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Madrid, Page 1
Click on the pictures to enlarge
These pictures of Madrid and two cities outside Madrid (perfect
for day-trippers) were taken during three days in Spain in the midst
of a round-the-world vacation.
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Madrid's Palacio Real (Royal Palace) makes an ideal starting point. The Palacio was rebuilt following a fire on Christmas Day in 1734 in the style of Versailles and a desire to one-up every other ruler of Europe in terms of luxury. The palace has not been used by the royal family except for ceremonies since Alphonso XIII fled in 1931; today's royal family inhabits "modest" accommodations in suburban Madrid. The massive palace pharmacy and armory are noteworthy, as well as the numerous paintings and giant Flemish and Spanish tapestries. The truly observant will notice the painting on the ceiling here is upside down... sorry:) To see even the small portion of the palace open to the public takes a few hours, so plan to have lunch in the excellent and reasonably-priced cafe upstairs. There wasn't a line at the entrance the day I went, although I hear lines are common. (OK, I went on a Sunday when it was closed, but I returned Tuesday and there was still no line.)
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An archeological dig next to the Palacio appears to be stalled, although it revealed some interesting medieval building formations. |
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The Palace has quite a view! |
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A waiter serves wine at a fine outdoor cafe with a view almost as good as the Palace's. |
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A rock band gives a seemingly-impromptu performance to a massive crowd of onlookers (not shown:) on an otherwise quiet sidestreet. |
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"Cien pesetas. Todos. Cien pesetas." ("All items 50c") One of Madrid's Sunday markets feature individuals laying a blanket on the ground and selling whatever people might be interested in. |
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Now I sit here, broken
hearted One of Madrid's public pay toilets. |
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Madrid's Plaza Mayor, or central public square, is ringed by numerous 16th century buildings. |
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The old, narrow streets near the Plaza Mayor are a pleasure to walk. |
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The Hotel Villa Real, although of new construction, lives up to the traditions of 19th century architecture. The hotel's art collection--primarily old Roman mosaics bought at Sotheby's--is quite impressive. Madrid is a city to visit--like Hong Kong or Bangkok--just to stay at one of the world's finest hotels, which in Madrid include the Ritz. |
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The room at Villa Real was Ritz-Carlton quality at a Hampton Inn price, thanks to the weak peseta at the time I was there. (It has since appreciated 40%... ouch!) I've never seen a member of Small Luxury Hotels so darn cheap. They also sent up a bottle of wine gratis, which was pretty sweet since I wasn't 21 at the time. |
>> Next Page: More of Madrid >> |
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