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 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..

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: ..

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, ..

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..

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 ..

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..

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 ..

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 ..

This square seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, but it is here that the heart of the city beats. It is the gathering place when events bring the population onto the streets and where, on 31 December, everyone meets to swallow 12 grapes to the rh..

Founded in 1752, the Royal Academy has a rich collection of European art. Spanish art from the Golden Century is widely represented here (Ribera, Murillo, Alonso Cano and Velasquez), but there are also pictures from the 18C by Mengs, Tiepolo and Baye..

Largely overlooked by tourists, this church (built between 1624 and 1631) is nonetheless a Baroque jewel. Originally called San Antonio de los Portugueses (having initially served the Portuguese community, Portugal being part of Spain at that time..

This quiet pedestrian square is presided over by the statue of Álvaro de Bazán , hero of the battle of Lepanto in 1571, as seen by Mariano Benlliure. Around it are several interesting buildings: the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) built in 1617 by Gomez ..

Created by Bonavia, this is one of the rare Spanish churches inspired by the 18C Italian baroque style. Designed as a play on curves and counter-curves, its convex façade is decorated with fine statues. The interior is graceful and elegant.

To the people of Madrid, this is the second most beautiful avenue in the world. The first has not of course been built yet! This judgement is undoubtedly clouded by a little exaggeration, but the avenue, lively and noisy, lined with cinemas, cafeteri..

Fundado en 1611 por Margarita de Austria, cerca del Alcázar (al que estaba conectado por un pasaje), este convento desde entonces se benefició de la esplendidez de la familia real: de ahí su hermosa colección de obras de arte y, en particular, obras ..