During your trip to Madrid, you'll definitely want to visit some of the city's most beautiful places. Whether you're looking to relax in one of its many parks, or enjoy a stroll along elegant boulevards, you'll find a little bit of everything in Madrid.
Alcala
Located 35 km northeast of Madrid, Alcala de Henares is a beautiful Spanish town. The quaint town has a rich history and hosts a large community of international students. It is easy to get to Alcala by train or car and is easily accessible from Madrid.
The city is known for its architecture. The medieval university is a beautiful example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Universidad de Alcala, or Complutense University, was founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. The university was initially a religious institute, but opened up to humanities and law in the 19th century. It is now one of the major foreign language learning centers in Spain.
There are many interesting things to do in Alcala. Visitors can visit the Archaeological Museum, which contains a collection of Roman domestic murals. The city also has a Roman forum, which includes a basilica and public baths. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city also has one of the oldest theatres in Europe. The Corral de Comedias has a full program of theatrical performances. You can also tour the Corral of Comedies, which dates back to the early 17th century.
During the Middle Ages, Alcala was home to a Jewish congregation of 200 families. They were granted equal rights with Christians during Muslim rule. In the 14th century, Marrano Pero Ferrus wrote a satirical poem about the Jews of Alcala.
Retiro
Located in the center of Madrid, Retiro is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madrid. It is a park that is filled with magnificent fountains, tree-lined alleys, and a lake where you can enjoy boat rides. There are also many activities to do at this park.
You can explore the park's different monuments. There are several statues, including a monument to the wife of King Ferdinand VII of Spain, Maria Cristina de Borbon. The statue is atop a pedestal adorned with coats of arms. The statue stands in front of the Cason del Buen Retiro.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Palacio de Velazquez. This is a museum that is located between the Lago del Retiro and the Palacio de Cristal.
The crystal palace was built in 1887. It was modeled after a similar structure in London. It features a dome in the center and a cross shape that is similar to most churches in Spain. This building contrasts with the trees and plants in the park.
The park is a great place to spend the afternoon or to take a walk. The trees and flowers are lovely, and you can enjoy a picnic. The park also offers several playgrounds for children. The park is also home to the La Chopera sports center. It is open 6 am to midnight May to September.
Another popular attraction is the puppet theatre. The theater offers shows for children every weekend.
Plaza Mayor
Located in the heart of Madrid's Old Town, Plaza Mayor is one of the city's oldest and most beautiful places. This historic square is surrounded by two tiers of traditional shops and restaurants, making it one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. The plaza itself is a nice place to sit and rest or to browse through some local crafts.
The square is surrounded by some of Madrid's most luxurious real estate. Many of the old cellars have been converted into traditional bars and restaurants. The facade of the building to the north of the plaza has an impressive piece of artwork. It is a painted building owned by the local council and was soon converted into a hotel.
The Prado Museum is a great place to see works of art by some of the world's most famous masters. It is housed in a Neo-Classical building from the 18th century. The square itself is home to the statue of King Philip III, one of the most famous bronze statues in Mannerist style.
Plaza Mayor is the centerpiece of the city of Madrid and is a great place to see a variety of street performers. The square itself has been used for bull fights, auto-da-fe during the Spanish Inquisition, and other civic events. During the Spanish Civil War, the square was renamed Plaza de la Constitucion.
Plaza Mayor has been rebuilt several times in its history. It was rebuilt in 1790 by architect Juan de Villanueva, after multiple fires ravaged the building. The building itself is a large rectangular structure that is surrounded by nine external arches. It is made of heavy stone walls that support the weight of the inner square.
Thyssen-Bornemisza
Originally a private collection, Thyssen-Bornemisza is now owned by the Spanish government. Its collection has a wide range of artistic styles and is a great introduction to the history of Western art.
The collection features works by artists from the Renaissance and Rococo periods. It is comprised of over 1000 artworks. It is one of the most important private collections in the world. The collection includes works by artists such as Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
The collection also features works from the Renaissance and Early Netherlandish periods. The collection is particularly rich in areas that are not represented in other Spanish museums. Some of the highlights include the Massacre of the Innocents by Lucas Van Valckenborch in 1586. It also features portraits by Antonello da Messina and Domenico Ghirlandaio.
The museum also features a large number of workshops and guided tours for children. The museum is open Monday to Sunday. The museum's entrance is free. There is a restaurant on the rooftop of the museum, which has a stylish terrace. It offers casual dining options as well.
The collection also features works by 20th century artists, including surrealism, pop art, and abstraction. In addition to paintings, the museum displays drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
The museum is open every day of the week, and on Mondays, it offers free entry. There is an audio guide that is available. It is also open on weekends and holidays.
Rascafria
Located outside the city centre of Madrid, Rascafria is a small town with a lot to offer. Known for its traditional Spanish architecture and natural beauty, Rascafria is surrounded by mountains and lakes, and offers numerous attractions. It is a great place to relax and unwind, and its surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, hiking, and swimming.
If you are visiting Madrid, you should definitely make a stop at Rascafria. The town is a great destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its buildings and monuments date back centuries, and its location allows you to take in the beautiful scenery.
One of the main attractions in Rascafria is the Monastery of Santa Maria de El Paular. The monastery was built in the 14th century and is now inhabited by a community of monks. It has several interesting features, including gilded leaf work, solomonic columns, and cloisters.
If you are visiting Rascafria, you should also check out the Church of San Andres Apostol. The parish church was built in the 15th century and is decorated with Gothic vaults and coffered ceilings. It is close to the town hall.
Rascafria is also home to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. It extends from Puerto de Los Cotos Mountain Pass to Collado del Camino del Nevero. It occupies 33,960 hectares and is situated in the Autonomous Community of Segovia.
Toledo
Known as the 'City of Three Cultures', Toledo has a long and fascinating history. It has been home to Romans, Christians, Jews and Moors, and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several interesting things to do in Toledo.
The Alcazar of Toledo is a beautiful fortress that dates back to Roman times. Its fusion of Christian and Moorish architecture is unique. It was a vital site during the Spanish civil war.
Toledo is home to a museum dedicated to Spanish Renaissance painter El Greco. You can learn about his impact on Toledo by checking out his most famous painting. The museum is a medium sized place, with most of the exhibits concentrating on Spanish Renaissance paintings.
Toledo is also home to a large number of historical buildings. The city's Old Town, which is enclosed by medieval walls, contains a number of impressive tourist attractions. It's also home to several mosques and monasteries.
Toledo is also home to a number of important religious festivals, including Easter and the Corpus Christi. These festivals are held throughout the year, with processions through the Old Town.
A great way to view Toledo is from the Mirador del Valle, which overlooks the city. You can get there by train or car. It's a good idea to visit the Mirador first thing in the morning, as you will get the best views.
