Madrid-A City of Art

The couple looking for a European adventure in a lively, modern city should consider Madrid, Spain. Within the heart of the city, dance and music clubs are open and people are out on the streets all night. Two opera houses, jazz clubs and flamenco clubs compete with Latin music. From late September through early December, the theatre and concert season is at its peak. The Plaza de Toros has the largest bullfighting ring in the world. The most prestigious season of bullfighting runs from mid May into June.

Madrid is a city full of art. Priceless works of 17th-century art are found in churches, convents and monasteries as well as in the world famous Prado. Although the Prado is best known for its collections of El Greco, Goya and Velazquez, it also houses works by Flemish, Italian, Dutch, German and French 17th-century artists. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is a private museum housing an extensive eclectic collection, while the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia specializes in modern works, particularly that of Picasso and Dali. Guernica by Picasso is on display here.

Madrid is a compact city with an excellent modern subway system, the Metro, and an abundance of taxis. The main points of interest are located between Paseo del Prado in the east and Palacio Real in the west, generally within walking distance of the city center, a former gate known as Puerta del Sol. A statue there of a bear nuzzling a "strawberry" tree has become the symbol of Madrid. Distances within the city are marked from Puerta del Sol. The largest gardens in Madrid, the Parque Del Buea Retiro, known as El Retiro, are close by as are the major art galleries.

The 17th-century Plaza Mayor with its slate spires and cafes, bars and restaurants is the most famous square in Madrid. The Plaza de la Villa, however, contains some of the oldest surviving architecture. The Torre de los Lujanes of the house by the same name is one of the citys oldest buildings dating back to the middle ages. The Casa de Cisneros is dated to the 16th century while the town hall and the town walls are dated to the 17th century.

The 18th-century Palacio Real has 2,800 rooms making it one of the largest palaces ever constructed. Visitors may view 50 rooms including the pharmacy and armory as well as sumptuous salons and a grand staircase. Nearby are the Campo del Moro, an English-style garden, and the Jardine de Sabatini, a French-style garden. The Muralla Arabe is a surviving part of the citys original medieval wall. The 18th-century Basilica de San Francisco el Grande is one of the citys oldest churches. The Templo de Debod is a 4th century BC genuine Egyptian temple moved to save it from the floods resulting from the opening of the Aswan Dam.

The premier shopping street of Madrid is the Calle de Serrano, although the Calle del Almirante is preferred for high-style fashion. Locals flock to El Rastro, the flea market, each Sunday morning.

An extended stay in Spain might include visits to Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and Costa del Sol. Throughout Spain you will find mountains, seashore, history, art, architecture, entertainment, good food and romance.