| Page Views: 3,945 Last Visit to Madrid: September, 2003 | Beach_dog's Madrid Page by Beach_dog - last update: Sep 14, 2003 |
A Tale from the Crypt. | Coloured light in the crypt of La Almudena. |
La Almudena is the name of Madrids Cathedral. We started our walk around it by entering the crypt. I saw this column with the early morning sunlight falling through the stained glass window upon it. I immediately saw a photo opportunity.
Madrid is a city of contrasts, many styles of architecture from gothic to modern, but is probably best known for its Baroque styles, such as the Basilica of San Isidoro and the Palacio Real of the Bourbons.
The City that never sleeps.
It seems that people do not sleep in Madrid, the nightlife here is exceptional, starting late and running throughout the night. During the late evening the bars and restaurants give way to the nightclubs and discos. Its not uncommon to visit a churreria for breakfast before returning home in the mornings. |
| muralled Building in the Plaza Mayor. |
|  | History A young city by European standards, Madrid was probably first garrisoned by the Moors when they built a fort here in 854. Its Muslim era came to a close in 1085 when the northern christians captured it.
Until 1561 Madrid remained out of the limelight, but in this year Felipe II set up the Royal court here and since this time has been the capital of Spain. Madrid offered much room for expansion and over the next century the Royal Palace was built and the city developed. |
| Madrids symbol Oso y Madroņo in the Puerta de Sol |
| | City of Art. On Madrid's Puerta del Sol, you can see the statue of Oso y Madroņo (the Bear and the Strawberry tree) it's become the symbol of Madrid, featured on the city shield of arms. Its also the most popular meeting place in the city.
The city is rich in Art, besides its architecture it is more than well endowed with art galleries and museums. The Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Reina Sofía, all well represented by some of histories most famous artists. |
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Beach_dog's Madrid Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 17 - Photos: 17 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | Transportation
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3 | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Beach_dog's Madrid Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Beach_dog about Madrid | | | | |
elucas Fri Oct 20, 2006 19:15 UTC
Good pictures of Madrid. I like the multi-coloured light in the crypt. Liz. | kiwi Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:51 UTC
Take your time, the old codger and I will still be around VT LOL ;-) | SURFIN7TH Wed Apr 26, 2006 21:19 UTC
Great Pics, Great page. I loved the Topas Bars in Madrid. Did you check them out? | sunlovey Tue Apr 11, 2006 18:51 UTC
Your initial La Almudena crypt image is incredible. I love it when photos work out like that, thanks for sharing... Have a brief stint in Madrid in a couple of weeks so on to your tips~! |
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