"WELCOME TO MY MADRID PAGE ......:-) " a Madrid Travel Page by eden_teuling

Once upon a time there was a little Moorish town called MAJERIT , situated in the middle of Spain near a little stream calles RIO MANZANARES.

Although it was situated in a bare plain Philip II chose this place to build a fort, because of its central location.
With him came noblemen and the clergy and a big bunch of adventurers plus a colourful crowd of people of the lower ranges of the social ladder.

This is the way MADRID was founded.
The maze-like web of narrow alleys and pathways (17th Century) are still to be found and such parts of cities always attract ME and you probably too!

During the 18th Century the BOURBON'S had wide mainstreets constructed and had fountains built.
After chasing away NAPOLEON successfully, Madrid started to develop quickly and acquired several nice 19th Century quarters.

After the Civil WAR that started in 1936, Madrid had to survive General Franco's strict REGIME. for over 40 years.

After this dictators death in 1975 MADRID threw itself with great enthousiasm in MODERN EUROPEAN LIFE......

The PUERTA DEL SOL and the PLAZA MAYOR are the real heart of MADRID.......

THE BEAR EATING THE FRUITS OF THE STRAWBERRY TREE IS MADRID'S SYMBOL!

The CASTELLANA runs through old Madrid, it is a major north-south Highway.

The Northern end artually is the new CITY CENTRE. The Old Madrid is situated at the Southern end.

The Moors built their fort on the spot where now the PALACIO REAL (NEXT PHOTO) is situated.

Halfway this major Higway if the REAL HEART of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol (1st photo) and the Plaza Mayor, photo here.

Buses, Metros and pedestrians meet at the PUERTA DEL SOL.

From this Puerta del Sol streets lead to the most important Department Stores and Cinemas situated at the GRAN VIA.

The CALLE DEL ARENAL leads to the TEATRO DE LA OPERA and the PALACIO REAL.

Our group walked to this place, after having a substantional meal, in the afternoon and evening and I have to warn you that distances here differ from those in Barcelona..... Madrid avenues are very long and there are more but to help you there is the Metro and there are Buses.

Start with having a good look at your CITY PLAN........

The Calle del Arenal goes to the TEATRO DE LA OPERA and the PALACIO REAL.

The CALLE MAYOR along the PLAZA DE LA VILLA....

Behind de Calle de MAYOR is the 17th Century PLAZA MAYOR, with bars and restaurants on all 4 sides.

It is here that you can find and enter (we did so and it was very special indeed) old churches and where you can visit EL RASTRO, the flea market (ON SUNDAYS).

We had just arrived there when an enormous downpour made us flee into a bar.......and I saw something strange, which I will show you in another tip: RESTAURANTS etc..

And here my camera gave up......I had to buy another one, a simple one after the long weekend: bad luck!!!