Destination attractions things to do in madrid

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

With over three million people, Madrid is similar to a Spanish version of New York City. We can speak of American cities being rich in their history, but they are infants when compared to the political, religious and artistic histories of Spanish Madrid. This capital of Spain has given birth to writers like Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (Don Quixote) and Felix Lope de Vega. Its artists include Diego de Velazquez and Francisco de Goya. If you are visiting Madrid, plan to stay longer than a few days as this bustling city has much to offer, no matter what your tastes may be.

Plaza de Toros de las Ventas

One of the proudest histories of the Spanish people is its bullfighting history. If you would like to see a bullfight then the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is THE place to go in Madrid. The Plaza de Toros, constructed in 1929, is considered one of the most gorgeous bullrings in all of Spain. In front of the Plaza de Toros are statues dedicated to two famous matadors, Jose Cubero and Antonio Bienvenida. If you are interested in the history of bullfighting, visit the Museo Taurino next door. Here you can view portraits of some of the more famous matadors, their capes and banderillas (darts that wound the bull during the bullfight). For the more macabre, you can see the heads of some of the bulls that were killed at the Plaza de Toros or the blood-stained cape worn by one of the matadors during his fatal bullfight.

Plaza Mayor

If you want to have a relaxing lunch at an outdoor caf or shop for art, visit the Plaza Mayor in Old Madrid.. Plaza Mayor was built almost 400 years ago on orders of Felipe III, whose statue stands in the center of the square. There is much history in this square including Inquisition trials, bullfights and executions. On the north side of the Plaza Mayor sits a beautiful building called Casa de la Panaderia which is decorated with beautiful allegorical paintings.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Located in Bourbon Madrid, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is considered by many art enthusiasts to contain the most important privately created collection of art in the entire world. This inspiring collection contains Western art spanning from ancient Italian and Flemish art to contemporary Pop Art. Here you can view a collection from artists including Picasso, Van Gogh and Titian.

Museo del Prado

Also located in Bourbon Madrid, is perhaps the best collection of Spanish paintings. The visitor will see paintings from the 1100s to the 1800s with works by the likes of Goya and van der Weyden. Especially prominent in this collection are critical religious paintings. See famous paintings, including The Deposition, David Victorious over Goliath and The Annunciation.

Palacio Real

Although the present king does not call Palacio Real home, this rich palace is, indeed, fit for a king. It is hard not to be impressed with the Palacio Real and its lavish rooms, collections and furnishings. In the Throne Room, see two gold thrones which are reproductions of the ones used by Charles V. The Dining Room has a table long enough to fit an entire extended family reunion and is decorated with gorgeous tapestries.