The main attractions of Madrid. Sights of Madrid: photos with names and descriptions

Spain is a country of kings, bullfighting, sun and sea. And the capital of all this splendor is the unrivaled Madrid. This is the most Big city in the state. And proof of this is the huge population of more than three million people. The city of Madrid is known to the world for its artistic and cultural heritage. The Prado Museum is considered an excellent example of this. The Spanish capital boasts quite a lively life, which begins to bustle when night falls. Arriving in this locality, a person will not immediately feel delighted. Which is quite natural, because you don’t immediately like this place, but it will appeal to everyone who comes here. This state of affairs is not surprising, since some of the attractions of Madrid are located, it would seem, in large buildings, but completely inconspicuous. This is where such feelings arise.

Let's start the tour

The best place to start exploring the most famous places in Madrid is from its main square - Plaza Mayor, which appeared at the beginning XVII century. The equestrian monument to Philip the Third decorates the central part of the square. It was on the Plaza Mayor that all public coronations, executions, Inquisition trials, bullfights and various city holidays were held. Ancient three-story houses with balconies surround the square, which is always full of people: souvenir sellers, tourists, cartoonists, and many other people.

A world-famous museum

The most recognizable and main attraction of Madrid is, of course, the National Prado Museum. This institution is on the list of the most visited museums on the planet. Every year more than two million people come to admire paintings belonging to the late Renaissance and the New Age. The Prado has placed on its walls an incredibly wide collection of Italian, Flemish and spanish art. Here are works of such geniuses as Goya, Velazquez, Rubens and other artists. On this moment The museum has about 8,600 paintings. But the area of ​​the institution is quite limited, and therefore the exhibitions can demonstrate only two thousand masterpieces.

Formation museum collection began during the reign of Charles V and his son Philip II. The latter admired the work of Veronese, Titian and other great masters of that time. After the death of Philip II, the Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties only continued to add to the collection of unsurpassed paintings.

Many of Madrid's attractions were built quite a long time ago. And the Prado Museum building is no exception. It was born in 1785. Its architect was Juan de Villanueva. The future museum was erected by order of Charles III. This was to be a house for government use. But he began to work only when Ferdinand VII took the Spanish throne. And it was he who turned the building into a museum.

Collection of the Prado Museum

It consists of the three aforementioned schools: Flemish, Spanish and Italian. Thus, the first is represented by Jan van Eyck, Jacob Jordaens, Peter Paul Rubens and other Northern European artists. The Spanish school of the museum is indicated by such names as Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Alonso Cano and others. In total, 4800 paintings from Spain are collected here. The Italian school consists of more than one thousand paintings by Botticelli, Titian, Fra Angelico and other artists. Also in the Prado Museum are works by masters from France, England, Holland and Germany. There are not so many of them and they are not as diverse as previous collections, but they also represent big interest for visitors.

Royal Palace

The sights of Madrid are marked quite clearly on the map and it will not be difficult for a tourist to find them. For example, the Royal Palace is located at Calle de Bailén 28071 and is a place that you can’t help but visit while in Spain. It is also called the Eastern Palace, and is considered the most luxurious building in all of Europe. In addition, this is a working palace, but the royal couple does not live here. She chose more modest apartments for her residence. But the Spanish king Juan Carlos organizes official ceremonies and receptions in this place high level. These include the arrival of heads of different countries of the world.

Another museum

The sights of Madrid are great amount museums. We have already talked about one of them in our article. Now it’s our turn to talk about the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Until 1933, this art gallery was the largest private collection in the world. Today the institution bears the title of State Gallery.

Thyssen-Bornemisza complements those collections of paintings that are not very widely represented in the Prado Museum, which is its neighbor. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Gallery is located in the building of the Villahermosa Palace. It has three floors and is a squat red and white house. There are identical lattice balconies on each floor. And here there are always queues of people wanting to visit the attraction.

And here they can look at the works of Hopper, Carpaccio, Caravaggio, Kirchner, Durer, Van Gogh, Rubens and many others famous painters. The opening of the museum dates back to 1988, when the Baron Thyssen Foundation was organized.

The symbol and heart of Madrid

Buen Retiro Park and Puerta del Sol (Spain, Madrid) are attractions that arouse delight at first sight. The park is a place where residents of Madrid prefer to relax. And on the square is the zero point of the city.

Buen Retiro Park is a green area of ​​extraordinary size. Its area occupies approximately 1.4 km 2. Here you will find a haven of incredible beauty, buildings dating back to the 17th-19th centuries, unsurpassed fountains, and sculptures. There are also alleys with strawberry trees, a lake, playgrounds and cafes.

Puerta del Sol has experienced a lot of troubles during its existence. At the beginning of the 19th century, a revolt against Napoleon himself broke out here and the First Spanish Revolution started. And on April 14, 1931, from the balcony of one of the buildings located here, they announced the proclamation of the Spanish Republic. But this is not the entire list of events that Puerta del Sol witnessed.

Sights of Madrid for children

There is a lot to see and do in the capital of Spain. But not all tourists will be interested in these places. They arouse interest and delight among adult travelers. Well, what should families who come on vacation with children do in this case? Madrid is such an incredible city that even the youngest connoisseurs of foreign culture can have fun here. So, Madrid (a map of attractions in Russian will help you get your bearings) gives you the opportunity to visit the local zoo and aquarium. This is one of the largest zoological parks on Earth. About two thousand different animals live here. There are also incredibly beautiful aquariums, a dolphinarium, an arboretum, an amusement park and themed alleys.

Don't forget to take your kids to the capital's amusement park. This establishment offers fifty different entertainment installations. On the streets of the park there are many different cafes where you can relax and have something delicious to eat. Every time they settle here interesting show programs. Anyone can participate in them.

We don't say goodbye

It is impossible to say goodbye to Madrid. Just “goodbye.” After all, you will want to meet this gentleman again and again. This is a city that makes you fall in love once and for all. And even though this feeling appears after some time, it never disappears, forcing you to return again and again, albeit in memories, to where kings once ruled, and today only the memory of these times remains.

Santiago Bernabeu is the famous home arena of the royal club Real, built in 1947. The stadium has the second largest capacity in Spain (85,454 spectators) and has the 4th highest category UEFA. Six finals of major football tournaments were held on its lawn - one each of the European Championship and the World Cup, and four finals of the Champions League. The home club has been playing at the Santiago Bernabeu since its completion, and recently celebrated its 1500th home game. On this pitch, Real Madrid became the champion of Spain 32 times and lifted the Champions League Cup 9 times.

The stadium is named after famous football player and Real Madrid president Santiago Bernabeu - he devoted almost his entire life to Real Madrid and scored at least 1,200 goals for it.

The Wax Museum

The museum was founded in 1972. Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali managed to work on its design in the 20th century. The museum offers visitors the following exhibitions: figures historical figures, as well as figures of people who devoted themselves to art, science, literature, and sports. The museum also features children's themes, and an entire hall is dedicated to the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition of the Middle Ages. Performances and performances are organized for visitors.

Among the famous Spaniards here you can meet Monserat Caballe, Camilo Cela, Miguel Cervantes, popular characters Frankenstein and the main character of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger.

The main task of the museum is to convey exact image human, so the figures of people often wear things that previously belonged to them. For example, cyclist Miguel Indurain donated to the museum his jersey, similar to the one he wore to win five Tour de France races, and a replica of the bike he rode in those races.

What sights of Madrid did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Prado Museum

The Prado Museum is the most important attraction in Madrid. It is valued not only in Spain, but also in the arena of museums around the world, because it contains one of the most large collections European art.

The first contribution to the creation of a painting collection in Spain was made by Charles V of Habsburg. The Spanish monarch was a fierce collector, collecting his collection with great care and elegance.

The museum contains paintings from four European schools: Spanish, Italian, German and Flemish. The Prado houses works by artists such as Bosch, Botticelli, Dyck, Poussin, Rembrandt, Santi and many others.

From time to time, exhibition collections from other famous museums in the world are brought to the museum; sometimes the collection of the Prado Museum itself goes on a journey. Therefore, if you want to admire the work of certain artists, make sure that the paintings were not taken to a temporary exhibition in another museum.

The Royal Palace in Madrid is the largest of all existing royal palaces in Europe.

The interior decoration of the palace is truly impressive: priceless creations by Corrado Giaquinto, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Luca Giordano, Caravaggio, German master Anton Mengs, Mariano Salvador Maella and Vicente Lopez, crystal chandeliers, Flemish tapestries, furniture in neoclassical, Rococo and Empire styles, porcelain, clocks , a unique collection of Stradivarius violins, weapons and armor of kings and members of the royal family. And all this is just part of all the splendor concentrated here.

In addition to the palace halls, you can enjoy the energy here Royal Library, museum applied arts and painting, get acquainted with the Royal Pharmacy.

Behind the palace, on the slopes of the hill, you can enjoy the beauty of the gardens of Campo del Moro, who have lived in this area since the 19th century.

Almudena Cathedral

The huge Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena is located next to the Armory Square Royal Palace. The cathedral is named after Our Lady of Almudena. Construction of the cathedral lasted more than two hundred years and was completed quite recently, in 1993. The project was created by the architect Marquis Francisco de Cubas, but in 1944 the project was changed by other architects. However, the pseudo-Gothic style that was originally conceived was fully maintained - starting with appearance and ending with interiors.

The inside of the Almudena Cathedral is very bright, the altar is made of green Granada marble. It is impossible not to note the innovation of the Spanish church - the candles here are not made of wax, but of LEDs. To light such a candle, you need to put 20 cents into the coin slot.

Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace, built in 1887, is considered the most beautiful building in Parque del Buen Retiro.

Both the palace itself and the artificial pond located in front of it were built to organize an exhibition where collections of flowers were exhibited. It is a three-tier building with a stone facade, decorated with white columns, transparent walls and a roof.

Currently, inside the palace there is winter Garden. While walking by the lake you can observe the life of the squirrels, who have chosen it as their main resting place. The park is also home to several species of birds.

Madrid Barajas Airport

Madrid-Barajas Airport is the main airport of the Iberian Peninsula, the largest in Spain and the main air terminal of Madrid. It connects Spain with all continents, and for European residents it is the main departure point to Latin American countries.

Madrid - Barajas Airport is located 12 km northeast of the city in its own municipal district in the valley of the Jarama River basin. It is connected by roads to the main roads of Madrid. There are 4 terminals in total at the airport. Buses depart in 7 directions from all airport terminals, in addition, free buses run between the terminals around the clock every 3 minutes (they are colored light green color, and the light board indicates which terminal they are heading to).

For the convenience of passengers and greeters, Barajas Airport is connected to Madrid by the Madrid Metro Line, which allows you to reach the city center in approximately 12 minutes. You can use ground transport - municipal buses depart regularly from the airport terminal to Madrid, and taxis operate around the clock.

The modern building of Barajas Airport amazes tourists with its size and architecture. The building is spacious and has a lot of light. Usage various types glass, metal supporting structures, skillful use of lighting - everything works to give the interior space more volume and airiness. A large number of places to relax, cafes, restaurants, shops allow you to have a fun time before departure.

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Vicente Calderon Stadium

The Vicente Calderon Stadium is one of the most famous and legendary football arenas in Spain. It belongs to the UEFA elite category stadiums. Atlético Madrid have been playing their home matches here for more than half a century. Also, sometimes this arena hosts matches with the participation of the Spanish national team.

The stadium was opened in 1966. At first the stadium was called "Manzanares", but in 1971 the arena received its current name. The stadium had an architecture uncharacteristic for sports facilities, which gradually changed due to many reconstructions. Now the stadium has a square shape with rounded corners. The stands are located in 2 tiers. In the corner, between the main and northern stands, there is a large monitor. The total capacity of the stadium is more than 54 thousand people.

Over the course of the stadium's considerable history, there have been numerous attempts to close or demolish it. Although such attempts have so far been in vain, the club's management eventually announced plans to demolish the legendary stadium in 2016.

The stadium hosted several matches of the 1982 World Cup. There are also many events held here regularly music concerts and other social events.

The most popular attractions in Madrid with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places Madrid on our website.

Individual and group

There are many tourist attractions such as famous ones such as, National Museum the European fine art of the Prado or the picturesque Plaza Mayor. But let's not go deeper into listing the most popular tourist routes, but rather take a look at the places that are worth visiting in Madrid in order.

1 Plaza Mayor ("main square")

The most famous square in Madrid. It is flanked by stunning three-story residential buildings with large arched entrances, and on the other side is one of the most magnificent buildings on the Plaza Mayor, the Casa de la Panaderia. This square is very significant for Spain, because on this very square there used to be markets, bullfights and public executions prisoners and heretics during the Spanish Inquisition. In fact, it is definitely worth visiting the Plaza Mayor and wandering around the old traditional shops and cafes.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid Spain

2 Palacio Real de Madrid(Royal Palace of Madrid)

The official residence of the royal family, stands proudly in all its pristine glory. This is a magnificent building and it's definitely worth a walk to see it from all angles to really appreciate it. true dimensions(eight floors and 3000 bedrooms). If you have time, don't rush to leave, find some shade and relax in the Campo del Moro gardens or Sabotini gardens. They are so quiet and beautiful that it seems as if you are far from the city. Also be sure to see the neoclassical Almudena Cathedral, which is on the left side of the palace.

Price: 11 euros - adult ticket; children under 16 years old - 6 euros (from 14 to 16 years old, upon presentation of a passport); children under 5 years old - free.

Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

3 Museo del Prado (Prado Museum)

The Prado Museum is the main Spanish national art museum, as well as one of the most visited places in the world as " greatest museum art."It houses the world's best collections of Spanish and European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 19th century. If you're not an art fan, it's still worth a visit, because the museum is not only a collection of works of art, it's also a beautiful building If you are not a fan of classical art at all, go to the Reina Sofia Museum - this will be the best choice for a lover of contemporary art.

Price: 15 euros - adult ticket; children under 18 years old - admission is free; students (18-25 years old) - admission is free; disabled people - admission is free; 7.50 euros - pensioners, large families.

Free museum entry: Monday to Saturday (18:00 to 20:00) and Sunday (17:00 to 19:00)

Maximum number of visitors: from 11:00 to 13:30 (there are more people on weekends).

Best time to visit: after 15:00, or come 10 minutes before opening, this way you will ensure yourself about an hour of quiet time in the museum.

Prado Museum, Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain

4 Parque del Buen Retiro

Parque Buen - Retiro, Translated as "good solitude", also known as the green lungs of Madrid, is one of the largest parks in the city. Initially, the park belonged to the Spanish Monarchy, but in late XIX century became a public park. This perfect place for walking, contemplating great monuments and relaxing on the grass. With plenty of shade in which you can hide from the merciless daytime sun.

In the park you can see many amazing objects:

• Elegant crystal palace
• The Rosaleda Rosary is small beautiful garden with arches, fountains and all kinds of roses
• Fountain "Fallen Angel"
• The Estanque del Retiro ("Retiro Pond") is a large artificial pond where you can rent and sail a boat. On one side you can see a huge semicircular colonnade with monuments to King Alfonso XII and an equestrian statue of the monarch on top.

Cost of visit: For free

Parque del Retiro, Plaza de la Independencia, 7, Madrid, Spain

5 Temple of Debod

Here you will definitely feel like Indiana Jones when you visit this ancient Egyptian shrine, which was given to Spain as a token of gratitude for helping Egypt. Debod is located on a hill in Oeste Park. The area around the temple is popular place locals love to picnic here and it's one of the best places in Madrid to relax. We recommend you go here in the evening to see the sunset (21:00), the temple looks more vibrant against the backdrop of the sunset.

Cost of visit: for free

Debod, Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain

6 Atocha Train Station

More than just a transport hub, it is home to an indoor botanical garden and home to a large colony of turtles. Discovered in 1992, the rows of tropical trees and plants stretch for 3.96 km. under the arched roof of the station. You can relax under the leafy palm trees and watch the turtle pond. To get a better look at this creation, take the escalator to the top level.

Price: for free.

Atocha Cercanias,Madrid, Spain

7 La catedral de Santa María La Real de La Almudena (Almudena Cathedral)

The cathedral is located opposite the Royal Palace. There is a museum in the temple itself, where state and church relics are displayed. On weekends, the cathedral often hosts chamber and organ music concerts.

An interesting fact is that the cathedral is where the current King and Queen of Spain held their wedding ceremony.

Entrance: free (but you can make a charitable contribution - 1 euro)

Almudena Cathedral, Calle de Bailén, 10, Madrid, Spain

8 Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is the most central place in all of Madrid and this is where all the city's roads begin. This square is located next to shops, hotels and restaurants, and is not only a tourist destination, but also one of the main centers of public transport in Madrid. It is always a bustling place where locals, tourists, street vendors and artists gather. This is a meeting place for friends.

Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain

9 Palacio de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles (Palace of Cibeles) is a Gothic-style building that was once the main post office of Madrid, but has been the City Hall of Madrid since 2007. Plaza de Cibeles is primarily a square that serves as a cultural center many event activities. We suggest that you first admire the building from the square and appreciate its impressive size, and then come closer and personally appreciate its many details. If you wish, you can go inside the palace and enjoy its interior. Inside are art exhibitions, library, restaurant and even an auditorium for relaxation and study. On the top floor there is a terrace and an observation deck, but to get there you need to stand in line.

The Cibeles Fountain (located on the square of the same name) is an unofficial meeting place for Real Madrid fans and players to celebrate the victories of their favorite team

Entrance to the palace building: for free

Entrance to the observation deck: adult ticket - 2 euros; children under 12 years old - 0.5 euros.

Palace opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00

Opening hours of the observation deck: from Tuesday to Sunday (from 10:00 to 19:30) break from 13:00 to 16:30

Palacio de Comunicaciones, 28014 Madrid, Spain

10 City of Toledo (Toledo)

Madrid has very good transport links, so if you are here for more than 3 days, be sure to go to former capital Spain, Toledo. This is a medieval town located on a hilltop, very picturesque and beautiful. Toledo's attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Alcazar Fortress, the El Greco Museum, the Church of Santo Tome and the Santa Cruz Museum. Walk around the city and just enjoy the history of the city. The town is not big, you may only need half a day.

How to get there: Take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid's Atocha station

Travel time: 35 minutes

Round trip ticket price: 20.30 euros

Madrid cannot be called quiet place. He cannot be compared with the respectable and prim European capitals. This city is a center of energy, fiery passion. It is the capital of art and music, excitement and epicurean pleasures. The public on the streets of the Spanish capital is diverse and colorful - from reckless students to decorous matrons.

Romantic boulevards and parks, ancient architecture and the richest museums have earned Madrid the reputation of a holiday city that you can’t help but visit.

Every square of Madrid, every block or street has a unique local flavor. Traditions and customs are respected and sacredly preserved here.

The streets of this city on summer nights are full of welcoming restaurants and bars. On the weekend you can sit with friends on one of the open verandas with a glass of wine. In the cool winter months there are also plenty of places where you can go for a walk.

Unusual excursions from residents:

The main attractions of Madrid

Plaza Mayor

The main square (Plaza Mayor) is rectangular in shape and designed in the Madrid Baroque style. It was built on the spot old square Arrabal, which translates as “suburb” or “suburb”, which in the Middle Ages was located outside the city walls. The opening took place on May 15, 1620, when the peasant Isidore was canonized.

Until late at night, the square is bustling with life, bars and restaurants are open, street musicians are playing, artists are offering their paintings, and merchants are enticing with souvenirs. Every Sunday since 1929, postage stamps, medals and coins are sold here. Sights of the square: Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery), Arch of Cucilleros and bronze equestrian statue Philip III.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol - Solar Gate, this was the name given to one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded the city in the 15th century. In 1521 they were demolished, the entrance to the city was expanded and the space around was increased. This is how the central square of Madrid appeared. In Puerta del Sol there is the “zero point” - the place from which the countdown of road distances in Spain begins, and the sculpture “Ursa and arbutus"is a symbol of the capital. There are many architectural monuments, souvenir shops, shops, cafes and restaurants for every budget. The three main streets of the capital converge here. This is the city's transport hub. Puerta del Sol is a favorite place for Madrid residents and tourists; it is always crowded.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. The current appearance of the palace dates back to the late Baroque period. The grandiose complex is built in the shape of a rectangle with a spacious courtyard delimited by an arched gallery. The building has two ground floors and three main floors. The main front entrance is located on the southern facade of the complex. WITH west side gardens extend.

Prado

The Prado (Museo del Prado) is one of the most visited art museums peace. The museum building is an architectural decoration of Madrid, superb example neoclassicism. It attracts attention with its sophisticated elegance, graceful harmony of white stone columns and pink brick walls. The Prado has a rich collection spanish painting, as well as Italian, French, German, Flemish and Dutch. This is where the most full meetings works by Bosch, El Greco, Goya, Velazquez, Murillo, Zurbaran.

Reina Sofia Arts Center

Debod (Templo de Debod) is an ancient Egyptian temple built in the 4th century BC. And dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Egyptian authorities presented it to Spain in gratitude for saving the Abu Simbel temples from flooding during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Debod was carefully disassembled and transported by ship to Spain, and then reassembled in the Western Park of Madrid. It was opened to the public in 1972.

Buen Retiro Park

Buen Retiro (Parque del Buen Retiro) is a city park, a favorite vacation spot for Madrid residents, one of the symbols of the capital and an object cultural heritage Spain. This is a huge green area. In the 17th century, it was adjacent to the palace of Philip IV and served as a place for court entertainment. Later it fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, under Ferdinand VII, the park was restored. Now it's being decorated small lake with a monument to King Alfonso XII, two palaces, sculptures and fountains.

Start your trip at Plaza Mayor, admire its amazing architecture, appreciate the sophisticated terrazas, as the bars and cafes here are called, with their tables outside, and if you are lucky, admire one of the exciting parades taking place in the square.

Further along Calle Mayor you can go down to the beautiful Plaza de la Villa and the Real Palacio. The best place to relax is in such a beautiful place as Eastern Square (Plaza de Oriente).

Then you can walk a little back to the Puerta del Sol (Plaza de la Puerta del Sol) and further to the Santa Ana Square (Plaza de Santa Ana) - better place It’s hard to think of a way to have a glass. If you still have time left and want to devote it high culture, the road down the hill will lead you to the Prado Museum (Museo del Prado), one of the best art galleries in the world. To catch your breath before a long night, you can relax in Parque del Buen Retiro before heading to the Malasana or Chueca neighborhoods, known for their excellent restaurants with live jazz music.

The two most famous museum capital cities work free of charge on certain hours and days. If you come from 18 to 20 from Tuesday to Saturday at the Prado Museum (or visit it on Sunday, from 17 to 20) - admission will be free. You will see canvases by Velazquez and Goya, paintings by El Greco and Pablo Picasso, and others Spanish painters; Italian masters.

Public transport in Madrid

Madrid has excellent public transport. At your service: buses, metro, trams, trains, taxis.

A one-time trip in the city center will cost €1.5. A variety of passes and subscriptions are available. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at all metro stations, at newspaper and tobacco kiosks, at ticket offices at train stations, and large bus stops.

Tourist tours are provided for city guests travel tickets Abono Turistico. They are available for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days and allow you to use all types of transport in the center of the capital (zone A), as well as light rail, buses and trains in the suburbs of Madrid (zone T).

For example, a three-day pass:

• for zone A – €18.40
• for zone T – €35.40.

Children under 11 years old – 50% discount.

How to see the maximum of the sights of Madrid and at the same time save on transport costs, see.

The beginning of the history of Madrid is considered to be 852. During the reign of Emir Muhammad I, the Al Kasar fortress was founded. The Muslims called the settlement around the fortress walls Mayrit. The fortress changed owners several times, but in 1083 the Castilian king Alfonso VI conquered it, and it passed into the hands of Christians. The city became a stronghold for the capture of the Moorish stronghold - Toledo.

In 1202, Madrid received a code of laws from King Alfonso VIII and acquired the status of a city. From the beginning of the 14th century, the governing bodies of Castile, the Cortes, began to meet here. In 1309, King Alfonso XI established a city council - Ayuntamiento. In 1390, Enrique III was declared King of Castile - from that moment on, Madrid became the residence of the monarchs of Spain.

Madrid is one of the most colorful and attractive capitals in Europe. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year. Travel lovers will be attracted by the numerous beauties of this city, which include luxurious palaces and majestic temples, interesting museums and the famous football stadium.

So let's take a closer look at the map of the sights of the Spanish capital!

Prado Museum

Prado Museum located in beautiful building, which is considered an outstanding example of Spanish architecture of the late classicism era.

The official opening ceremony of the main Madrid museum took place in 1819. Today, this unique institution is one of the three largest museums on the planet (together with the Louvre and the Hermitage). The rich collection includes more than 6 thousand paintings, over 400 sculptures, as well as many works of jewelry.

Among the stored paintings, it is worth highlighting the masterpieces of outstanding Spanish masters: El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. The paintings of Raphael, Botticelli, Titian, Veronese, Bosch, Rubens, Bruegel and other famous Italian and Flemish painters of different years also deserve the attention of visitors.

Royal Palace

Spain is famous for its magnificent palaces located in its ancient cities. According to most tourists, the list of the most significant palace complexes in the country is topped by Madrid Royal Palace.

An architectural complex reminiscent of Versailles, erected in 1876. in the classical baroque style. It is located on a hill overlooking the Manzanares River.

For a long time this place was intended for the residence of Spanish monarchs. Now The Royal Family does not live in this residence, and the palace complex is used for important official ceremonies. A significant part of the halls is occupied museum exhibitions. Of particular interest to visitors are the Throne and Porcelain Halls, as well as the Gasparin Hall.

Much in the interiors of this castle is admirable. The paintings of great artists, statues, antique furniture, luxurious chandeliers, as well as the decoration of walls and ceilings deserve attention.

The current name of Real Madrid's home stadium was given in honor of the club's president, Santiago Bernabeu. During his reign in the 60s, the Madrid team won the European Cup 6 times. This achievement has not been surpassed by any club in Europe to date.

The capital of Spain has a huge number of places, which can interest tourists with different preferences and tastes. Usually guests draw up a program for their stay in this metropolis in advance so as not to leave out the most interesting things.

Sights worth visiting - video

You can find out why this Spanish city is called the city of the evening star in the video: