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Madrid
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in Madrid
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Madrid
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MADRID became Spain's capital simply through its geographical position at the centre of Iberia. When Philip II moved the seat of government here in 1561 his aim was to create a symbol of the unification and centralization of the country.
The city has few natural advantages – it is 300km from the sea on a 650-metre-high plateau, freezing in winter, burning in summer – and only the determination of successive rulers to promote a strong central capital ensured its success.
Today, it is a vast, predominantly modern city, with a population of some five million and growing. Pretty it isn't, but the streets at the heart of the city are a pleasant surprise, with odd pockets of medieval buildings and narrow atmospheric alleys.
There may be few sights of great architectural interest, but the monarchs did acquire outstanding picture collections, which formed the basis of the Prado museum.
This has long ensured Madrid a place on the European art-tour, and the more so since the 1990s arrival of the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries, state-of-the-art homes to fabulous arrays of modern Spanish painting (including Picasso's Guernica) and European and American masters.
Galleries and sights aside, though, the capital has enough going for it in its own citylife and style to ensure a diverting stay.
As you get to grips with the place you soon realize that it's the inhabitants – the Madrileños – that are the capital's key attraction: hanging out in the traditional cafés and chocolaterías or the summer terrazas, packing the lanes of the Sunday Rastro flea market, or playing hard and very, very late in a thousand bars, clubs, discos and tascas.
Whatever Barcelona or San Sebastian might claim, the Madrid scene, immortalized in the movies of Pedro Almodovar, remains the most vibrant and fun in the country.
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Country: Spain Population: The population for Madrid is 4.5 million. Size: The area of Madrid is 750 square miles. Currency: "The currency in Spain is the Peseta, abbreviated PTAs." Language: Spanish is the official language of Madrid. English and French are the most common foreign languages spoken in Madrid. Climate: "Madrid enjoys a mild climate. Summers can be hot, humidity is generally low. October sees the heaviest of rain." Telephone Code: The code for Spain is 00 34 and Madrid is 1. Nightlife: "Nightowls will find Madrid a paradise every night of the week. The daily newspapers generally publish a weekly entertainment supplement on Thursday or Friday which provides detailed information on restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres, art galleries, etc." Dining: "Restaurants in Madrid vary in price depending on the restaurant grading. More up market restaurants are considerably expensive and formal dress is essential. The majority of restaurants in Madrid, however, are reasonably priced and the food is a gastronomic delight." Shopping: "Madrid is one of the famous shopping capitals of the world. Fashions for men, women, children and Spanish designers and international designers take up shop around the streets of Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, as well as in the district of Salamanca which contains the best shops for jewellery, shoes, leather goods, furniture, gifts, etc." Tipping: "5-10% of the bill is a customary tip, although this is related to the clients' satisfaction with services received." Holidays: "1 and 6 January; Good Friday; 1 May; 15 August; 12 October; 1 November; 6, 8 and 25 December. In addition to these holidays there are another six established by the regional authorities and the local councils." Opening Closing Times: Museum opening hours vary from 9:00 to as late 20:30. Most museums are closed on Mondays.Most shops in Madrid open from 10:00 the 20:00. Some shops close for lunch (normally between 13:00 and 16:00). Shops closer to the city center may open on Sundays (normally between 10:30 and 2:30).Banks open from 9:00 to 14:00 Monday to Friday and 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. The majority of banks shut on Saturdays from May through to September. Sports: "Soccer, golf and bull fighting are the most popular sports in Madrid." Passport Visa: "British Citizens need passports. Canadian and U.S. citizens need a passport and proof of onward passage. Australian citizens need a passport, proof of onward passage and a Visa." |