vertical gardens and the relaxing murmur of its fountain.

Flavours of Madrid: traditional cuisine with a twist

GastroVía 61 awaits us on the other side, a restaurant that reveals its secrets little by little. Its tables are the first feature to catch our attention—instead of numbers, they have the names of Madrid’s landmarks. Antique pictures of the most representative squares in the capital hang on its walls.

We take a seat at the unmistakable Plaza de Cibeles, under one of those large pictures, admiring the overwhelming beauty of its fountain through a window to the past. By now, observant people will have perceived a detail that can go unnoticed in this space where everything has a meaning. It’s the piped music that has been by our side since we got here—a constant and subtle soundtrack that enriches the atmosphere. Obviously, it is a compilation of Madrilenian songs. This is only one of the many references that we will discover throughout the visit.

Just a glance at the room is enough to spot more distinctive features, such as the traditional chulapo costumes that both waiters and waitresses wear. Regarding the menu, we discover that every dish includes highlighted curious terms and idioms. Everything makes sense when the waitress smiles and hands us a sheet titled Traditional Spanish Terms Glossary. This small dictionary explains the origin and meaning of the dish names, which are references to Madrid’s culture. It’s the perfect starter for a fun conversation, both for local and international guests.

It’s time to order a meal, but the menu includes very attractive possibilities. GastroVia 61’s traditional cuisine is prepared with local ingredients, which can be appreciated in its delicious appetisers whose exquisite flavours result from the high-quality products.

Regarding the main courses, we should note their rices and their meat and fish, which are grilled with holm oak charcoal—through this technique, it is possible to get the most out of the product while perfectly preserving it. The San Isidro steak tartar is the star dish, and it is available in three varieties: traditional, vegetarian, and vegan.

When we order this last option, we are surprised to learn that it will be prepared in our presence. After introducing the ingredients and asking for our spiciness preferences, the staff delights us with a culinary demonstration that adds a priceless value to the final experience. The tartar steak, now on the table, its presentation, and the explosion of flavour and textures explain its well-deserved reputation.

If there were still doubts about the restaurant’s perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, they dissipate by dessert time. On one hand, it offers healthy alternatives, such as the fresh fruit salad, and other typical Spanish delicacies like torrijas. It is obvious that true flavours are still successful.

But on the other hand, those guests who choose more striking options like the deconstructed Irish coffee will be rewarded with a creative and innovative elaboration that includes a surprise spectacle. GastroVía 61’s cuisine is constantly reinvented, both for seasonal reasons and for including new dishes that adapt to the guests’ preferences through tests and their daily feedback.

Every wine lover should complement the gastronomical experience with the restaurant’s diverse wine options. Vinos de Madrid DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) are the most common; it could not be any other way.

Exploring Madrid without leaving the hotel

To book a Grupotel Mayorazgo room is to buy a ticket to a surprise destination. These spots located in the Community of Madrid can be chosen by the guest or be left to fate. The hotel’s dimensions can be misleading, but it actually has 200 available rooms, and each one centres around a different Madrilenian theme.

The stay at the hotel includes elegant resting areas where one can enjoy Madrid’s landscapes and emblematic elements. The incredibly detailed thematic rooms can take us to diverse charming corners, such as the Puerta de Alcalá, the Manzanares River, or the Retiro Park. We should highlight the hand-painted scenes on the walls and the historical items that illustrate local history.

However, these themes go even further. They include many icons of Madrid’s culture, like San Isidro festivities or the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich).

Grupotel Mayorazgo has a special offer for the youngest members of the family, the ‘Aquí los niños mandan’ pack. Children love to participate in this experience since they can choose their own room among the many possibilities, like the Ratoncito Pérez or the Parque Warner rooms. They include gifts and toys, so the stay cannot get any better.

After unpacking and admiring the unique room design, one cannot resist the temptation to explore every single corner. Whirlpool baths and modern terraces with views of the Gran Vía are only some of their features, but each room has its own attractions.

Visiting, tasting, and enjoying are the main objectives of every journey. These essential actions are experienced with every sense after crossing Gran Vía’s Manila shaw, like a rabbit hole that takes us to a magical land.

At the Grupotel Mayorazgo, one can visit Madrid through the many references and themes of its rooms. Madrid can be tasted in GastroVía 61, where the flavours of local gastronomy please and surprise every palate. Madrid can be enjoyed throughout the whole process, which is a true experience of discovery, tranquillity, and comfort. In the end, everything among its walls invites us to explore every single aspect of Spain’s capital city from its own heart.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

Follow us on Facebook!

The history of the wall of Mohamed I

The wall of the slope of the Vega, where the ruins of the fortification are located, was part of the defensive enclosure that surrounded Mayrit. Because yes, before being the city that it is, Madrid had walls and trees and was a metropolis capable of maintaining the balance between nature and urban life. Not only that, but Mayrit, founded during the Umayyad era of al-Andalus, was an Arab enclave for two centuries.

In the 1950s, after the demolition of the Malpica palace, the foundations of the wall were uncovered. Thus, in 1954 the building was declared a Historic-Artistic Heritage Site and in the 1980s it was restored. However, at the end of that same decade, the enclave was abandoned. Many years later, between 2010 and 2011, the municipality designed a park around the wall that today is known as the Emir Mohamed I. Later, in 2015, the City Council together with the Islamic Culture Foundation, restored the garden. And so we arrived at the place that can be visited today.

Curiousities of the Mohamed I Park

The park of Mohamed I is dedicated to the founder of Mayrit, Muhammad I of Cordoba. Likewise, this Andalusian-style garden was built with the intention of 'remembering the diversity of cultures that have lived in the city of Madrid' or at least that is what is indicated from the City Council itself. Its main element, apart from the wall, consists of a fountain in the shape of a six-pointed star, located in the center of the place. In addition, the park is completed with the presence of different tree species, belonging to the Andalusian period, such as fig trees or a hackberry tree.

But the main element of the Emir Mohamed I Park is, of course, the wall. The side of the Almudena provides the backdrop for what remains of this fortification. 120 meters of wall that are located in the southwest corner of the park, next to what was known as Puerta de la Vega, which communicated with the Manzanares River in the past. To visit this park, by the way, you must keep in mind that you can only go on weekends and holidays between ten in the morning and nine at night. A real weekend corner.

Spots near the park

The Mohamed I park and its wall are located in the heart of Madrid, so the closest options are clear. To begin with, a visit to the Andalusian garden should go hand in hand with a walk around the Royal Palace, as well as a visit to the interior of the Almudena Cathedral, which more than one Madrilenian has committed the sin of never seeing the inside. Built between the late 19th and late 20th centuries, this building has a neoclassical style on the outside, neo-Gothic inside and neo-Romanesque in its crypt.

From there, there are many options to visit. Just a few minutes away you can reach the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor or Gran Vía street. In fact, it is best to make a tour of all these places until you reach the Plaza de España. In this way, you will have seen a very important part of the center of Madrid. And if you have enough time? And if you have already seen all this? Well, next to the Plaza de España and just 20 minutes walk from the park Emir Mohamed I, is the Temple of Debod. Because in Madrid to go from seeing an Arab site to an Egyptian monument is easy.

There are still places to discover even in big cities

The Emir Mohamed I Park is a place unknown by tourists, but also by locals. The possibility of knowing new places in places that are as famous as the Royal Palace or the Almudena and, in general, the whole center of Madrid, is what leads us to select this garden as the weekend getaway. Because it teaches us a history that many people forget, because it makes us connect with other cultures and with our roots.

You can also read this article in Spanish and French.

Follow us on Facebook!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Revisiting the set

If we travel 28 miles to the south-west of Madrid, we will soon begin to catch a cinematic scent. Located near Aranjuez, in the watershed of the Tajo and Jarama rivers, this historical spot will appear before us once we cross the bridge of Arganda. 

After we leave the river behind, we will be able to park the car in the parking lot of San Roque, next to the convent of “Las Clarisas”, a beautiful piece of religious architecture. The windows there let out the tempting smell of the sweets baked by the nuns.  

Now it’s time to explore the old town. We might walk around its streets or seek the shelter of the porches. Every step draws us a little closer to falling in love with this village in Madrid, just like it happened to Citizen Kane. The love story begins with a meet cute in the main square. 234 balconies make up a scene that will seem familiar to many due to its role as a bullring in the movie Around the World in 80 Days. No matter if we have seen it or not, we will fall in love at first sight. 

This set has served different purposes since it was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Indeed, it has been a corral de comedias—a traditional Spanish theater—and a livestock fair, besides a walking area for Juana I and Felipe I of Castile. Now it’s a meeting point for both travelers and the citizens of Chinchón. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción rests on the square too. It dates back to the 17th century, although it was rebuilt after the French troops set it on fire. Inside the church, the main altarpiece keeps an Assumption of Mary by Spanish painter Francisco de Goya.  

A motion picture of castles and theaters

The castle of Chincón, or “Castillo de los Condes”, which dates back to the 15th century, has survived several attacks and sieges. However, it stands, timeless, displaying a stunning silhouette. At this point, Chinchón has already won the traveler’s attention. However, there is still a good amount of video footage to see. 

We might now head to the convent of San Agustín, current parador that hosts tourists. Its long corridors still reminisce the quiet study hours that many spent there learning humanistic matters. Similarly, the annexed chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario conveys the peacefulness of its prayers. 

We can sense nearby the ghost of the church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, which was destroyed during the Peninsular War. Before that, an important historical figure arrived at Chinchón. Indeed, in February 1706 Felipe V stayed at Casa de la Cadena, a three-floored baroque building with a chain on the door to honor the visitors. From this point, the roads take us to the main square, a place where there are always new things to unfold, like the old wash house, currently a tourist office, or the city hall, standing there since 1499. 

The tower clock tells us it’s time to watch a play in the theater of Lope de Vega, whose name alludes to the time the Spanish playwright spent in Chinchón. A round of applause travels through the air. The traveler should soon get ready to produce a sequel of the wonders around them. Over the valley of the Tajuña, the castle of Casasola recalls times long past. This place also serves as the starting point of routes heading to Aranjuez, Ocaña or Cuenca. 

Lastly, we shall revisit the square and its restaurants. When the end credits start running, we could enjoy a dish of meat or garlic with anise, making a toast with a local liquor. Let’s raise a glass to the fact that, in Chinchón, the end is only a new beginning. There will be more summers full of festivities, medieval markets, etc. See you again, Chinchón.  

Madrid’s charming villages

Patones de Arriba and its black slate roofing

Patones de Arriba is one of the loveliest villages in the region, for sure. You’ll fall in love with its narrow streets and the singular black slate of its roofs, its most recognisable characteristic. The easiest way to get there is by walking from Patones de Abajo.

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A list of Madrid’s wonders has to include this place. The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s one of Madrid’s (and Spain’s) many treasures. This architectural complex was designed by Juan de Herrera, Philip II’s architect, in the 16th century. The Royal Vault awaits in the Basilica, where every Spanish monarch has been buried since the reign of Charles I.

The tiny houses of La Hiruela

This is one of the least populated municipalities in the Community of Madrid, but it is still fascinating. La Hiruela sits in the Sierra del Rincón and is known for its stone houses. Although these small houses are old, the ones that compose the town centre have been perfectly preserved. This village was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2005.

Chinchón’s square

Many people believe that Chinchón has one of the most beautiful and interesting squares in Spain. This square, irregularly shaped, is surrounded by green wooden balconies where people enjoy the view. They are useful too for bullfighting enthusiasts, since the square is a bullfighting ring too. The Torre del Reloj, the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church and the Convento de San Agustín, now known as the Parador Nacional, are a must on every visit to Chinchón.

Buitrago del Lozoya and its walls

One of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the Community of Madrid, Buitrago del Lozoya, sits in the heart of Sierra de Guadarrama. It is surrounded by breathtaking Arab walls and the Lozoya River, from which it receives its name. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Castillo, the Torre del Reloj, and the Santa María del Castillo Church when you go to Buitrago.

Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Aranjuez is a mandatory stop on every route through Madrid. This southern municipality of the Community of Madrid houses the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its breathtaking gardens. This idyllic spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s worth stopping by.

The Justo Cathedral of Mejorada del Campo

This is one of Madrid’s most interesting buildings. This building, known as Justo Cathedral, was built by a single person, Justo Gallego. The work lasted until his very last day, when it was given away to a foundation that would complete the construction. This cathedral was Justo’s masterpiece, modelled on Spanish cathedrals. After his expulsion from a monastery in Soria when he was 27 years old, he started building this flamboyant creation in Mejorada del Campo, even though he didn’t know anything about construction.

Madrid’s natural wonders

San Juan Reservoir, Madrid’s beach

Popularly known as ‘Madrid’s beach’, the San Juan Reservoir is one of the most crowded places in the summer, when people try to escape the heat with a refreshing dip. Besides that, it is also a true delight for hiking and water sports lovers, and it is the perfect place for sailing.

Chorrera de los Litueros, Madrid’s tallest waterfall

Madrid’s tallest waterfall lies in Somosierra. Chorrera de los Litueros is a heart-stopping waterfall of more than 40 metres in height, located 1,440 metres above sea level. You have to complete a 12-kilometer-long route to reach it.

Bosque Finlandés in Madrid’s mountain range

Although it looks like it belongs to a Nordic country, Bosque Finlandés is in Rascafría. The bucolic atmosphere composed by the lake and its surrounding trees takes the visitor somewhere in Finland, which actually makes sense because these trees are autochthonous species from this country. And in case it wasn’t similar enough to Finland, El Potario, this place’s official name, has a sauna in a cabin. A very popular waterfall, Cascadas del Purgatorio, lies nearby. You can access them by following a simple route that begins at El Paular Monastery.

Navacerrada Pass

The Navacerrada Pass, or Puerto de Navacerrada, divides the provinces of Segovia and Madrid, and it is a perfect place for skiing in snowy seasons. It has eight pistes of diverse grading. If you want to extend your visit to the mountains for a few days, there are hotels, apartments, and restaurants to enjoy to the maximum.

Philip’s II chair

Near El Escorial, at Bosque de la Herrería, lies a very interesting place. A complex of “seats” that are actually granite platforms awaits you in the heart of this natural landscape. Legend has it that Philip II used to visit this place to watch the building of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

The perfect place to thrift in Spain

A bloody Rastro from the Middle Ages

El Rastro is a flea market that wakes up in the streets of La Latina and Lavapiés at the end of each week. It also refers to the shopping area of La Ribera de los Curtidores and the adjacent streets, which are open on weekdays too. Here, antique shops, old and unique bookshops, and thrift stores open a world full of possibilities.

Before it became the Rastro we know today, this place was something completely different. In the late 15^th century, they built a slaughterhouse right here, next to the square of Cascorro. Later on, more slaughterhouses were set up in the area. They came with their respective tanneries, where the skin of the animals was tanned. That’s where the name Curtidores — literally meaning “tanners”— comes from, since the workers carried around the bleeding corpses of the animals, leaving behind a red trace, a red “rastro”. This is probably the origin of the name Rastro itself.

Eventually, this area would attract more traders. At first, only came those that worked with products related to animal fat or leather, for instance shoes or candles. Later on, with the increase of population and the establishment of Madrid as the capital city, many other traders decided to move there. The birth of this Sunday flea market goes back to 1740, when Rastro became a spot for thrifting all kinds of objects.

A walk through Madrid’s Rastro

It’s been more than 280 years since Rastro,  declared a Cultural Heritage site of Madrid, started to come to life in the area of La Latina and Lavapiés every Sunday between 9 am and 3 pm. Although chaos and disarray might be the backbone of this flea market, it still follows —well, more or less— an orderly structure.

The first thing one should know about Rastro is perhaps the fact that its heart lies in the square of Cascorro and it stems from La Ribera de Curtidores —the market’s stalls spreading down this same street. Here we’ll be able to find almost everything we want: an antique lamp, beautiful earrings, cameras, furniture… This might be the reason why the sense of order is not exactly a distinctive feature of the area.

The square of Campillo Nuevo is another of Rastro’s main landmarks. In it, we can travel back in time through collectable cards, letters and old magazines. In the square of General Vara del Rey close to Campillo Nuevo, they sell antiquities, vinyl records and porcelain dolls, among other things. Likewise, the first and third Saturday of each month the Rastro Saturdays are held here. Just like the regular Rastro, this flea market offers antiquities, vintage products, and collectible items, along with gastronomy and entertainment.

A market of surrealism

Madrid’s Rastro is “the Prado Museum turned inside out”, in words of the Spanish journalist Luis Carandell. “To find order in the Prado Museum and chaos in Rastro”, wrote the novelist Francisco Umbral. “In Rastro everything is alive, and there we will find not only traces of our childhood and youth, but also of the life of our parents and grandparents”, claimed Victoria Durán.

As you can see, this flea market has more than a few mentions in literature; there is art crawling through these streets every Sunday, in all the different accents mixing up in the air, in the finding of a dear object long lost, in the sounds of street musicians brightening the morning… To walk along the stalls is to travel to a time where an eighteenth-century chair lives together with the lost shirt of a former football player: it’s surrealism in the shape of a flea market.

Where is the Statue of Liberty in Madrid?

The Statue of Liberty in Madrid lies in the Panteón de Hombres Ilustres, a funerary building of Neo-Byzantine style, work of the architect Fernando Arbós y Tremanti. Here you will find the remains of popular Spanish politicians - Canalejas, Sagasta, Eduardo Dato, Ríos Rosas and Cánovas del Castillo are some of them.

The statue is settled on the top of a funerary monument by Federico Aparici, built in 1853 in honour of the famous Liberals Agustín Argüelles, José María Calatrava and Juan Álvarez Mendizábal. And it used to be kept somewhere else. At first, it was located in the old cemetery of San Nicolás, but was relocated to the Panteón de Hombres Ilustres in 1912.

The statue itself consists of a feminine figure sculpted on a block of marble of two metres of height. It’s the Roman goddess, Libertas. Her Phrygian hat exudes sun rays, illustrating perfection, and part of her chest is uncovered. She holds a sceptre in one of her hands and a broken yoke in the other, symbolising the end of oppression. A cat lies at her feet, reinforcing the idea of freedom. Three other feminine statues guard the funerary monument: Purity, Governance and Change.

Ponciano Ponzano, known for more than his lions

This statue of liberty was sculpted by the famous Neo-Classical artist Ponciano Ponzano, who was born in Zaragoza and became personal sculptor to Queen Isabel II’s Chamber. He is responsible for the lions you will find in the Congreso de los Diputados. They are made out of bronze from the bullets that were used in the Hispano-Moroccan War. In fact, they were named Daoíz and Velarde by the citizens after the heroes of the 2nd of May.

The statue of liberty in Madrid was created in 1853 and was placed at the inner courtyard of the Panteón de Hombres Ilustres, which has now been turned into a museum. You can visit it at Julián Gayarre street, behind the Basílica Nuestra Señora de Atocha, and the entry is free of charge.

Ponzano’s statues of liberty in Madrid

The statue of the liberty that lies in this pantheon is just one of the many you will encounter in Madrid. The first statue of liberty in the modern history was actually sculpted by Ponzano in 1848. It was placed on the frieze of the Congreso de los Diputados, portraying a hug between Spain and its Constitution. And now, if you look closely from the street you will see it.

The most famous statue of liberty, the one that can be found in New York, was made 38 years after this one and 33 after the one in Panteón de Hombres Ilustres. The American sculpture looks similar to the ones by the artist from Aragón. It surely leads us to think that the French Auguste Bartholdi could have been influenced by these pieces when sculpting the most famous monument in New York. The crown of sun rays is key to this idea.

The freedom and independence of USA are embodied by the Statue of Liberty in New York. And for that matter, it was a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of the Declaration of Independence. Three French citizens worked on it - the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. She is holding a torch in one hand and a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence, 4th of July of 1776, in the other. With a height of 93 metres, it is located in the south of Manhattan. It became a National Monument in the year 1924. The United States of America gifted France a reproduction of their statue to express their gratitude. It’s 11.5 metres high and lies on the banks of the Seine.

Although the one in Madrid was built more than three decades before, Auguste Bartholdi patented his Statue of Liberty in 1879 so he would receive every profit of its newer versions. And sadly, Ponciano Ponzano didn’t do the same. The Spanish artist lived his last days in extreme poverty.

Barcelona has a statue of liberty as well

Another statue of liberty is located in the Biblioteca Pública Arús of Barcelona. However, it is newer than the others. The Modernist sculptor Manel Fuxà made it in 1894.

It was placed in the library’s hall from the beginning and it is two metres high, just like Ponzano’s. But in this case, she’s holding a book. The words “Anima Libertas” can be read on it, which literally translates to “freedom of the soul.”

Plenty of statues of liberty can be found throughout the whole country. One of them is placed in Cadaqués - it was sculpted by Dalí, and the fact that both of its arms are raised make it a unique piece. In La Rioja, you will find the Cenicero statue, which was built in honour of those who fought in the First Carlist War. The Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence houses a similar work, which portrays the liberty of poetry.

Nevertheless, we will never be completely sure if the sculpture by Ponzano influenced Bartholdi to create the most famous statue in the whole world. Maybe it was a mere coincidence. But the one in Madrid will always hold the first place, as it came before the one in New York.

You can also read this article in Spanish here.

Brief history of the Almudena Cathedral

Visiting the Almudena Cathedral is an experience anyone travelling to Madrid should have. Not only due of its stunning architecture, but also because its history is just fascinating. It all started around the year 1868, when the congregation called Real Esclavitud de Santa María la Real de la Almudena asked permission to the archbishop of Toledo for building a church dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena. This way, the Spanish Crown handed them over the area of land in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. One can actually visit both jewels of Madrid in a few steps, since they are only metres apart.

The architect behind this work was Francisco de Cubas y Montes. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII made Madrid a diocese and the church became a cathedral. As a consequence, Francisco de Cubas y Montes altered his original plan. Now the temple would have a larger size, a French flamboyant neo-Gothic style, a Latin cross floor plan, and side chapels. In fact, the Almudena Cathedral, or the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, which is its full name, is divided into three naves with a semicircular apse and an ambulatory.

The vault of the Almudena Cathedral was one of the first parts they built, although Francisco de Cubas y Montes did not live to see it. It was Miguel Olabarría, Enrique Repullés and Vargas y Juan Moya who began to work on the cathedral’s construction. The most important modifications were made throughout the 20^th century. They lowered its height to match with the Royal Palace, built a new cloister for the archbishopric, made the paving with green and cream-coloured marble, and built an altarpiece for the Virgin of Almudena.

Finally, after 110 years of construction, on the 15 June 1993, Pope John Paul II travelled to Madrid to consecrate the Almudena Cathedral. Even after that, they continued with the construction works and further refined details for a few years.

What to see at the Almudena Cathedral

Exterior of the Almudena Cathedral

The Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, better known as the Almudena Cathedral, is one of those must-sees in Madrid one simply cannot miss. The first thing to strike the visitor will be its exterior look, with a double dom. If we look at its interior, the style is Gothic, but the outside has baroque nuances.

Regarding its main façade, it has a great portico with two rows of columns. Their lower part shows a Tuscan influence, whereas the upper section imitates the Ionic order. There is also a baroque niche hosting the Virgin of Almudena, which was placed there after the consecration of the temple. It is also worth mentioning the four statues by sculptor Ramón Chaparro: San Isidro Labrador, Santa María de la Cabeza, Santa Teresa de Jesús and San Fernando.

The tower to the right of the main façade is known as Mariana or “de los Gallegos”, because its bells were donated by Galician people. All their names are related to the Virgin Mary: Santa María la Real de la Almudena, Santa María de la Paloma, Santa María de Atocha and Santa María de la Flor de Lis. Moreover, the tower to the left has a carillon and its bells are called Benedicta, Ancilla Domini, Magnificat and Gratia Plena.

The façade facing the street of Bailén is the one people use everyday to enter the Almudena Cathedral. The monumental bronze gates were made by the sculptor Sanguino. They portray how Alfonso VI of León and Castile found the Virgin of Almudena the day Pope John Paul II consecrated the cathedral, and the procession of the virgin through the streets of Madid. A square dedicated to the pope lies in front of this façade, hosting a statue of more than three metres that pictures John Paul II, designed by Juan de Ávalos. There are also four fountains and streetlights of fernandino style, from the reign of Fernando VII of Spain.

Interior of the Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral has a Latin cross floor plan with a central nave and two lateral aisles. The main altarpiece displays a beautiful green marble. Behind it lies a sculpture depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus. This baroque work of art was designed by Juan de Mesa.

Of course, the Virgin of Almudena has her own altar on the right nave. It is a polychrome wooden structure of Gothic style placed in the central niche of an altarpiece, and it was made by Juan de Borgoña.

When it comes to the chapels of the central nave, the most outstanding ones are the chapel of the Santísimo and the central chapel of the ambulatory, dedicated to San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza. The chapels of the other naves are dedicated to contemporary saints.

The stained glass and the murals by Kiko Argüello stand out inside the Almudena Cathedral. They depict the Baptism, the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion, Christ Pantocrator, the Resurrection, the Ascension of Jesus, and the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The visitor will also be able to access the sacred art museum, which includes an entrance to the cathedral’s dome.

To end with, the crypt of the cathedral follows a Neo-Romanesque style and it keeps a 16^th-century depiction of the Virgin of Almudena. The most outstanding aspect of the crypt is perhaps the fact that it holds more than 400 columns with capitals. They mostly portray biblical figures and elements of nature. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that it holds five naves and 18 chapels too.

All in all, paying a visit to the Almudena Cathedral is fundamental for anyone wanting to explore Madrid and enjoy a magnificent temple.

The most beautiful villages to visit in Madrid

Chinchón

44 kilometres from the capital we find this village with a beautiful medieval Plaza Mayor ('Main Square') and just over 5000 residents. Its green balconies and irregular shape make this square an ideal place to have a snack after a long walk, as well as enjoy the heart of the town during festivities. You can see different buildings with popular architecture along its streets on your way to the clock tower or the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. The Castillo de los Condes is also an essential visit if you are going to spend the day in the town.

Manzanares El Real

This corner of the Sierra Norte is one of the most beautiful villages in Madrid for many reasons. The surrounding area is a real treat for nature lovers, who can swim or climb in La Pedriza or plan a hiking route in the largest protected natural area in the community: the Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares. But if you prefer to immerse yourself in the history of Manzanares El Real, you should not miss the castillo de los Mendoza, the best preserved castle in the region. This 15th century building, home to the Marquis of Santillana, houses the museum of Spanish castles and has a large collection of tapestries, as well as a Renaissance orchard and garden. From the top of the castle you can enjoy beautiful views of the Santillana reservoir and then enter the town's Plaza Mayor, where we recommend you visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and the Cañada Real bridge.

Buitrago del Lozoya

The wall is one of the first things you see when approaching Buitrago del Lozoya, a town with a long history where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together. This alone is worth a visit to this old town: it is the only wall that has been preserved in its entirety in the Community of Madrid. Once in the village, we advise you to start your visit in the Plaza de la Bellota in order to wander in the medieval streets of Buitrago. There you will discover monuments such as the Alcázar, the Iglesia of Santa María del Castillo or the clock tower. If you feel like it, you can learn about the story behind all the corners of the city on a dramatised tour. And if you are an art lover, you must stop at the Museo Picasso, where more than 60 works by the artist from Málaga, donated by Eugenio Arias, barber and friend of the artist, are on display.

La Hiruela

Barely 50 inhabitants live in this charming town in Madrid. It contains a magnificent biosphere reserve where you can discover hiking routes with magnificent views. Once you have finished, take some time to explore the streets of the medieval town, where the Museo Etnológico and the Baroque Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel stand out. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful villages in Madrid to escape for a just few hours or a lifetime.

Torrelaguna

It is no coincidence that this village of around 4700 inhabitants is a National Historic and Artistic Monument. The Convento de Las Carmelitas de la Caridad, the Palacio Arteaga, the old Hospital de la Santísima Trinidad, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, the town centre and the remains of its wall... Walking through Torrelaguna is pure history. The star of the ensemble? Undoubtedly, the Iglesia de la Magdalena, a Gothic temple with a Churrigueresque main altarpiece whose works were promoted by Cardinal Cisneros himself.

Nuevo Baztán

If there is one thing that distinguishes the small municipality of Nuevo Baztán, it is its unique character. Located 50 kilometres from Madrid, the village was born in the 18th century with a purely industrial purpose. The Navarrese Juan de Goyeneche founded a glass factory at the time, named after its valley of origin, which employed a great number of workers. For this reason, you will find the buildings of the town interesting, inspired by Baroque models different from those of the traditional medieval villages of the region. The palace and the church, based on a design by José de Churriguera, form a special combination that is well worth a visit.

Patones de Arriba

Among cobbled streets and slate houses stands Patones de Arriba, a small yet charming town that even had its own king until the 18th century. Patones is an ideal destination to disconnect for a day to enjoy nature (it is a must to visit the Cueva del Reguerillo) and contemplate the many examples of black town architecture that characterize the small municipality of the Sierra. There is a reason why some consider it one of the most beautiful towns in Madrid and it is obvious.

Rascafría

Valle del Lozoya is our last recommendation, the place where Rascafría, one of the most beautiful villages in Madrid, is located. If you visit this municipality you cannot miss the Carthusian Monasterio de Santa María de El Paular, located on the outskirts of this town. You will marvel at its beautiful buildings, such as its neo-Mudejar town hall or the Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol. This area is perfect for active tourism in the exceptional surroundings of the Parque Natural de Peñalara and the lovely Arboreto Giner de los Ríos.

The lack of a forward-looking bourgeoisie and the influence of the traditionalist institution known as Real Academia de San Fernando made it difficult for Madrid to join this new artistic movement. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the capital of Spain rejected the avant-garde, they did not want to fall behind the other European capitals. As a consequence, thanks to Madrid’s cosmopolitan aspirations, modernism was not entirely shunned there. 

This is how modernism grew in Madrid, with two distinctive features that separated it from other artistic movements. First, modernism in Madrid has an eclectic nature, not only because it blends with other artistic movements, but also due to the eclectic essence of modernism. That is, it combines elements of the French art nouveau, as well as the Catalan and Viennese modernist styles. Secondly, when we talk about Madrid’s modernism, we are also referring to a decorative type of modernism, which mostly shows up in interiors and façades.  

If we are to identify the modernist elements of the city, we will have to have a close look at Madrid’s architecture, such as its windows, façades, and gargoyles. We should also walk into different buildings, which might not seem modernist at first glance, but they keep true hidden gems inside. Modernism relies on attention to detail, and we are about to go look for it throughout the city.  

Route through the most significant buildings of modernist Madrid

The palace of Longoria

It is estimated that Madrid is home to at least 200 pieces of modernism. We could not possibly go over all of them, so we will only explore some of the most remarkable modernist pieces of architecture in Madrid, starting with the renowned palace of Longoria. 

It was built in 1912, designed by José Frases Riera for a banker called Javier González Longoria. Despite the fact that both the layout and the general essence of the building seem to be eclectic, the coating of its façade and many other elements inside the palace follow a clear modernist pattern. For instance, the main staircase and the dome of the palace of Longoria are worth mentioning here. 

Casino de Madrid

Apart from the palace of Longoria, the staircase of Casino de Madrid is perhaps the most remarkable artwork of the capital’s early-20th-century modernism. This project was managed by architect José López Sallaberry, who designed the staircase crowned by a glass dome and decorated following the art nouveau architectural style. He based the design on a proposal by Antonio Palacios and Joaquín Otamendi, and the different sculptures decorating the main room combine vegetal and maritime motifs with hedonistic and mythological themes. 

Cementerio de la Almudena

Cementerio de la Almudena, or the Almudena Cemetery, is one of the largest cemeteries in Western Europe, and it has modernist traces too. The beautiful architecture of this necropolis includes an impressive portico, administrative buildings, and a stunning chapel. Some elements of Cementerio de la Almudena even remind us of the designs of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. 

Casa Pérez Villamil and other modernist residential buildings

There are many residential buildings in Madrid displaying modernist elements. We might find them when we stroll down the streets, anytime we pay attention to the shapes of the capital. Many of them could fall under the category of eclectic architecture, although they still have a strong modernist influence. For instance, this is the case of Casa Gallardo, in the street of Ferraz, the workshop of Patricio Romero in the street of General Palanca, or Colonia de la Prensa in Eugenia de Montijo. In fact, the latter was one of the greatest examples of modernist architecture in Madrid when it was first built. Nonetheless, currently its state of preservation is not great, although we can still admire the beauty of its main entrance. 

Another residential building worth mentioning here would be Casa Pérez Villamil, also considered as a landmark of modernist Madrid. Once again, it is an eclectic building with several modernist details, including outstanding balconies and viewpoints, stained glass windows and beautiful rails. 

Modernism all over Madrid

This route through modernist Madrid could go on longer and longer. It is important to note that we can find traces of this artistic movement in all kinds of buildings, not only residential houses. Some of them are fairly popular, at least for the inhabitants of Madrid. For example, this is the case of Depósito Canal de Isabel II, right next to Madrid’s Matadero, or the cinema known as Ideal at Madrid’s city centre. 

Mausoleums are a common representative of this type of architecture too. For instance, we have the mausoleum of Francisco Pi y Margall at the Cementerio Civil de la Almudena, the Panteón Guirao of the Cementerio Sacramental de San Isidro or the mausoleum of Mateo López Sánchez, among others.

Other buildings where we can follow the footsteps of modernist Madrid include the bridge of Reina Victoria, the theatre Infanta Isabel, the church of Buena Dicha or the shop of Vaquería-lechería in the street of San Joaquín. As we said before, this architectural style can be found all over Madrid. We just have to look closely at the city and we will find countless modernist details that make Madrid even more beautiful. 

The natural gems of Madrid

The beech forest of Montejo will be the starting point of the road trip. This landscape with a thousand colours and 250 hectares lies in the mountain range of El Rincón, to the right of the river Jarama. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2017 for its peculiar features and natural value. The access is limited to ensure the forest’s correct preservation, but it is worth doing a bit of paperwork. Besides, it is free to visit. 

After enjoying this delightful natural space, we will head to a town that stands out for the landscape it rests on. Indeed, Buitrago de Lozoya rises over the Lozoya river, forming a peninsula that is protected by a natural moat. It is also surrounded by a wall that was built in the 11th century. Buitrago is beautiful to admire from afar, and once the visitor comes near, they will discover fascinating monuments too, like the church of Santa María del Castillo. 

Nevertheless, the most beautiful town in Madrid is perhaps Patones de Arriba, a small corner with slate houses hidden in Madrid’s Sierra Norte. Legend has it that, due to its isolated nature, Patones became an independent kingdom. It definitely has the elegance and peacefulness for it. Walking along its narrow streets and old houses is just lovely. 

After visiting Patones de Arriba, we will cross the Community of Madrid from east to west. This will take approximately an hour, and will let us enjoy a nice view of the mountains of Madrid. After that, Rascafría awaits us. This place in the Lozoya Valley, in the mountain range of Guadarrama, is a great getaway destination for any time of the year. 

It lies at an altitude of more than 1000 metres. Anyone who visits Rascafría should follow the course of the Artiñuelo, a tributary of the Lozoya river. The monastery of El Paular, a jewel from the 14th century, is also a must-see in the area. 

The most prominent jewel of the northern Community of Madrid is probably El Escorial. In fact, it used to be known as the “eighth wonder of the world”. It was built under the reign of Philip II of Spain, and its construction began in 1561, ending 21 years later. Nowadays, both the monumental complex and its surroundings are open to visit. We can even see the chair where the king tracked the progress of his legacy. 

Historical sites in the Community of Madrid

This road trip across the Community of Madrid will avoid the capital city and its surroundings. Hence, it will take us south from El Escorial, crossing the natural landscape of Cuenca Alta del Manzanares. We may see on our way places inviting us to rest there and hiking routes that prompt us to walk and never stop walking. 

If you do not, in fact, want to stop, you can pass by places like Colmenar Viejo, Tres Cantos or Alcobendas until you reach Alcalá de Henares. This is one of the few cities in Spain that have been declared a World Heritage Site, thanks to its old town, its university, which is one of the most influential institutions in Europe, and its rich cultural life. Moreover, Alcalá used to be a Roman villa, and its traces can still be tracked in places like the House of Hippolytus.

Another must-see when it comes to Madrid’s Villas is Chinchón. Its main square has 234 colourful balconies, and it has staged many film shootings. Its unique architecture is already widely recognised. One cannot leave Chinchón without visiting the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, whose main altarpiece hosts the painting La Asunción de la Virgen by famous artist Francisco de Goya. 

Colmenar de Oreja has become increasingly popular among tourists lately. This is one of those places that has succeeded at keeping its historical essence. In fact, the main square of the town perfectly portrays the typical Spanish squares from past times. It is always great to let this place seduce you. 

This road trip in the Community of Madrid will come to an end in Aranjuez. It rests on a privileged location, where the Tajo and the Jarama rivers meet — the former being the longest river of the peninsula and, the latter, its tributary. Their banks witnessed the birth of stunning gardens, groves and forests. 

The Catholic Monarchs saw the value of Aranjuez and they annexed the place to the Spanish Crown. In fact, it was the main summer residence of the Spanish royal family for a long time. In 2001, Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site. We cannot think of a better place to end this journey and rest for a bit surrounded by gardens and nature.  

As a result, they created a project called América en Madrid. Patrimonios Interconectados e impacto turístico en la Comunidad de Madrid (“America in Madrid. Interconnected heritage and tourism impact in the Community of Madrid”). The research group behind said project is called AmerMad, and their main goal is to restore the knowledge regarding the American heritage they had in Madrid during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as to reconsider the position said heritage should take in a more inclusive and multicultural approach towards the history of Spanish art. 

To that end, in 2022 AmerMad founded the “American routes of the Community of Madrid”, thanks to the co-funding of the Fondo Social Europeo and the Community of Madrid. This project consists of three routes that seek to explore the American culture and heritage in Spain’s capital city. All three routes can be enjoyed in an interactive way, with pictures, videos, oral and written guides, activities, etc. Besides, all of them can be complemented with delicious food from American countries. 

American routes in Madrid to enjoy its past and culture

The first route, perfect for the youngest ones

The first American route takes about four hours to finish and it is mostly aimed at families with kids between 7 and 12 years old. It departs from the Museo de América, a museum that is focused on reviewing the society, traditions, religion and overall reality of the American continent, and it does so by exhibiting several objects that recount its history from the pre-Hispanic period. 

After visiting this building, we will head to the Parque del Oeste. The green space that constitutes one of the largest parks in the city keeps a series of sculptures dedicated to important Hispanic-American historical figures, including Simón Bolívar, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Hernán Cortés. We can wrap up this route in the Peruvian restaurant of La Morocha, where the visitor will be able to enjoy another aspect of the Latin American culture: its amazing food. 

The second American route in Madrid: walking from a park into the sea

If we keep tracing the American tracks in Madrid, we will come across the second route, which will take us about five hours to finish. This time, the tour starts outdoors, in the Buen Retiro Park, and it will end in the Naval Museum of Madrid. We will be able to enjoy the traditional Peruvian gastronomy too, in the restaurant called El Tamalito right between the park and the museum. 

But what does El Retiro have to do with Hispanic-American history, you might ask? Well, this park, just as Parque del Oeste, is full of monuments that honour its legacy. Some examples could be the monument to Cuba, the bust of famous Mexican singer and actor Pedro Vargas Mata, or the monument to Eloy Blanco, a poet, lawyer and politician from Venezuela. However, this is not the only connection the Buen Retiro Park has with America. Indeed, the Retiro is home to many plant species coming from that continent, like the liquidambar, the Chilean pepper tree, or the Arizona cypress. 

Apart from that, our visit to El Retiro must definitely include a stop in Casa de Fieras, Madrid’s first ever zoo. During its active years, between 1774 and 1972, this place welcomed a wide variety of animal species, most of which came from Iberian America. Likewise, the garden of La Rosaleda, following the pattern of the 20th-century French gardens and also located in the Retiro Park, was built in 1954 as a symbol of the connection between Madrid and Mexico City. 

As we said before, the second American route will end in the Naval Museum of Madrid. This museum tells the history of Spain from the period known as the Age of Discovery to the 19th century. There the visitor will find different navigational instruments, vessel models, and such remarkable objects as the map of Juan de la Cosa, the earliest known representation of America. 

The third route in Madrid: a look into South American customs 

The last American route in Madrid, which lasts about four hours, includes a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and a walk through the Real Jardín Botánico (“Royal Botanical Garden”). Once again, we will finish the tour tasting Latin American delicacies. This time we will eat at the Argentinian bar called La Yapa, in the market of Antón Martín. 

Our visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, the first anthropological museum in Spain, will focus on the second floor, which is dedicated to American cultures. This particular section of the museum explores the customs and lifestyle of different cultures of South American countries through a series of objects and human remains. 

Additionally, the Real Jardín Botánico plays an important role in the connection between both continents. As a matter of fact, the botanical garden welcomed the findings of the Spanish scientific expeditions in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many among the 5000 species coming from all over the world belong to countries in South and Central America. There are some places that stand out in the botanical garden in this respect, like the greenhouses of Santiago Castroviejo and Graells. 

You can also read this article in the Feeling Madrid page of the Community of Madrid.

A morning of wandering through temples

We suggest starting up the day by visiting Plaza de España. Its last restoration works made it more attractive for pedestrians, hence it has become a space for leisure. Despite all the changes the square has undergone, the Monument to Miguel de Cervantes stands out there just as it did before.  

The Royal Palace of Madrid and its beautiful gardens

The next stop on our route around the city centre of Madrid would be the Sabatini Gardens. They were designed in the 1930s, following a classicist architectural style, and they make up one of the most beautiful sceneries of Habsburg Madrid. The gardens spread on the site where the old stables designed by Sabatini used to be. 

The Sabatini Gardens are known to embellish and complement Madrid’s Royal Palace. In fact, some of the sculptures that were supposed to decorate the latter can now be spotted scattered throughout the gardens. If you want to enjoy the green side of Madrid for a little longer, you can keep walking until you reach the city’s river: the Manzanares. Once there, we suggest visiting the gardens of Campo del Moro. They spread for more than 20 hectares and they are considered a historic-artistic monument. 

The history of the Royal Palace goes back in time to a period where Madrid was called Mayrit and it was still under Arab reign. Indeed, this is where they built the first fortress watching over Madrid’s mountain range. Over time, it evolved to become the great alcazar it used to be in the mid-18th century. However, a fire would completely destroy it, and it was then that King Felipe V made his architects build the current palace. Nowadays, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Madrid, no matter how much time they have. And its interior is really worth visiting too. 

The Almudena Cathedral

We suggest walking into the Almudena Cathedral as well. This building should be admired from all perspectives, and there are few sights in Madrid that overcome the picture we get from the road of La Vega. From there, the cathedral’s greatness can be admired in all its glory. It probably seems older, but the original church was first designed in 1879. Six years later, thanks to a papal bull, the project changed directions and headed towards the cathedral we know today. Its construction finished in 1993. 

Other temples in Madrid

Another spectacular temple, which happens to be less popular than the Almudena Cathedral, is the basilica of San Francisco el Grande. Its architectural style has beautiful Neoclassical tints, and we can blame the Italian architect Francesco Sabatini for them, since he finished the last works on the basilica in the 18th century. Besides, the interior of the basilica keeps works by renowned artists like Goya and Zurbarán. Its dome is the largest one in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe, only after the dome of San Pedro and the Pantheon, both of them in Rome, and Brunelleschi’s dome in the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, this one in Florence.

If you still wish to visit more temples, you can always go see the church of San Andrés Apóstol, which is one of the oldest ones in Madrid. Another old building that might not be sacred, but it can certainly provide a divine experience, is the market of San Miguel. It is more than a hundred years old and it provides a rich insight into the gastronomy of the capital of Spain. We suggest eating there if you have the chance.

The city centre of Madrid: a pleasant afternoon walk

Madrid’s most important squares: Playa Mayor, Sol and Callao

After we lunch, it is always nice to sit down with a cup of coffee in the terraces of the Plaza Mayor. If you have not eaten yet, you can also grab the most typical sandwich of Madrid, the bocadillo de calamares, and enjoy it under the sun that usually caresses this square. After that, we will have to walk a little until we reach Puerta del Sol, one of the most emblematic squares in Madrid; and then head to Callao, which is equally emblematic, and only a few minutes away. 

The most popular streets in Madrid: Gran Vía and Prado

The square of Callao is right next to the Gran Vía, the backbone of Madrid connecting its most important landmarks. We can either stay there for a while and go shopping or keep walking until we reach the fountain of Cibeles. We will find the Círculo de Bellas Artes on our way, with its impressive rooftop and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a drink or a snack and enjoying Madrid from above. 

After we fall in love with Cibeles, we will take down the boulevard known as Paseo del Prado and head to another stunning fountain: the fountain of Neptune. This is one of the most beautiful sites of Madrid, and you will be able to enjoy a delightful walk surrounded by majestic buildings. However, you will probably be tired by now, and it is time to make a decision. You can either head to Barrio de las Letras, a charming neighbourhood with lots of history and many traces from the artists who inhabited it, or visit one of the museums we can find in this boulevard: the Thyssen, the Reina Sofía, or the Prado Museum. It would also be nice to enjoy the park of El Retiro and see the colours of the sky fading on its lakes as the sun sets over Madrid.   

The sunsets of Madrid

We could also go back to where we started and enjoy the sunset from a historical point of view. The Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral witness the sun sinking on the horizon every night, as the sky shines with bright shades and, little by little, one begins to understand why people say “de Madrid al cielo”.  

Considered one of the most intelligent and influential women of the time, María Josefa was at ease between the 17th and 18th centuries. A period of great changes in which the Enlightenment, the Napoleonic invasion and knowledge marked the life of the duchess. Together with her husband Pedro de Alcántara Téllez Girón y Pacheco, a military man and ambassador of Charles IV, they built this very special place that we are still lucky enough to enjoy today.

An everlasting garden

Thanks to the couple's travels around Europe, the duchess was imbued with the architecture in vogue at the time. As one of the most influential figures at court and in the country, she decided it was her time. After a brief stay in a palace on the Cuesta de la Vega, the dukes moved to a neoclassical mansion in La Alameda in 1783, on the outskirts of Madrid. This was the germ of today's Capricho.

Since then, the duchess poured all her imagination, desires and projects into the grounds surrounding the palace. In addition to the modifications made to the palace, the works around it played a key role. The number of folies or whims that can be found today are of great beauty and historical interest.

The whims of El Capricho

Something common throughout Europe, as a form of flaunting and recreation, was the construction of structures known as folies or whims in landscaped areas. These were purely ornamental displays of economic power, which at El Capricho took on great importance. The hermitage, the bee-keeper's house, the old woman's house, the fort, the jetty and the iron bridge are some of them. A few are even without foundations, a symptom of ephemeral constructions.

A place dedicated to culture and knowledge

Here, culture and sophistication reigned above all. In the early 19th century, the palace became a center of cultural exchange due to the dukes' status as patrons of arts. Philosophy, music and painting were the themes that were developed in one of the largest private libraries of the time. It was Goya who undoubtedly developed a fundamental part of his work here.

The painter from Fuendetodos was a great friend of the Duke and Duchess of Osuna, for whom he painted portraits and some of the artist's most obscure and intriguing works. The compositions on the subject of Bruges are among the most interesting. Commissioned by the duchess for her personal cabinet, this compendium of six paintings includes the famous Vuelo de brujas (Flight of Witches) or The Coven. Without El Capricho, Goya might not have achieved his full potential.

Many symbols reveal the dukes' passion for the mystical world, esotericism and even masonry. The duchess herself was granted special permission by the Inquisition to have in her possession forbidden books full of mysticism and sacrilegious stories, more than 60,000 volumes in all. One of these symbols is the statue of Saturn devouring his son. This was directly inspired by the aesthetics of Goya's own painting.

Also of interest is a small pyramid next to the hermitage, under which lie the remains of the former hermit who lived there by order of the owners. However, after excavations carried out on the site, not a single bone was found. On the other hand, both in the palace and in the dance casino, you can see reliefs with mythological and allegorical scenes depicting rites related to masonry. A real challenge for the visitor.

El Capricho and the vicissitudes of the war

Two wars were waged against this cultural heritage site. The War of Independence, during which the dukes had to go into exile, and the Civil War. But it was the latter that mortally wounded El Capricho. After the arrival of Fernando VII in Spain in 1814, the dukes were able to rebuild their beloved Capricho.

However, after the Civil War and the occupation of the site by General Miaja's troops, the palace and some of the buildings suffered irreparable damage. The famous bunkers on the site date from this historical moment.

After passing through several hands and a gradual and silent abandonment, the park was finally acquired by the Madrid City Council in 1974. Once again, El Capricho survived to the present day despite attempts to demolish to build a hotel. Today you can enjoy a green space in which the several gardens (parterre, English and French garden, laurel maze...) and the foliage harmonise perfectly.

The access to the site is restricted to weekends and public holidays, and it is forbidden to bring food, balls or anything that might damage the facilities. There is a reason why it is a magical corner of Madrid full of beauty.

Quick introduction to the street name plates of Madrid

Madrid has not always been the busy capital we know today. In fact, it had to go through a long process of growth and transformation to become the city we enjoy when we visit Madrid now. For instance, its streets remained nameless until 1833, when the city council decided to sort this problem out. They had to name Madrid’s streets, or at least number them. To that end, they placed white plaques with black inscriptions on the city’s walls. Some of the oldest ones have been preserved to this day. 

However, the street name plates in Madrid most people think about are not that old. In fact, they have not been around for more than thirty years, but their beauty and the craftsman’s artistry make us forget about the city of Madrid and travel to the old villa it used to be. These beautiful ceramic name plates decorate some of the streets in Madrid’s city centre, and one can know for sure the past of Madrid still inhabits its walls and buildings by looking up and admiring these works of art. 

The artist behind the name plates is Alfredo Ruíz de Luna, a Spanish ceramist who came from a long line of ceramics masters. He was born in Talavera de la Reina, in the province of Toledo, and he brought with him the tradition to tell stories through ceramics. One of the main aspects that made him special was the fact that he knew how to communicate in a way that those who could not read were also able to understand his messages.   

And that is exactly the core of Ruíz de Luna’s nameplates: telling stories about Madrid that could be accessed by anyone, mostly through illustrations. These little squares are 60 centimetres long, and they are made of nine ceramic tiles. They portray different characters, tales and professions that gave name to their streets, planting the seeds of the diverse city we know today. 

The ceramic name plates of Madrid, great little artworks

Some of the streets in Madrid perfectly illustrate this. For instance, there is the street of La Ribera de Curtidores (“The Tanners’ Riverside”), where we can read the story of the leather tanners that worked in today’s Rastro, a popular open air flea market. The name of this area comes from the Spanish word rastro, meaning “trace”: the blood trace left by the tanners on the streets. Lavapiés began to be called that because travellers had to clean their shoes before stepping into the inns in the neighbourhood, as we can read on the nameplate. 

Other street names, and thus other ceramic plates, tell us about people from the past. This is the case of the street of Manuela Malasaña, which honours a tailor that lost her life defending Madrid from the French. This happened on the 2nd May 1808, with the uprising that took place in Spain’s capital and led to the Peninsular War. This plaque pictures the young woman, already dead, in the midst of battle. 

There are different chapters of Madrid’s history, and even legends, wandering through the names of the streets. Legend has it that the peculiar street of Mira el Río Alta (“Watch the River High”) was called this way because its inhabitants used to climb up a rock to watch the houses and animals being dragged by the river during the tragic 15th century floods. The name of the street of Buenavista comes from the story of a knight of the family of the Castellano, who saved a maiden called Buenavista from a Muslim man who was trying to kidnap her. The house of this family used to be right there. 

The street of the Abada, which is an old Spanish word for rhinoceros, reminds us of how one of those animals disrupted the peace of the whole neighbourhood for a few days. The street of La Pasa has its own saying, which is a wordplay: “quien no pasa por la calle de la Pasa, no se casa” (“if you don’t walk by the street of La Pasa, you won’t get married”). It also has a tradition we can learn about on the plaque. We could go on and on discussing all these artworks that can be found all over Madrid, and tell us countless fascinating stories regarding the past of the city.

However, only a few people can name more than five churches in Madrid. This is why we refer to them as unknown temples, because, even if some might seem quite popular, many people might have never heard of them. In fact, that is the case of most of them. This is why we will also be focusing on the beauty of the temples as well. These are the most beautiful unknown churches of Madrid. 

Discover the most beautiful unknown churches of Madrid

Real Basílica de San Francisco El Grande, the largest dome in Spain

In 2019, this basilica was voted as the most beautiful church in Madrid in an online contest where no less than 32 churches took part. Anybody who enters its central nave and witnesses its massive dome, which is 58 metres high and has a diameter of 33 metres, will perfectly understand why people place so much value on it. 

It is, in fact, the largest dome in Spain and the fourth largest in the whole Europe, only after three Italian competitors (in San Pedro, the Pantheon, and another one in Florence). This dome also overcomes in size such impressive buildings as St Paul's Cathedral in London. Apart from that, San Francisco El Grande stands out for its rich art collection, encompassing artworks by renowned painters like Goya or Zurbarán. 

Colegiata de San Isidro, the old cathedral of Madrid

We will leave San Francisco El Grande behind, walking down the street of the same name until we reach the square of La Cebada. Next to the Metro station of La Latina, we will take the street of Toledo and head to the second church on the list: Colegiata de San Isidro. This time, we will be visiting a Baroque temple that acted as the main cathedral of Spain’s capital between 1885 and 1992. San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid, is buried there. 

Basílica Pontificia de San Miguel and its peculiar façade

We will not leave the street of Toledo yet. Instead, we will turn left in the street of La Colegiata. About 300 metres ahead,  in the street of San Justo, we will see the façade of a peculiar church that reminds us of Roman temples. Said façade is the most outstanding element of the basilica of San Miguel. Indeed, its convex shape makes it one of the most remarkable buildings of the Spanish Baroque. Our first impression may be attributed to the architects who designed it, since they were Italian. Inside the church, the mural paintings decorating the apse are worth mentioning.  

The church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, the “Sistine Chapel” of Madrid

Further on, walking along such emblematic places as Calle Mayor, the square of Callao and Gran Vía, we will reach the church of San Antonio de los Alemanes in the street of La Puebla. In the 2019 contest we mentioned earlier, this church ranked second on the list of the most beautiful churches in Madrid. It has an ellipsoidal floor plant and beautiful frescoes everywhere. This is why many consider San Antonio de los Alemanes as the “Sistine Chapel” of Madrid. 

Real Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, a hidden corner in Gran Vía

It will only take us about seven minutes by foot to go from the church of San Antonio de los Alemanes to the Real Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, the fifth stop on our route through the unknown churches of Madrid. In this particular case, we could say the church is hidden rather than unknown, not because one cannot see it at first sight, but because most citizens of Madrid regularly walk by it without noticing its presence. Moreover, this Neoclassical temple in Gran Vía, Madrid’s crowded city centre, seems a lot smaller than it actually is. If we walk inside, we will be able to admire the beautiful granite columns spreading along the nave, as well as its stunning vault.

The church of San Jerónimo el Real, one of the most important monasteries in Madrid

The next church lies next to the Prado Museum. In fact, we can even spot the Gothic building from the Prado’s gardens, only a few metres away. A great staircase will lead us to the church of San Jerónimo el Real, also known as “Los Jerónimos”. It used to be one of the most important convents in Madrid, and it has hosted more than one oath ceremonies of the heirs to the Spanish Crown.  

The church of San Manuel y San Benito next to the Retiro Park

Paradoxically, the last unknown church we will visit in Madrid is the most popular one on the list: the church of San Manuel y San Benito. Its name might not ring a bell, but most people would recognise it if they saw it. San Manuel y San Benito can be seen from the Retiro Park, and this church of Neo- Byzantine style is incredibly beautiful both inside and out. It was designed by the architect Fernando Arbós y Tremanti in the early 20th century, and it served as a school and a church/convent of the Order of Saint Augustine.

Other non-Catholic temples in Madrid

Considering Madrid is home to 84 churches, we obviously left most of them out, like the churches of San Ginés, Santa Bárbara and San Antón. In addition, the diverse identity of Madrid always involves a wide variety of cultures, hence there are many non-Catholic churches there too. For instance, we have the Iglesia Evangélica Alemana de la Paz and the Catedral Ortodoxa Rusa Santa María Magdalena: a Lutheran church and an Orthodox one. Further away from Catholicism, there is the mosque of the M-30 road, Madrid’s synagogue and some Buddhist temples such as the one in the street of Luis de la Torre, in Usera. Visiting all these temples in Madrid will let us walk past many emblematic sites in Spain’s capital and explore its architecture through a different lens.  

A route through underground Madrid

Madrid’s Metro: a journey to the past

When we think about a route through underground Madrid, it inevitably comes to mind the tunnels and stations of Madrid’s Metro: the railway system of the city. In fact, we could write an entire article about the underground of Madrid, considering this framework of tunnels keeps a few corners Madrid’s Metro now exhibits as a museum. 

For instance, there is the Metro station of Chamberí, also known as the phantom station. When we travel on line 1 between the Metro stations of Iglesia and Bilbao, we will be able to see, just for a moment, a platform where the train never stops. The first time one spots this station, it might even seem like an illusion. That is obviously not the case. The Metro station of Chamberí was founded when Madrid’s Metro started to work in 1919, and it was up and running until 1966. Nevertheless, it is currently just a museum, and maybe a gateway to the past as well.   

Madrid’s Metro hosts two other sites for exhibition. The train station of Pacífico, designed by the same architect behind Chamberí, Antonio Palacios, still keeps its old lobby just as it was in 1923. Likewise, Nave de Motores holds the machinery that used to keep the engines running in the past. 

The lesser-known Caños del Peral also works as a museum nowadays. In the past, it was a public fountain supplying water to the city. Under Metro Ópera we can find a replica of the old fountain, the aqueduct Amaniel and the sewers of Arenal. 

Two other interesting points from a historical perspective in Madrid’s Metro: the archaeological site of Metro Carpentana and the historical train exhibition in the Chamartín station. 

Remnants of the Spanish Civil War

Between November 1936 and March 1937, Spain’s capital city became the front line of the Spanish Civil War.  In this context, the citizens of Madrid and the republican government built bunkers and shelters to defend themselves against the enemy. This is the case of the Retiro’s air raid shelter, designed to protect the city’s civilians. During the post-war era, this space was used to grow mushrooms, which worked perfectly thanks to the light and humidity of the building. 

The bunker known as Posición Jaca is the most famous in the capital. It lies in the park of El Capricho, it has been perfectly preserved and one can even book a visit there. Back then, it was used as a shelter for the Spanish Republican Army. 

There is another bunker that served as the headquarters of the Spanish Republican Army under the square of Cibeles. It was disguised as a regular military quarter, but this bunker hid a passageway giving access to the palace of Buenavista, which was the War Ministry back then. Nowadays, it is not possible to go inside, but we can still visit the location that gave access to the bunker: a public restroom between the square of Cibeles and the Prado Museum. 

Secret tunnels and passages in underground Madrid

Our journey through underground Madrid will take us through the secret tunnels and passages used by many kings and politics to sneak out. This time, we will come across stories rather than places, since most of these secret passages have been sealed over time. However, we can still come close and imagine the stories that took place there. 

Our next stop will take us to the square of La Encarnación, next to the monastery of the same name. During the 18th century, there was an exterior passageway linking this building to the Royal Alcázar of Madrid, which stood on the very place where we can currently see the Royal Palace. It was an outdoors passage everyone could see, and its walls were decorated with many artworks. Legend has it there were other underground passages ending in the Alcázar. 

However, we know for a fact that the tunnel of Bonaparte connected the Royal Palace to the park of Casa de Campo. Said passage was built, as its name suggests, by José Bonaparte. They did so in the early 19th century, with the aim of having a way out in case they needed to escape. A century later, during the Spanish Civil War, it was used to store ammunition. Nevertheless, when they built the road M30, the tunnel had to be shut down. However, it still has two entrances: one in Campo del Moro and the other in Madrid Río. They are both closed to the public, though. 

Another must-see stop on this route through underground Madrid lies in the Ateneo, a cultural institution of Spain’s capital. If we look behind the statue of Isabel II of Spain that guards the main entrance, we will find a secret door that will take us down a spiral staircase all the way to the Congreso de los Diputados, a legislative branch of Spain’s government. Two corridors depart from this space: one links it to the Ateneo, and the other to Puerta del Sol. In the past —and perhaps currently too— they were escape routes designed to exit the building in case of emergency. Some people believe there were other secret passages there, but it is difficult to know that for sure.

The park of El Retiro hides many secrets too, like the shelter we mentioned before. In the 18th century, it hosted a porcelain factory that stood near the statue of the Fallen Angel. The factory’s name was Real Fábrica de Porcelana del Buen Retiro, and it was internationally acclaimed. They got rid of the factory’s waste through an underground tunnel that connected it to the city’s outskirts: that is, today’s popular Atocha. In this case, the passage can only be accessed by police and a few more workers. 

Vaults and bandits’ caves

We cannot finish this walk through underground Madrid without mentioning the vault hiding under the fountain of Cibeles. It is protected by an impenetrable security system and it keeps the gold reserves of the Bank of Spain. 

We should not forget to mention the intricate system of tunnels and caves under Plaza Mayor either. They were mainly used as warehouses and workrooms, but there are also rumours that they were used by bandits and outlaws to hide from authorities. Either way, it is right here where our route through the underground city of Madrid will finally come to an end. 

Visit Madrid and its endless possibilities

Visit Madrid is an intuitive and innovative app with a wide variety of content. Its main goal is to improve the experience of anyone visiting the Community of Madrid. It encompasses different categories, including the downloadable maps that will become a must for many. There are also routes suggested by the Community of Madrid where the circuit is clearly indicated and linked to the navigation system, perfect for those interested in this type of tourism.  

Besides the metaverse, which we will discuss further on, the main novelties of Visit Madrid are perhaps its events calendar and fun approach towards learning the history of the Community of Madrid. Regarding the former, more than fifty city councils have reached an agreement with Visit Madrid to include their private events on the app. This way, the users accessing the calendar will be aware of all the events happening in the autonomous community. 

On another note, Madrid’s approach on interactive history lessons will include virtual reality experiences through Visit Madrid. Moreover, with the mobile app, we will be able to learn the history of many places throughout the autonomous community as told by historical figures associated with those places. This way, the very King Felipe II of Spain will personally tell us about the monastery of El Escorial, one of his greatest accomplishments. 

The first metaverse in an autonomous community

As we said earlier, the main reason why Visit Madrid is such an innovative app is the fact that it has its own metaverse. For those who might not be familiar with the concept yet, a metaverse is a virtual environment one can access through VR glasses. This immersive experience makes the users feel as if they really were there. 

The metaverse of the Community of Madrid allows us to admire the region from above. Aranjuez, El Escorial and the valley of Lozoya are some of the sceneries we can visit through this exciting virtual flight, and one can listen to the history of those places while doing so. All in all, it is a different way of getting to know the Community of Madrid.

Visit Madrid does not, by any means, intend to replace the real experience of a traveller, nor the role of the guides that lead us through the streets and the natural landscapes of the Community of Madrid.  It is simply a tool to complement all that. Visit Madrid has its eyes on the future of the metaverse while offering the traditional tourist experience, although updated to a present perspective.

These trips are arranged by Eco Tuk Tuk, an eco-friendly alternative that only uses electrical vehicles. Thanks to their services, we can visit Madrid without harming the environment, and in a fun way too. Will you join us on this ride?

The eco Tuk experience: a fun ride with great views

It might sound like a First World problem, but the tourist’s life can sometimes be too exhausting, considering all the planning and watching and walking it involves. Who would want to spend more time moving around and waiting for transport to arrive than actually enjoying the city? Sometimes we just need to rest a little, but we do not want to waste time either. For instance, Madrid bus tours are quite interesting, although they might be too touristy. Tuk Tuk tours offer a nice alternative in that sense.

Madrid is full of possibilities, but it is also extremely large. We could spend a whole year living there and still not have the chance to visit all of its most important landmarks, like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza Colon, Gran Vía, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, museums such as the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia Museum… Hence, the success of all the different Madrid city tours: because they are fun, effective and comfortable. One can just sit back, relax and enjoy admiring the streets, squares and rich architecture of such a diverse city. This way, we can make the most of one day in Madrid. Needless to say, kids are more likely to enjoy a nice sightseeing tour than a long walk through the city. There are many fun activities for children in Madrid, and Tuk Tuk tours could fall into that category.

2 tours in Madrid to make the most of Spain’s capital

Whether you are passionate about history or you just love contemplating beautiful buildings and parks, there is a tour that is perfect for you. Tuk Tuk Madrid will show you around the most relevant spots in Spain’s capital. There are different types of tours to try out: Tuk Tuk Madrid limo tours, private tours… and the Tuk Tuk Madrid prices have excellent rates too. These are some of the most popular trips.

Welcome tour: a two-hour crash course on Madrid

Through this Tuk Tuk tour, one can visit all the must-sees in Madrid in the average time span of a film. For instance, it will take us to the San Miguel market, which was built more than 100 years ago. Its beautiful iron structure hosts diverse stalls with gourmet tapas, making it the perfect stop for a “tapas tour”: delicious food under great architecture, what else could we ask for?

The tour will unveil the secrets of the most important landmarks in Madrid, like the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple surrounded by water; the Neo-classical gate known as Puerta de Alcala; the Prado Museum, one of the best art museums in the world where we can find artworks like Las Meninas by Velázquez; and the fountain of Cibeles, a jewel of marble statues. We will also be able to explore the true lifestyle of Madrid by riding through popular neighbourhoods like La Latina, where the streets are always full of life.

The trip will have a splash of green when we ride across some of the most beautiful parks in Madrid: the lungs of the Spanish capital. We will get to know the Sabatini Gardens, with their lovely hedges shaped in Neoclassic style. They are guarded by the stunning Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. The Retiro Park, the most popular one in Madrid, is also on the list. This natural gem full of trees, lakes, statues, and beautiful buildings like the Palacio de Cristal (“Glass Palace”) will be the cherry on top of the tour.

A trip to the past: exploring Madrid through its history

There is a historic Madrid tour that lets us experience the past of the city through its most emblematic landmarks. On this trip, we will be able to visit stunning historical buildings, and we will learn interesting facts about them thanks to the guides provided both in English and in Spanish.

To start with, we will pass by the impressive Almudena Cathedral, a 19^th century gem with beautiful bell towers, as well as the majestic Royal Palace. Other interesting historical spots include: the fountain of Neptune, the church of Los Jerónimos, the Neo-classical gate of Puerta de Alcalá, the fountain of Cibeles and the Bank of Spain.

There are many other corners in Madrid we will discover through these Eco Tuk Tuk tours, and some of them could be put on a list of secret treasures scattered all over the city. Others, however, are only meant to be spotted by each traveller’s eyes. Secret details and nuances, like a peculiar, colourful building, a charming narrow street, or a beautiful window guarded by a bird, only noticeable by those paying attention to the intricate beauty of the city that never sleeps. At the end of the day, Madrid is an incredibly detailed picture, and exploring it from a different perspective will always be an interesting experience.