Royal Palace - Exterior and other Madrid, Spain Things to Do Tips

by el_ruso , 3 more photos

The palace was built in mid-XVIII century in place of an older palace destroyed by fire. It is not the biggest one I have seen, but has more rooms than any other royal palace in Europe. There is also an armory containing a weaponry museum. There is also a beautifully decorated chapel where some concerts are held.

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Address: Former King's Residence

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Royal Palace: Royal Palace - Interior

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Written by el_ruso

on May 1, 2007

The highlights of the interior are the throne room with a painted ceiling and a magnificent dining room. There is also a room with a collection of Stradivari violins.

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Address: Former King's Residence

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Prado Museum: Archeology Museum

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Written by el_ruso

on May 2, 2007

This museum is outstanding to say the least, and has far exceeded my expectations. There is a superb collection dealing with the many civilizations that made home in Spain: from Celtic people to Phoenicians, to Romans, to Arabs, to Visigoths, to Middle Ages. There is also a good collection of Ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts, and halls dealing with the archeology of Canary Islands and the former Spanish colony of Western Sahara.

The highlights are the Sphinx-like "lady of Elche" statue, a tomb from VI century BCE, a dear statuette from Cordoba, Visigoth gold crowns, etc. There is a copy of the prehistoric cave drawings in the garden.

This is a must IMO, and one of the best museums of its kind I have seen.

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Directions: Just SE of Plaza Colon

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Other Museums: Museo de Americas

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Written by el_ruso

on May 3, 2007

Museum of the Americas is located in Moncloa next to the university. It has a big collection, but it is sorted by themes, rather than countries, and the result IMO is confusing. Collection is rich and varied, and even though it is inferior to similar museums in Latin America proper, it would be a fascinating introduction to anyone who has not been there yet. I just wish it were organized differently. Across the highway there is a large and beautifully landscaped park.

BEWARE! The place CLOSES VERY EARLY at 3 pm. Also make sure you exit the side of the avenue next to it because you will not be able to cross the highway in front. Just look for a very tall tower. The museum is right next to it.

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Directions: Moncloa

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Almudena Cathedral: Cathedral

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Written by el_ruso

on May 2, 2007

The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena faces the Royal Palace. Believe it or not it was completed only in 1993 due to lack of funds, damage during Civil War and other delays.

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Plaza Mayor: Plaza Mayor

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Written by el_ruso

on May 2, 2007

As most Spanish cities, Madrid has a large square used for public gatherings and surrounded by arcaded buildings. Madrid's Plaza Mayor is somewhat easy to miss. It is one block south of Calle Mayor. The space is very pleasant and there is always a ton of people here walking around and being social. You can sit at a table at one of the many restaurants on the square and soak in the atmosphere. (The service and food are so-so, but the atmosphere will more than make up for it.)

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

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Cibeles Square: Plaza de Cibeles

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Written by el_ruso

on May 1, 2007

by el_ruso , 1 more photos

Cibeles is some sort of an ancient goddess. And there is a large fountain with her in a chariot in the center. Behind you can see a beautiful building which is actually the central post office. This is one of the most beautiful and famous spots in Madrid, perhaps THE most beautiful and famous one.

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Address: Where Alcala street crosses Paseo del Prado

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Gran Via street: La Gran Via

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Written by el_ruso

on May 1, 2007

This is the main street of Madrid, majestic in its architecture from early XX century with many buildings sporting elaborate and eclectic decorations. It runs from Plaza de Cibeles to Plaza de Espana. There are many stores, restaurants, theaters, gift shops, etc. It is always full of people.

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Address: One of the busiest and more touristic

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Gran Via street: Metropolis building

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Written by el_ruso

on May 3, 2007

This is the most famous building on Gran Via avenue, actually on the corner of calle Alcala, and, as most other buildings in the area is a bank. It was completed in 1911.

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Address: One of the busiest and more touristic
Directions: Gran Via & c/Alcala

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Retiro Park: Park el Retiro

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Written by el_ruso

on May 2, 2007