As a royal city and European capital, Madrid owes much of its importance
to the Holy Roman Emperor CharlesV and the House of Austria. Lost in admiration
at the sight of the city, the emperor had the Acazar rebuilt and fitted
out the present Royal Palace.
Palacio Real
Built in 1734, after the fire at the Alcazar, the vast and extravagant
royal palace is now a storehouse of treasures. To reach the first floor,
take the grand staircase, in one of the finest parts of the building
with its lavish painted ceiling. Here you’ll find Goya’s
portrait of Carlos IV, followed by the Throne Room, with its vault decorated
by Tiepolo and the grand dining room. Well worth a visit while in Madrid
and who knows you might even catch a glimpse of the Royal family!
Calle de Bailen
91 454 87 00
Mon.-Sat., 9.30am-5pm
Sun. and hols. 9am-2pm
El Flamenco Vive
If you’ve ever dreamt of dressing up as a flamenco dancer, this shop
is definitely the place for you. With elaborate dresses, dance outfits,
accessories and, above all, CD’s and records of flamenco on offer,
you’ll find everything you could possibly need here.
Calle Conde de Lemos, 7
91 547 39 17
Plaza De La Villa
This quiet pedestrian square is surrounded by some of the most historic
administrative buildings in the city. The Casa de la Villa houses the
town hall and is linked to the 16th-century Casa Cisneros by an enclosed
bridge. Take a look at its elaborate façade, built in a Plateresque
style. Legend has it that after the battle of Pavia, Francois I of France
was imprisoned in the Torre de Lujanes, the oldest building in the square
which is built entirely of brick and plaster in the early 15th century.
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