Other sights in Madrid
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Plaza de la Cebada
Just west of La Latina metro station, the busy and bar-strewn corner of Madrid marked by the ill-defined ‘Barley Square’ is important to understanding what medieval Madrid was like, although it requires a little imagination. In the wake of the Christian conquest the square was, for a time, the site of a Muslim cemetery, and the nearby Plaza de la Puerta de Moros (Moors’ Gate) underscores that this area was long home to the city’s Muslim population. The square later became a popular spot for public executions – until well into the 19th century, the condemned would be paraded along Calle de Toledo, before turning into the square and mounting the gallows. The …
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Plaza de Lavapiés
The triangular Plaza de Lavapiés is one of the few open spaces in Lavapiés and it’s a magnet for all that’s good (a thriving cultural life) and bad (drugs and a high police presence) about the barrio. The Teatro Valle-Inclán, on the southern edge of the plaza, is a stunning contemporary addition to the eclectic Lavapiés streetscape. To find out what makes this barrio tick, consider dropping in to the Asociación de Vecinos La Corrala, just up the hill from the plaza, where staff are happy to highlight all that’s good about Lavapiés without dismissing its problems.
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Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas
The Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas (often known simply as Las Ventas) is not the most beautiful bullring in the world – that honour probably goes to Ronda in Andalucía – but it is the most important. A classic example of the neo- mudéjar style, it was opened in 1931 and hosted its first corrida (bullfight) three years later. Like all bullrings, the circle of sand enclosed by four storeys, which can seat up to 25, 000 spectators, evokes more a sense of a theatre than a sports stadium; it also hosts concerts; see p210. To be carried high on the shoulders of aficionados out through the grand and decidedly Moorish Puerta de Madrid is the ultimate dream of any…
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Valle de Los Caídos
This extraordinary basilica and stone monument is built into the side of a mountain 15km north of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Conceived in the grandiose imagination of the dictator Francisco Franco, it served as a memorial of the those who died during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), though in reality it has always glorified Franco’s side and was constructed by Franco’s prisoners of war, many of whom died in the process. It has long been a pilgrimage site for the small reactionary rump of Franco supporters, who come here especially on November 20 – the anniversary of Franco’s death – to reminisce about Franco’s rule, complete with stiff-armed fascist salutes. Spain’s…
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Museo Tifológico
One attraction specifically for visually impaired travellers and Spaniards is the Museo Tifológico. Run by the National Organisation for the Blind (ONCE), its exhibits (all of which may be touched) include paintings, sculptures and tapestries, as well as more than 40 scale models of world monuments, including Madrid’s Palacio Real and Cibeles fountain, as well as La Alhambra in Granada and the aqueduct in Segovia. It also provides leaflets in Braille and audio guides to the museum.
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Palacio Real de El Pardo
Built in the 15th century and remodelled in the 17th, this opulent palace was Franco's favourite residence. It's surrounded by lush gardens (they close one hour later than the palace) and on Sunday fills with madrileño families looking for a bit of fresh air and a hearty lunch. Of the art on display inside, the tapestries stand out, particularly those based on cartoons by Goya.
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El Retiro
A Sunday walk in El Retiro is as much a Madrid tradition as tapas and terrace cafes. Littered with marble monuments, landscaped lawns, the occasional elegant building and abundant greenery, it's quiet and contemplative during the week, but comes alive on weekends.
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Jardines de Sabatini
The formal French-style Jardines de Sabatini are to the north of the Palacio Real, a palace with lush gardens.
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Paseo de los Recoletos
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Paseo de la Castellana
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Palacio Real de el Pardo
Built in the 15th century and remodelled in the 17th, this opulent palace was Franco’s favourite residence. It’s surrounded by lush gardens (which close one hour later than the palace) and on Sunday fills with madrileño families looking for a bit of fresh air and a hearty lunch. Of the art on display inside, the tapestries stand out, particularly those based on cartoons by Goya.
reviewed