There is no better way to relax and rest than with a visit to the “Buen Retiro” Park. Although we didn’t exactly rest as one has to walkabout a lot. We walked down the “Gran Vía” arriving at the “Cibeles” Fountain and turned onto the Prado Path briefly stopping at the Apollo Fountain and further ahead at the Neptune Fountain. Continue reading “A Grand Day in Madrid”
Category: “Madrid”
A Saturday in Madrid
Saturdays are usually hectic days and for us even more, but we were in Madrid. And although life in Madrid begins at 10: 00h, we wasted no time and set out early on its conquest. Continue reading “A Saturday in Madrid”
Finally in Madrid!
Our visit to Spain began in Madrid to later travel to Andalusia and return to Madrid. Therefore, we had a couple of days to explore the city.
Definitely, Madrid is a very cosmopolitan and modern city which holds many great treasures to visit. At the same time, it is the kind of place which can be visited a thousand times and there will always be something new to discover and new experiences to be lived. Continue reading “Finally in Madrid!”
The Metropolis Building, Madrid, Spain.
The Metropolis Building is considered to be the most emblematic of Madrid, Spain. Its actual physical address is 39 Alcalá Street, despite that many believe it is on the “Gran Via” (Grand Avenue). The building was designed by the famous French Architects Jules and Raymond Février by means of a contest. Various architectural styles were employed such as Roman, Beaux Arts and Neo-Roman. Its construction was ordered by the insurance company “La Unión y el Fénix” in 1907. Work was finally completed in 1910 under the eyes of the Spaniard Luis Esteve Fernández-Caballero. The building was inaugurated in 1911. Continue reading “The Metropolis Building, Madrid, Spain.”
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace found in the “Buen Retiro” Park is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful structures that can be found in Madrid. A structure that on one hand, combines subtle and romance, and on the other hand, an integration of innovative materials and monumental space providing an impressive attitude. Continue reading “The Crystal Palace”
The Velazquez Palace
We arrived at the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid, believing that we could see for the first time a structure designed by the great Velazquez. We discovered the Velazquez work, but it was not done by the famed painter. This Velazquez turned out to be the architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. There are a few years between them, the painter pertained to the XVII century, whereas the architect was of the XIX century. Confused no longer, we moved onward to enjoy the Palace of Exhibitions known as the Velazquez Palace and the current exhibit. Continue reading “The Velazquez Palace”
Statue of the Arts
Shown is one of the statues we find at the Alfonso XII Monument in the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid. Created by the sculptor, Joaquín Bilbao, the Statue of the Arts is represented the figure of a woman seated over the chapiter, holding in her right hand a small statue of Victoria de Samotracia and in her left hand a painter’s palette. These elements symbolize Architecture, Sculpture and Painting. Continue reading “Statue of the Arts”
“Casa Labra” – Madrid
Our friend Gadiel Soto took us to “Casa Labra”, a restaurant founded in 1860, in order to enjoy a glass of Vermouth and the Cod Fish croquettes, the most famous and tasty of Madrid. Surely we will be back for more. In our travels we had not tasted a more exquisite croquettes.
Church of “San Jerónimo el Real” in Madrid
The Church of “San Jerónimo el Real” in Madrid and it Main Altar. The church was known as “Los Jerónimos”, as a result of the early control by the Order of Saint Jerome. In the past it had been one of the most important monasteries of Madrid. At present, we will find the church and a Renaissance Cloister.
Church and Cathedral of “Santa María La Real de la Almudena”
The Church and Cathedral of “Santa María La Real de la Almudena” is located in the Historic center of Madrid and it is the main quarters for the Archdiocese of Madrid. Therein, the image of ” Santa María de la Almudena”, the Patron of the city is revered. Continue reading “Church and Cathedral of “Santa María La Real de la Almudena””