Sign in with Facebook"Madrid" Madrid by MM212
Madrid Travel Guide: 5,306 reviews and 10,727 photos
By Iberian standards, Madrid is a relatively new city. It was officially founded by the Arab Emir Mohamed I when, in the 10th century, he built a fortress (alcázar) on the site of el Palacio Real and named it Mayrit. The primary purpose of Mayrit was to protect Toledo, to its south, from the threat posed by the Christian north. While a small town did develop around alcázar in the following years, it was not until centuries later, when in 1561 Madrid was made the official capital of Spain, that a true city was born and grew into a capital befitting an empire. Today, with its several million inhabitants, monumental architecture, and rich culture, Madrid continues to be a magnificent capital of a glorious past and present.
Rich in history, culture, art, architecture, entertainment, and fine cuisine, Madrid is a fascinating place to visit. It is a city that never sleeps, with madrileños pouring into the streets in greater numbers during the night than in daytime. Late at night, whether at a bar, café, or in a plaza, is when madrileños are the most energetic. It is the best time to meet locals and to immerse oneself in local culture. Visitors often find it hard to manage both day time sightseeing and night time bar hopping, so best not forget that this is why the siesta was invented!
My first visit to Madrid was a quick weekend trip from Paris in January 1996. The city left such an impression that I returned in the following month (this time from New York) for a several day trip during which I was also able to see Segovia and Toledo. Then, after a ten-year absence, I returned in Easter 2006 to this beautiful city and found it equally fascinating. And again in November 2007 for quick 3-day trip.
Reviews (60)
Catedral de la Almudena
Things to Do
(47)
Although work began in the late 19th century, it was not until the 1980s that construction of Catedral de la Almudena... more travel advice
Edificio Carrión
Things to Do
(47)
Colloquially called Edificio Schweppes, in reference to the large Schweppes neon sign, this fine example of art déco... more travel advice
Templo Nacional de Santa Teresa de Jesús
Things to Do
(47)
Despite its medieval gothic architecture, the church of Santa Teresa de Jesús was only built in 1928. It is located to... more travel advice
Westin Palace
Hotels
(3)
Much like its neighbouring Ritz, the Westin Palace was given the royal nod by King Alfonso XIII. The hotel opened its... more travel advice
MM212's Related Pages
Madrid Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "¡Bienvenido a Madrid!/Welcome to Madrid!"
- "Madrid is where I live"
- "Madrid: My home for 3 fantastic weeks!"
- "Home is where you're always from"
- "WONDERFUL MADRID"
- "As we say in Andalucia, Madri"
- "Hablemos de Madrid (Let's talk about Madrid)"
- See All...
Badges & Stats in Madrid
- 60 Reviews
- 191 Photos
- 1 Forum posts
- 10 Comments
- 5,401PageViews
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Have you been to Madrid?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Madrid
- Posted in Travel Turkey Forum "Re: Sagalassos"
- Uploaded a Photo to "Mercado de San Miguel"
- Commented on one of Jefie's Madrid travel pages
- updated a Madrid Travel Page "Madrid"
- Wrote a Review Catedral de la Almudena about Almudena Cathedral in Madrid Things to Do
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Food and Dining
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Skiing and BoardingLatest Madrid hotel reviews
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Latest: Apr 27, 2011 - Hotel Tryp Rex
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Comments (10)
Happy birthday!
Beautiful pics and good updates. Ciao!
Madrid is really great, & last time I met VT member Redang there. I hope to go back soon
One city I still have to visit. Only seen the airport ;-)
HIya, just popping by... nice photos at your Madrid´page. :-)
You know Madrid better than me!!! I hope the hard moments will pass very quickly
hey there, nice Madrid page :) I can't wait to visit the city this August!
Great pictures and amazing tips!!! Madrid is one beautiful city! I'm counting the days to go back again.
good work! The Torre de los Lujanes sure doesn't look like one of the oldest buildings- see you around
Great pics!