Tourist attractions El Pardo

Baron Thyssen, the heir to a fabulous collection of paintings, donated it to the Spanish State which then housed it in a neo-Classical palace renovated by Rafael Moneo. The collection is an opportunity to explore Western art from the late 12C to the ..

A visit to the Prado is an opportunity to view numerous masterpieces of Spanish and European art. Its highlights include Las Meninas by Vélazquez, the Majas and Executions at Moncloa by Goya, as well as the latter’s Black Paintings ( Saturn Dev..

This zoo, spread across 20 hectares, is located in the heart of the Casa de Campo . With its wide variety of species (3 000 animals), an aquarium specialising in tropical marine life, a vast dolphinarium, and a bird park with displays of exotic bird..

The dazzling collection brought together by José Lázaro Galdiano has two highlights: an extraordinary collection of enamels and ivories , which trace the evolution of the art of enamelling from Byzantium to the Limousin workshops of the 19C and a ..

The Campo del Moro offers the best view of the whole of this impressive building, a block of Guadarrama granite and white stone, each side measuring 140m , built by the Bourbons. It was the official residence of the Royal Family until 1931. Today, ..

Even if you are not particularly interested in weapons, you should visit this collection made by the Catholic Kings, Charles V and Philip II, if only to see the exceptional armour. Note in particular those of Charles V and his successors, as well as ..

Located in one of the busiest areas of Madrid, this convent founded by the daughter of Charles V for the ladies of the aristocracy is now home to a remarkable museum of religious art. Seen from the entrance, the main staircase takes on a magnificen..

Old Madrid is composed of narrow stepped streets, little squares bordered by houses with colourful façades, 17C palaces and aristocratic residences, 19C and early-20C houses with wrought-iron balconies. The nucleus of the city evolved progressively f..

Built by Juan Gómez de Mora under Philip III (1619), this square, formerly used for autos-da-fé, bullfights, theatre performances etc, is the heart of Habsburg Madrid . In the late 18C, Juan de Villanueva was responsible for its present appearance: ..

Founded in 1867 by Isabella II, this is the finest archaeological museum in Spain. Among its treasures are a reproduction of the Altamira caves and its cave paintings, exhibits from the Iberian civilisation, such as the famous and mysterious Lady ..

The 130 ha Retiro Park is today a green space where you can breathe in the heart of the capital, scattered with thick clumps of trees, like La Chopera in the south. You can row on the (artificial) lake under the indifferent gaze of King Alfonso XI, o..

Madrid's elegant residential district extending eastwards from its old town boasts wide, tree-lined avenues bordered by opulent buildings, luxurious palaces and old mansions now converted into museums. It is a pleasant area for a stroll, perhaps betw..

This contemporary art museum occupies the former San Carlos hospital. As well as leading names in international art, it also boasts a collection of 20C Spanish painting and sculpture. The building’s spectacular extension, opened in 2004 along Ronda d..

In the place of the palace of Philip II that was burned down in 1604, Philip III had this vast dwelling built in 1772 by Sabatini. It was an official residence of the Spanish Royal Family for a long time and its last inhabitant was General Franco who..

This charming English-style park, laid out at the beginning of the century, stretches across the slopes which overlook the River Manzanares. It contains a rose garden (competition in June), a real Egyptian temple , a cable car giving access to the h..

Even those among you who have little interest in the Latin American and Amerindian civilisations should go to this museum, which is both archaeological and ethnographical. It includes a real gem: the Cortesano Manuscript , one of the rarest Mayan ma..

This museum is housed in the residence of the Valencian painter Joaquin Sorolla (1863-1923), who is hardly known outside Spain. This impressionist artist, influenced by «costumbrismo» (a school which focussed on regional traditions, seeking there t..

A fine well-read person and an art lover, the Marquis of Cerralbo had the good taste to bequeath his collections to the Spanish State on his death. Housed in a small late 19C palace, they include many pictures (mostly Spanish), furniture, fans, arm..

«You only have to cross the bridge/And you are immediately in the country», sang a famous French singer.This is certainly the case in Madrid, especially as you can take a cable car , from the West Park, to get to this huge natural park, located beyo..

Located behind the Royal Palace, of which there are pleasant views, these attractive winter gardens owe their name to the Moorish armies, which established their encampments here during several sieges of the city.