"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

Royal Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans – Madrid

The first thing that caught our attention about this church is precisely its name, “San Antonio de los Alemanes” or Saint Anthony of the Germans. It was founded by Philip III at the beginning of the 17th century, when Portugal was part of the Hispanic kingdoms under the Habsburgs. The mission of both the church and the adjoining hospital was to receive the sick and Portuguese pilgrims passing through Madrid. For this reason it was originally called Saint Anthony of the Portuguese. Continue reading “Royal Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans – Madrid”

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

The Alexander III Bridge in Paris

One of the most visited and emblematic bridges in Paris is the “Pont Alexandre III”. It was inaugurated by Émile Loubet, seventh president of the French Republic during the Third Republic, on April 14, 1900 on the occasion of the Paris International Expo. In 1925, the bridge was part of the Exposition “des Arts Décoratifs” of Paris and fifty years later, in 1975, the Pont Alexandre III was declared a French Historical Monument. By 1999, it was included in the delimitation of the Seine riverbanks in Paris, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Continue reading “The Alexander III Bridge in Paris”

"Aranjuez", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Garden of the Island – Aranjuez

The Garden of the Island is located to the north of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and is considered one of the main works of Spanish Renaissance gardening along with the “Casa de Campo” in Madrid. Since 1931 it has been of Cultural Interest and since 2001 it has been a World Heritage Site as part of the Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez declaration. Continue reading “The Garden of the Island – Aranjuez”

"Aranjuez", Blog English, Country, Spain

“El Parterre” (The Flowerbed) Aranjuez

Inspired by the French gardens of the time, the engineer Esteban Marchand in 1727, create the “El Parterre” or The Flowerbed of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. It is located next to the eastern facade of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. The floral decoration of the garden was the work of the French gardener Esteban Boutelou, who completed the work in 1736. It is considered one of the few examples of French classical gardening in Spain. Continue reading ““El Parterre” (The Flowerbed) Aranjuez”

"Madrid", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Sabatini Gardens, Madrid

Occupying an area of just over two hectares, the Sabatini Gardens are located in front of the north facade of the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is a neoclassical garden in keeping with the palace. Although it can be contemplated splendidly from the railing on Bailén street, it is best to go down its monumental stairs, built in 1972, when the gardens were renovated, and enjoy it from below.

The space now occupied by the Sabatini Gardens was the site of the Royal Stables built in the 18th century by the Italian architect Francesco Sabatini next to the palace. The Madrid City Council, in order to build a public park, conducted a competition whereby the winner of the project was the architect Fernando García Mercadal from Zaragoza. In 1933, the demolition of the buildings of the stables began and the construction of the gardens began and finally completed in the late seventies. They opened to the public in 1978 by King Juan Carlos I.

With its formal neoclassical style, there are well-pruned hedges, in symmetrical geometric patterns, with trees also arranged in a symmetrical geometric shape. The area is divided into three terraces or levels, each with its own charm. Strolling along its paths and confirming the perfection of all the symmetry displayed in these gardens, is enchanting.

The Sabatini Gardens are adorned with a pond, statues and fountains. The statues represent ancient Spanish kings, which were not originally intended to adorn a garden. They are part of the collection of one hundred sculptures made during the construction of the Royal Palace. These statues have also been distributed in other areas, such as the cornice of the Palace itself, the Plaza de Oriente, the Retiro and the Capricho Parks.

It is the pond that serves as a mirror of the north facade of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the axis of the whole. And precisely, it is the perfect spot to take a picture of this side of the Palace. Why not, a “selfie” too?

The best thing about this space, besides the fact that its entrance is free, is having the opportunity to sit on one of its benches and enjoy a good moment of tranquility and serenity. The vegetation, the beautiful views, the water and the art, all it in the midst of Madrid and worth visiting.

We had the opportunity to visit the Sabatini Gardens when its renovation had already been completed, at the end of May 2022. The transition that took us from the gardens to the Plaza de España was done very well.

We don’t want to conclude without sharing a picture of the peacocks we spotted from Bailén Street, at the top of some trees. After a lifetime of seeing them on the ground, we found it very curious to see them in the trees and remembering that they are in fact, birds.


Resources:

https://www.esmadrid.com/informacion-turistica/jardines-de-sabatini
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardines_de_Sabatini
https://www.miradormadrid.com/los-jardines-de-sabatini-2/

"Segovia", Blog English, Country, Spain

The “Alcázar” of Segovia

Upon seeing it, perhaps one is transported to those medieval castles in fairy tales, or in films or series where it has been used, so imposing, magical and beautiful. Or, perhaps we imagine it as history suggests, a witness to battles, of royal weddings or merely a palace of intrigues, this is the “Alcázar” of Segovia. Continue reading “The “Alcázar” of Segovia”

"Malaga", Blog English, Country, Spain

Central Market of the “Ataranzanas” in Malaga

One of the elements that most caught our attention in the Central Market of the Ataranzanas in Malaga is its entrance from the Nasrid period. It is a monumental arch, horseshoe-shaped and pointed. The coats of arms of this arch allow us to place it in the period of the reign of Mohamed V (1354-1391). Continue reading “Central Market of the “Ataranzanas” in Malaga”