"Beach_dog's Madrid Page" Madrid by Beach_dog


Madrid Travel Guide: 6,311 reviews and 9,998 photos

A Tale from the Crypt.

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.

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.

City of Art.

On Madrid's Puerta del Sol, you can see the statue of Oso y Madroño (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.

  • Last visit to Madrid: Sep 2003
  • Intro Updated Sep 14, 2003
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  • elucas's Profile Photo
    elucas Oct 20, 2006 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

    Good pictures of Madrid. I like the multi-coloured light in the crypt. Liz.

  • kiwi's Profile Photo
    kiwi Sep 29, 2006 at 4:51 AM Report Abuse

    Take your time, the old codger and I will still be around VT LOL ;-)

  • SURFIN7TH's Profile Photo
    SURFIN7TH Apr 26, 2006 at 1:19 PM Report Abuse

    Great Pics, Great page. I loved the Topas Bars in Madrid. Did you check them out?

  • sunlovey's Profile Photo
    sunlovey Apr 11, 2006 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

    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~!

  • Katmosphere's Profile Photo
    Katmosphere Mar 12, 2006 at 11:54 AM Report Abuse

    and you should see the claws...nicely sharpened and painted a lovely red. Easier to hide the bloodstains with:)

  • hotsauce28's Profile Photo
    hotsauce28 Mar 2, 2006 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

    Damn... i didn't think she heard me in the shower..

  • chiara76's Profile Photo
    chiara76 Nov 30, 2005 at 7:04 AM Report Abuse

    Very nice page about this nice city.I really like it! Greetings from Warsaw.

  • Hexepatty's Profile Photo
    Hexepatty Dec 17, 2004 at 4:25 PM Report Abuse

    Great tips. Makes me want to visit Madrid someday! Happy holidays!

  • Geisha_Girl's Profile Photo
    Geisha_Girl Sep 10, 2004 at 12:29 AM Report Abuse

    Happy Anniversary Stace! Carmen just reminded me that it was a year ago this week when we all first met. Aaah, I remember it well.....I was drinkin' hard liquor, eating ham, and autographing hairy legs!!!

  • PaulEtherington's Profile Photo
    PaulEtherington Jul 12, 2004 at 2:27 AM Report Abuse

    Fantastic Madrid pages, Stace! You've really brought Madrid alive.

Beach_dog

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