Madrid
“sunny and royal”
The name Madrid comes from the Arabic majrit meaning spring and refers to the underground streams that once flowed under the city.
Majrit
Its name refers to a former gate where the rising sun would be visible to the east. This square marks the the center or Kilometer 0 of all national roads in Spain. It’s also famous for the clock on the Real Casa de Correos, where the bell marks the beginning of the new year and the tradition of eating twelve grapes.
The heart of Madrid
Dating back to the 15th century, this historic square has hosted a variety of events, including markets, bullfights, and even executions during the Spanish Inquisition.
Major
This bustling street is known for its theaters, shops, and vibrant atmosphere is often referred to as the “Spanish Broadway.”
The Spanish Broadway
The Monument to Miguel de Cervantes includes the main characters of his masterpiece, Don Quijote de la Mancha, regarded one of the best novels ever written.
One for the books
Madrid is the second most populated city in the European Union after Berlin.
Alleys
This is the largest royal palace in Europe. It has 3,418 rooms, however, the Spanish royal family does not use any of them, as they reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela.
Royal
Construction began in 1883 and ended in 1993, it mixes Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Romanesque.
Holy
This cathedral was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993.
Blue on blue
Madrid offers world-class art at the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
You’re so cultured
This is Picasso’s best-known work. It portrays the bombing carried out by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy at the request of the Spanish Nationalists on the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
Masterpiece
This is one of the 14 “Black Paintings” that Goya painted on the walls of his house during his last last years of life, which reflect his increasingly troubled state of mind. Saturn Devouring His Son depicts the Greek myth of Cronus (Saturn) devouring his children to prevent the prophecy that one of his offspring would overthrow him. It is often interpreted as a metaphor of the destructive nature of time and the inevitable cycle of life and death. Other interpretations include a metaphor for Spain devouring its own citizens during the wars and revolutions of the 19th Century.
Hungry?
Originally located along the Nile in Egypt, it was gifted to Spain in 1968 as a gratitude for the Spanish assistance in saving several monuments during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Walk like an Egyptian
Spaniards love playing the lotto and this is the most famous of all ticket booths in Spain. This is also the booth where most winning tickets have been sold. The fact that it sells a large amount of tickets might have something to do with it, with people queuing up for hours with the hope of buying the winning ticket.
I’m feeling lucky
Overlooking the ruins of the old Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena is this charming man. Rumor has it that if you rub your lotto ticket on his behind, you will win.
Cheeky
Founded in 1725, this is the oldest restaurant in the world. But wait a second, wasn’t the oldest restaurant the St. Stiftskulinarium in Salzburg? While that one is the oldest one in terms of foundation date, this is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. It is also known for being mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.
For foodies
This was the city hall of Madrid from the 17th to the 21st century, when it was replaced by the Palacio de Cibeles.
Pink and blue
Formerly the city’s main post office and telegraph and telephone headquarters, it is now occupied by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid (City Council of Madrid)
Sun-kissed towers
“I was founded over water, my walls are made of fire.”
Water you looking at?
Built in the 16th century, this gothic church witnessed the royal wedding of Alfonso XIII, King of Spain and Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg.
Take me to church
Finished in 1914, this is one of the few modernista buildings in Madrid.
Modern
Erected in 1976, this statue represents the city’s coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th Century. The bear and strawberry tree represent the abundance of this animal and tree in the region.
Bear
Dating back to 1935, the sign of this guitar-playing wine bottle has transcended its initial commercial purpose and has become a cultural icon.
Tío Pepe
With this lovely picture, we’ll end this Spanish trip.