Museo Arqueológico Nacional

The showpiece National Archaeology Museum contains a sweeping accumulation of artefacts behind its towering facade. The large collection includes stunning mosaics taken from Roman villas across Spain, intricate Muslim-era and Mudéjar handiwork, sculpted figures such as the Dama de Ibiza and Dama de Elche, examples of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and a partial copy of the prehistoric cave paintings of Altamira (Cantabria).

Sadly, until 2012 (and more likely 2013), only a small sample of the museum’s riches will be on display as the building undergoes major (and long-overdue) renovations.