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The lovely Spanish capital of Madrid is a beautiful and exciting destination on the Iberian Peninsula. Featuring everything from art and culture to the most modern and trendy shopping locations and businesses, it has a world of excitement to offer. So check out what this Spanish city can provide for your next European trip!
The main square in the middle of Madrid, this is a must-see for any visitor to the city. This historical site features statues of famous kings and has been the sight of most of Spain's history. It has remained an important part of city life, hosting festivals and events throughout the year. On Sundays the plaza is the site of an antique stamp and coin fair, and during the Christmas and Easter holidays it is the sight of many processions and traditional Catholic festivals. But whether or not there is anything happening in the square, the many cafes and restaurants always feature outdoor tables, perfect for enjoying a small cup of coffee and watching the people walk by.
Spain's most famous museum, the Prado is the heart of the art scene in the country and houses some of the most famous works of Spanish art. Some of the masterpieces come from Goya, El Greco, Rubens and Raphael, just to name a few. The museum is also located right next to the Jardin Botanico, with extensive gardens and thousands of varieties of plants, trees, and flowers. The shady avenues and paths are perfect for a sunny day after enjoying the beautiful artwork of the museum.
The Royal Theater was built by Queen Isabel and is one of the most beautiful theater houses in the country. The beautiful interior often has orchestral performances as well as plays and operas. Check out the schedule to find out when and what is happening, then take in an evening of culture and music.
The exact center of Spain, this semi-circle is kilometer 0 for the country, the location from which all distances are determined. Puerta del sol also has a large and lively plaza, full of stores and people. It is a common meeting place in the city for youth and students, and is well-liked by tourists and locals alike.
The Royal Palace of the Spanish Royal Family is no longer used as a residency, but has been opened up for tours and visitors. Guided tours are available on weekdays, and visitors can marvel at the classical architecture and many paintings that fill the various rooms of the palace. There are extensive gardens surrounding the palace grounds, with many small squares and enclosed hedges, as well as flower gardens and trees.
Across from the Palacio Real, the Almudena Cathedral is the main Catholic church of the city, and features incredible architecture as well as a charming facade. On the inside, vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows complete the experience. Only finished in 1993, after almost 100 years of construction, the cathedral is considered an ideal church. Visitors can also descend below the level of the street to tour the complex catacombs beneath the church, the burial site of some of Spains most famous citizens.
For soccer fans everywhere, Real Madrid is one of the top teams in the world. Featuring such world-class players as Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Zidane, the games are always high-profile international matches. Home matches are played at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a massive soccer stadium with space for over 75,000 spectators.
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