If you look carefully at the street names and the commemorative
plaques in this area, you’ll realise you’re in the centre of
the literary Madrid of the 17th century. Seek out the Golden Age of the
Castilian literature
by retracing the footsteps of such notable authors as Cervantes, Cadalso
and others. The Zarzuela theatre is still here, as are the palaces that
line the Paseo del Prado.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
Since 1922 the Palacio de Villahermose has housed the stunning art collection
belonging to Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his son. There are
over eight hundred wonderful paintings on display here ranging from the
13th to the 20th century. The sheer scale of this museum makes it a must
for art lovers. The galleries contain masterpieces from the German school,
the Flemish school, Italian school, as well as works by the French impressionists
(Renoir and Van Gogh)
Paseo del Prado, 8
91 420 39 44
Tue.-Sun., 10am-7pm
Café du Circulo de Bellas Artes
This café, which is used to house tempory exhibitions is more like
an old fashioned club. The vast room, wooden floors, bay windows which
overlook the Gran Via, the Calle Alcala and the Plaza de Cibeles, and its
giant ceiling frescoes and fabulous chanderiers gives the place an elegant
atmosphere in which to relax and soak up the ambiance.
Calle del Marques de Casa Riera, 2
91 360 51 00
Every day 9-1am
Casa de las Escayolas
Don’t miss this Aladdin’s cave if you’re an aspiring
artist. You’ll find everything here you need for painting and paint
effects, as well as a whole host of objects made of plaster, resin and
wood to try your handiwork on, including lampstands, photo frames and figurines
to decorate according to your taste
Calle de Leon, 5
91 429 48 50
Mon.-Fri., 9.30am-2pm 5-8.30pm
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