7 Places to Visit in Madrid
Planning to go to Madrid? That’s no wonder. Madrid is probably one of the most beautiful places on earth, boasting of breathtaking architecture and cultural sites that stand witness to a rich and interesting history that should be included in your Madrid travel itinerary. To help you make the most of your Madrid travel experience, here is a list of 7 places which you must definitely see and enjoy.
1. Toledo
Toledo used to be the capital city of Spain. The entire city rests on a hill surrounded on three sides by the Tajo River. Owing to its many architectural and cultural treasures, the whole of Toledo is now UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Toledo, get a souvenir that’s made of steel, such as a sword or a letter opener, as the city is famous for its steel.
Where to go in Toledo.
Toledo is also called “The City of Three Cultures” because it is home to people belonging to three major religious groups, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Thus, while in Toledo, take time to visit the Cathedral, the Sinagoga del Tránsito, and the Muzquita de Cristo de la Luz. Drop in, too, at the Iglesia de Santo Tomé and view El Greco’s masterpiece “El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz”, the Museo-hospital de Sta. Cruz, which is a 14th century hospital that is now a museum that gives shelter to some of El Greco’s greatest works, and the Alcazar which features a military museum and library.
How to get to there.
Toledo is a one-hour drive from the capital, 30 minutes by train from the Atocha station in Madrid, and one hour by bus from the Mendez Alvaro station.
2. Segovia
Segovia is teeming with wonderful historical sites that you can explore on foot. It is definitely one of the most interesting destinations in Madrid.
Where to go in Segovia.
The Roman aqueduct is probably the most interesting of all the sites in Segovia. It is a two-tiered edifice that consists of 168 granite arches. The aqueduct is now 2,000 years old but is still in perfect condition. If that isn’t awe-inspiring enough, then consider that this enormous structure was built without the aid of mortars to fuse the granite blocks together.
Segovia also boasts of a castle, the Alcázar. Don’t wonder why the castle looks familiar as it is said to have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
How to get there.
Segovia is a bit more than an hour’s drive from Madrid. You can also take the train (line C8 of the Cercanías) or the bus (La Sepulvedana).
3. Avila
Avila is purported to be the prettiest fortress city near Madrid. It is 1,110 meters above sea level, thus, the temperature in Avila is cooler, offering relief from the heat in Madrid.
Where to go in Avila.
Between Puerta del Carmen and Puerta de los Leales is the city walls. The walls are one of the best preserved in the whole world. You may get the chance to take a walk on top of the wall as part of a tour.
You can also view the relic of St. Teresa at the Convento de Sta. Teresa. The relic is composed of St. Teresa’s finger, complete with her ring.
How to get there.
You can visit Avila by car, train (C8 of the Cercanias), and bus (La Sepulvedana).
4. El Escorial.
El Escorial lies northwest of Madrid. This is where the magnificent Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial is located.
Where to go in El Escorial
San Lorenzo El Escorial is still being used as a monastery. While in this town, visit also the Crypts in which most of the Kings of Spain are buried, from Charles I to Alfonso XII.
How to get there.
You can get El Escorial buy bus from Moncloa bus station and by train (take line 8 of Cercania).
5. El Valle de los Caidos.
Valle de los Caidos is where General Franco, the dictator who ruled over Spain during the 20th century, is buried.
How to get there.
You can reach El Valle de los Caidos by bus (bus 660 from El Escorial’s bus station).
6. Seville and Cordoba
Seville is Southern Spain’s artistic, cultural, and financial capital. Cordoba is an old town that still contains most of the impressive architectural reminders of when the town was the flourishing capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba.
How to get there.
You can get to both Seville and Cordoba, and even on to Toledo, by riding the AVE High Speed Trains.
7. Salamanca.
Salamanca is a university city. It is very popular among foreigners trying to learn Spanish.
Where to go in Salamanca.
While in Salamanca, go to Universidad Civil and go on a hunt for the Lucky Frog, and then later on, for the astronaut and the ice cream cone on the Catedral Nueva.
How to get there.
You can get to Salamanca by train or bus, with starting points from Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.
These are truly wonderful places which should be made part of any Madrid travel plan. If you decide on this, you might want to consult your Madrid travel guide or any Madrid travel agency for inquiries on booking a day trip to any of these places.
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March 22nd, 2009 at 10:37 am
For those who are travelling with kids Retiro park is the one when the kids can play whilst you have the sense of history around you. Look at the statues of famous Spanish figures from history or put your feet up in one of the small cafes whilst the kids play pirates on the lake!