subject: Visiting el Centro Of The City Of Madrid [print this page] Madrid is the capital of SpainMadrid is the capital of Spain. Most tourists who visit Madrid are directed by their tour guides or travel agents to visit El Centro (downtown) which is where most of the regular sightseeing is done. This central area is delineated by the following landmarks:
On the West it is limited by the Palacio Real and the Plaza de Espaa, on the East the famous Parque del Retiro and the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, to the North, visitors can walk along the Paseo de la Castellana up to the Real Madrid soccer stadium Santiago Bernabeu while in the South we find the old flea market of El Rastro and the train station of Atocha.
Puerta del Sol
In the very center of the city of Madrid, we find the Puerta del Sol which is not only the center of the city, but also of the whole country as it is precisely from there that the highway distances are measured.
Grapes gobbling on New Years Eve
Traditionally, on December 31, citizens of Madrid gather in Puerta del sol to hear the bells of the carillon of Casa de Correos signal the end of the current year. It is a dear custom for all Spaniards to tune in their TV sets to this event in Puerta del Sol countrywide and gobble grapes at the rhythm of the bells. After that everyone celebrates with Champagne and Sidra and the big party begins.
La Plaza Mayor
Walking south from villa rental spain through the arches of Calle Mayor, we arrive at the stone paved square Plaza Mayor. This square, surrounded by covered arcades, was constructed in the XVI century and allegedly used during the Inquisition as a public place to burn many heretics at the stake. Nowadays it is full of souvenirs and handicraft shops, restaurants and cafes, where the visitor can sit and relax.
A stroll westwards will lead the visitor to the beautiful Catedral de la Almudena, whose courtyard is shared with the Palacio Real.
El Parque del Retiro
This beautiful park is located east of the Paseo del Prado, which leads to the famous Museo del Prado where people can admire Velazquez and Goyas artwork.
The Parque del Retiro has many amenities for families and couples, amongst them the opportunity of renting a paddle boat and exploring the beautiful lake.
