The Wall of Water off the edge of the world. and other Madrid, Spain Things to Do Tips

Beneath the edge of the world

Visit the Jardines del Descubrimiento where Columbus' statue stands. Just beneath it a wall of water runs off the edge and it presumably refers back to the old belief that that is what happened at the edge of the flat world. Go beneath it to get the full appreciation of the effect. It thunders down, all very controlled. A mighty display.

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Address: Jardines del Descubrimiento
Directions: By archaeological museum

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Cibeles Square: The most beautiful post office in the world?

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 16, 2003

Palacio de Comunicaciones

Cibiles Square has the wonderful statue from the 18thC in the middle (its partner - Neptune - is near the Prado). But the background has the most beautiful post office building. Built in the early 20thC it is sometimes called 'Our Lady of the Communications'. To me it has some of the Moorish elements that Spain is strong in.

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Address: Where Alcala street crosses Paseo del Prado
Directions: Just walk up the Paseo del Prado

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Cibeles Square: The fountain in Plaza de Cibeles

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 16, 2003

An early representation

In the middle of the square - watch the traffic - is the fountain of the Roman goddess Cybele. She seems to be transported in a farm cart of the 18th C!

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Address: Where Alcala street crosses Paseo del Prado

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Prado Museum: One of the must do art galleries of the world

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 16, 2003

The Head of Antinoos in the Prado

The Prado: go early and you avoid the coached crowds who arrive later. It means that you get to see some of the more famous paintings all by yourself - a distinct pleasure. Don't try to do the whole Prado - overload can happen quickly. Buy a guide book and head for the rooms you want, then choose a couple of others just to explore. Don't miss the sculpture galleries - they are often overlooked!

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Address: Paseo de Prado

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Plaza Mayor: Daytime quiet in the centre of Madrid

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

The Plaza Mayor by day

The Plaza Mayor was created in the 17thC and in its time has seen bulffights, executions, the Inquisition, street artists, markets, and lots of travellers who come to enjoy.

During the day it is quieter than at night. You need to see it at both times. During the day there is space to look at the murals above the Casa de la Panaderia, and see the statue of Felipe III on his horse. (Felipe's secretary, Calderon, was executed in the square, to the delight of the the inhabitants!)

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Address: Main square of Madrid
Directions: Metro Sol & Opera

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Plaza Mayor: One of the hubs of night-time Madrid

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

The Plaza by night

By night the Plaza Mayor really comes to life. Peopel stroll in the evening light or sit at one of the many cafes enjoying the view of those who are strolling.

It is a great place for people watching. Cafes like the Torre del Oro provide venues where you can eat well or just have a drink, and take as long about it as you like. The place feels exciting - the small alleys off it hold sellers of all sorts of goods who run quickly when word of the police is heard!

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Address: Main square of Madrid
Directions: Metro Sol & Opera

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Royal Palace: An extravaganza of black and gold

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

Some of the wonderful decoration

The Royal Palace is huge - whether you just walk around the outside or go in! Gold decorates all the black painted gates, lamps, etc.

This is very popular with tourists, who stop at the cafes in the Plaza de Oriente for a necessary break.

Allow plenty of time as the gardens are also worth seeing!

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Address: Former King's Residence

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Retiro Park: Beautifully green oasis of quiet

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

Cecilia Rodriguez Gardens

The Retiro Park is a wonderful contrast to the nearby Prado. It gives you somewhere to sit and stroll, away from the madding crowds.

There are numerous gardens and green spaces and the water with which Madrid is synonymous in my mind.

It has a boating lake, smooth green grass, a crystal palace, good plants, and a statue to the devil!

It stands where Felipe IV's royal palace once stood, and yet the great monument in the Park is not to him, but to Alfonso XII.

To one side are the Cecilia Rodriguez gardens, more formal than the park, and another delight.

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Retiro Park: The Crystal Palace

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

The Crystal Palace interior

In the middle of Retiro Park are two Palaces - the Palacio de Velazquez, which has art exhibitions and is covered in attractive tiles, and the Palacio de Cristal - the Crystal Palace - which, it is said, was inspired by London's Crystal Palace.

When we were there it was empty and locked, but it still provides a wonderful centre point. Go up to the door and look through and admire the details.

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Retiro Park: A statue to Satan!?!

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Written by ChrsStrl

on Aug 30, 2003

The Statue to the Fallen Angel