Madrid is the largest city in Spain, and Madrid is also a city with a very long history. Speaking of Madrid, there is also a palace in Madrid that is also an attraction. Apart from these, there are other attractions to visit in Madrid. Let's take a look.
1. Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum
The Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum was officially opened on September 10, 1992, and was named after Queen Sofia of Spain. It was once a hospital and was expanded in 2005 by French designer Jean Nouvel. The Reina Sofia National Art Center Museum mainly collects Spanish art, the highlights of which are the masterpieces of two Spanish masters of the 20th century: "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso and the works of Salvador Dali. Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" shows the horrors of World War II.
2. San Miguel Market
Located near the Plaza Mayor, the San Miguel Market is a popular shopping destination where you can sample local cuisine. Its steel and glass architecture is eye-catching, and its delicacies include salted fish, oysters, fresh noodles and cakes. On weekends, the market is open until two in the morning, making it a favorite night market among tourists and locals alike. It also hosts events such as concerts, cooking classes and private parties.
3. Ancient Egyptian Temple
Near the Royal Palace, the Ancient Egyptian Temple is one of the most special attractions in the Western Park. Temples dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis once stood on both sides of the Nile. The construction of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt has put many historical sites at risk of being destroyed by floods. Spanish engineers helped the Egyptian government move the artifacts to a safe area. In 1968, the Egyptian government gave this ancient temple to Spain in return for Spain's help to them.
4. Cibeles Square
Cibeles Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Madrid, surrounded by neoclassical buildings, marble sculptures and fountains. Architect Antonio Palacios designed Palacio de Cibeles. The statue of Fuentedela Cibeles in the center is considered a symbol of the city. The magnificent fountain depicts the majestic goddess Sibels astride a lion. The statue was carved in purple marble in 1780 by Francisco Gutierrez and Robert Michel. This fountain was once a source of domestic water for nearby residents.
5. Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid. Thousands of people gather here every New Year’s Eve to celebrate the New Year. Now it has become a place for tourists to walk and admire the architectural wonders. The clock in the center of the Puerta del Sol marks the beginning of the new year. The Kilometer Zero sign on the pavement in front of the Postal Building marks the beginning of Spain's road network. The "Bear and Strawberry Tree" sculpture on the side of the Puerta del Sol is considered a symbol of Madrid.
6. Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue is called the Broadway of Madrid because it is the "city that never sleeps". The Grand Avenue runs through the center of Madrid, connecting Plaza de Espa?a and Calle Alcalá. Completed in 1910, Grand Avenue is home to hundreds of shops, restaurants and businesses. The most famous building is the Telefnica, which is the tallest building in Europe and was completed in 1929. The clock on top of this Baroque American building is a local landmark.
7. Buenretiro Park
Retiro Park was built in the 15th century and is located on the edge of the city center. It is Madrid's largest park, with 350 acres of gardens, fountains and buildings. When Philip II moved the palace to Madrid in 1561, it was expanded into a royal park. It has been part of the public domain since 1868. Retiro Park is very popular for tourists and locals alike. The park has a large artificial pond where people can rent kayaks and canoes. There is a waterside pavilion-like building with a semicircular colonnade. At the base of the central octagonal stone staircase stands the monument to King Alfonso XII.
8. Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Madrid. It was designed in the neoclassical style at the end of the 18th century by architect Juande Villanueva and contains some of the best works of art in the world.
The main collection is paintings by masters, with more than 7,000 historical works representing culture and history from the 12th to 19th centuries. However, one cannot enjoy them all in one visit. Visitors may prefer to admire the works of Spanish artists, including Goya, El Greco, Dalibera and Velasquez, whose works are recognized as the finest collection of Spanish paintings in the world.
9. Plaza Mayor
The most famous square in Madrid, Plaza Mayor, dates back to 1619. It is located outside the city and is mainly used for bullfighting. During the Spanish Inquisition, many accused heretics died here. Beside the rectangular cobblestone square are rows of three-storey apartments built in the late 18th century. The building is decorated with frescoes, has iron railings on its balconies, and has an elegant slate spire. In the center of the square is a statue of Philip III on horseback. The building opposite the square is a bakery and tourist information center.
10. Madrid Palace
The Madrid Palace is the third largest palace in Europe after Versailles and Vienna Palace, with more than 2,500 ornately decorated rooms. The palace was built in 1764 and has been known as the royal residence since the time of Carlos III. The last people to live here were Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. Although the palace is still used by the royal family, 50 elegant rooms are open to the public, including an armory, a medical museum and a sumptuous main hall known as the "Imperial Hall", with a ceiling painted by Baroque artist Tiepolo in 1766 mural. The murals in the hall depict Christopher Columbus delivering gifts from the New World to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.