|
|
MADRID
The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the centre of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level, has a population of over three million. A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Most of its industry is located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife.
Madrid is a relative newcomer to the city break scene which is surprising as it is a fascinating city famous for its zest for life. Architecturally it doesn't have the same quantity of essential sights as Barcelona but is a fascinating city to explore and take in the atmosphere, especially around the Old Madrid of the Habsburgs including Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
Culturally, the art scene is right up there with the Prado remaining the city's major cultural attraction and Picasso's 'Guernica' in the Reina-Sofia being the number one exhibit. Madrid is also a great place to see the traditional Spanish arts with the largest bullring in Spain at Las Ventas and a flamenco scene on a par with the traditional flamenco cities of the south.
Real Madrid football club are another major attraction with thousands
of visitors in the city every other weekend to see a match at the Bernabeu
stadium. Time permitting, if you want to escape the bustle of the city
there are a whole range of superb day excursions available to the likes
of Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial and beyond. Madrid offers a fine selection
of hotels, please visit our hotels
in Madrid section.
