Spain, Madrid: attractions, history

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Everyone who comes to this Spanish city falls in love with it forever. The most beautiful metropolis with a centuries-old history harmoniously combines modern buildings with cultural values that have survived to this day.

The capital of the country of fierce bullfighting and passionate flamenco, gentle sun and azure sea is visited by a huge number of tourists dreaming of a memorable vacation.

History of the ancient city

The city, founded in 858, at first was a huge fortress, the construction of which was labored by the Moors. The historical roots of the name of the capital of Spain originate from the small river Manzanares, which the builders in their own way called Al-Majrit (translated as “source of water”). During the Crusades, the fortification was conquered by the Castilians. Over time, Madrid becomes a staging post for hunting-loving kings.

In the settlement, which was granted many privileges, in the 15th century, about five thousand people lived. In 1561 the royal court was transferred to Madrid, from thistime, the capital is considered the main city of the country.

Golden Age

After obtaining a new status, migrants rush here, and the population grows to 60 thousand people. During the reign of Philip III and Philip IV, Spain is experiencing a real golden age. Madrid, bathed in luxury, is famous for its outstanding results in the field of theater, painting and literature. Cervantes, Velasquez, Rubens, Lope de Vega lived and worked in the city, leaving a huge cultural heritage to their descendants.

Silver Age

During the First World War, the country remained neutral, thanks to which incredible fortunes are made in Madrid. This period was called the Silver Age, and people came to the capital to create unique masterpieces by Dali, Picasso, Buñuel.

Political crisis

In 1923, Spain, which is in a state of deep political crisis, is going through hard times. Madrid, like other cities of the kingdom, is in the grip of the military dictatorship of General de Rivera, who carried out a coup d'état.

During the Civil War (1936–1939), the capital suffered from aerial bombings.

After General Franco triumphantly enters Madrid, a dictatorship is established in the country for many years. It was only after his death that the emerging new parties recognize King Juan Carlos I de Bourbon as the true heir to the Spanish dynasty, which brings the country to its current status of a constitutional monarchy. And the city of Madrid becomes the largestcenter of international tourism.

Tourist Mecca

Every year, millions of travelers go to the capital of Spain, recognized as a real world treasure. Good-natured locals say that the ancient city is open to everyone, it accepts a person of any culture and religion, and no one will feel left out.

Madrid - the capital of Spain - is extremely loved by tourists from all over the world. The city is located at an altitude of almost 646 meters above sea level, and it is called the most "elevated" world center.

Climate and weather

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate with hot summers and short winters, everyone will find the best option for traveling to the most beautiful metropolis of Spain. In spring and autumn, the weather in Madrid is most suitable for visiting the city's attractions. Many note the unbearable heat in summer and the icy wind with showers in the winter months.

But at the beginning of spring, when nature wakes up from hibernation, bright greenery will be the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Even at night, the weather in Madrid pleases with high temperatures. Which is perfect for romantic promenades.

Madrid Barajas Airport

Acquaintance with the Spanish capital of tourists arriving on vacation begins with an international airport that receives all commercial flights. It is located close to the city, which saves a lot of time and money for all travelers. Madrid Airport is considered the largest in Europe, more than 46 million people have passed through its terminals.

Many of those who were lucky enough to visit the amazing capital of Spain spoke about problems with free internet inside the huge complex. In addition, the modern airport, consisting of four terminals, causes difficulties with orientation. Tourists arriving for the first time can even get lost, so be sure to follow the signs carefully.

The Royal Palace is the symbol of the city

Those who come to the ancient city with centuries of history will never be disappointed. Travelers are equally welcomed by the country of kings - Spain. Madrid, famous for its fantastically beautiful palaces, invites you to enjoy the beautifully preserved ancient buildings.

The Royal Palace, built on the Manzanares River, is open to the public. More than 3,500 rooms with luxurious decoration appear before the eyes of tourists stunned by the scope. The official residence of the Spanish kings, the palace, built in the Baroque style, is made of light granite and white marble. Here you can walk not only through the internal halls, but also see the armory, the numismatic museum, and the alchemical laboratory.

Next to the royal palace is a picturesque park with well-groomed gardens and fountains. Now it houses a unique museum of carriages that belonged to the Spanish kings.

Retiro Park

Ancient Madrid is extraordinarily proud of the city's most favorite vacation spot. Reviews of tourists about the park, which is an object of culturalheritage, only enthusiastic.

About 150 years ago, the vast territory where the kings built new pavilions and planted flower gardens was nationalized. The green alleys of the park are decorated with unusual fountains. One of them - "The Fallen Angel" - is dedicated to the expulsion of the devil from paradise, and this is the only monument to Lucifer in the world.

Three-tiered fountain topped with a snail is loved by adults and children. Decorated with dolphins, turtles and angels from which jets of water rise, it is an interesting composition that you want to enjoy. Thousands of green spaces are monitored by gardeners, figuratively pruning bushes. Here grows the symbol of Madrid - the strawberry tree depicted on the city coat of arms.

All guests are pleased to demonstrate their unique sights of Spain. Madrid, which many call a museum city, is filled with history and is ready to tell about the main events of its centuries-old life. Rest here is always active, eventful, and everyone who has come to the capital of Spain at least once dreams of new trips to the ancient city with excitement. Join now!