Madrid is home to a wide variety of historical attractions, which can make it tough to decide where to visit – especially if you don’t have a long time in the city. To give you a helping hand, I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite heritage sites in the Spanish capital.
Royal Palace
I’m going to start with what has to be one of Madrid’s most impressive landmarks – the Royal Palace. You can’t really miss this vast building and its picturesque gardens and it should certainly be on your list of places to visit if you have a love of history.
Constructed in the 18th century on the orders of Philip V, it’s worth taking some time to admire its various facades before heading inside to see the rooms that are open to the public. Among the most notable of these are the Hall of Mirrors, King Charles III’s Room and the Royal Guards’ Room. Make sure you pay attention to what’s hanging on the walls as you wander around, too, as paintings by the likes of Velazquez, Goya and El Greco are displayed here.
Plaza Mayor
Situated in the heart of Madrid, this square has a varied and fascinating history. The open space was created in the 17th century and it is the ornate arcades running around its perimeter that will probably strike you first when you step into the plaza.
In the centre is a bronze statue of Felipe III on horseback – it was he who commissioned the plaza. Over the centuries, this square has played host to festive occasions, theatrical performances, bullfights, public executions and even the Inquisition trials, to give you an idea of its intriguing past.
Plaza de la Villa
I think making a beeline for the Plaza de la Villa is an excellent idea if you want to learn more about the upper classes in Madrid. This was a hub for the wealthy and ruling families in the 17th and 18th centuries, with many of the buildings designed by architects such as Juan Gomez de Mora and Jose de Villareal.
The Casa de la Villa is one of the most impressive houses in the plaza – it was originally conceived as a jail, before becoming the seat of the council. One of the most significant reforms was the construction of the Column Gallery in the 18th century, while another impressive addition is the Atrium of Crystals, where you can see a beautiful stained glass roof that was installed in the 19th century to convert an open-air courtyard into an extra hall.
Templo de Debod
My final suggestion is something rather unusual – and if we’re being honest, not something that you’d really think belongs in Madrid. The Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was donated to Spain by Egypt before a large area was flooded following the construction of the Aswan Dam.
This impressive place of worship dates from the 2nd century BC and was painstakingly reconstructed in the Cuartel de la Montana Park, where it stands now for all to see. Interestingly, its original orientation has been replicated in Spain – it faces from east to west – while there are a series of informative displays to help you better understand its history.
Photo credit: plaza mayor
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