The main attractions of the Spanish capital are quite compact between the Royal Palace and the Gardens of El Reetiro. Here is the so-called "Madrid of Austrians". This is the oldest part of the city, located near the Royal Palace around the magnificent Plaza Plaza Mayor.
Start a tour of exploring the old city is better from Puerta Del Sol area (which means "Gate of the Sun"). This place is considered not only the center of Madrid, but also all of Spain. This place is considered the official start of six major national roads. Pay attention to the stone behind the clock tower, which indicates a zero kilometer. And on the square there is a beautiful fountain, and in her corner you will find the emblem of Madrid - a bear with a strawberry tree.
One of the masterpieces of architecture in the capital of Spain is the Plaza Mayor Square, it was built in the 17th century. Philip II, developing the project of this area, it was assumed to create a public center of the city from it. Construction under the direction of Architect Juan Gomes de Mora took several decades and ended in 1619. Today, the area is striking by its scope and beauty of those around her buildings with a lot of balconies and galleries. At different stages of its existence, the Square served as an open-air theater, and the Inquisition announced her sentences here and conducted executions. The royal family herself could watch all here taking place right from the balconies of their palace Casa Panaderia. Nowadays, the city municipality is located here. The palace himself seriously suffered from fire at the end of the 17th century. Subsequently, he was rebuilt and decorated. Square itself enjoys extremely popular among tourists from all over the world. There are many restaurants of national cuisine and all sorts of cafes. In summer, there are performances and concerts, all sorts of carnivals. The most striking event is the main holiday of the city in honor of St. Isidore Labradorsky - the patron saint of Madrid. In winter, before Christmas on the square, the fair of festive decorations and religious accessories is unfolded.
At Plaza de la Villa area, pay attention to the oldest building built in the style of Mudjar back in the 15th century. According to the legend, in 1525, the French king Francis I was in captivity, who was captured in the battle of Pavia. On the contrary, there is a Casa de Cisneros, built in the 16th century in the staircase style. The Old Town Hall is also located on the square, in which the famous pictures of Goya can be seen.
Not far from San Justo Street is the Parish Church of San Miguel, built in the 18th century, and on the next Calle de Alcala - more ancient Church of San Justo, built by Christians in the mars. Here in the local chapel you will be able to get acquainted with the late picture of El Greek, depicting the expulsion of merchants from the temple. The church is open only during the service.
The next interesting thing for visiting the object is Convento De Las Descalzas Reales Monastery (literally "Monastery of Bosnutogii Royal Persons"), founded by Juan Austrian, daughter of Emperor Charles V, Sister Philip II and already in 19 years old Prince Jouana Portuguese. The monastery became the abode of the ladies from the highest society, who brought him his wealth, and so far remains an existing monastery. It is very beautiful and quiet here. Nuns still go barefoot. Excursions with a guide are held from Tuesday to Thursday and on Saturday from 10.30 to 17.15, and on Friday and Sunday - from 10.30 to 12.30. Visitors show a cloud, a bizarre staircase, several rooms with works of art and treasury. Common bedrooms in which all nuns lived (except for the German Empress Mary, who had personal magnificent apartments) were decorated with Flemish tapestries in the drawings of Rubens. Here you will also see the picture of Surbaran Surbaran.
Be sure to save tickets from visiting this monastery, with them you will pass to the Convento De La Encarnacion monastery (the same hours of work), founded several years later by Margarita, Filippip III and rebuilt in the XVIII century. A large collection of Spanish art of the XVII century is exhibited in the monastery.
At the end of Calle Del Mayor, you can explore the remains of the Moorriatsk city wall of the IX century Muralla Arabe to this day. And if you go along Calle Del Arenal, it will lead you to the Opera theater, which was built in the middle of the 19th century. Immediately behind the theater is Plaza de Oriente. The main landmark is the equestrian statue of Philip IV, which was created on the project of Velasquez, and today it is considered one of the city's business cards. The Royal Palace Palacio Real is located on the square - the largest royal palace among all European monarchies. It is located among majestic gardens, in the building itself more than 2,000 rooms and halls. The royal couple of Spain uses Palacio Real today only for executive purposes, living in another, more modest residence. The schedule for excursions here is as follows. In summertime - from 10.00 to 18.15 (on Sundays - until 13.30). In winter - from 10.00 to 17.15 (on Sunday - from 10.00 to 12.45). The entrance is carried out from Calle de Bailan Street.
During an excursion that lasts almost an hour, you will see several dozen richly decorated with Spanish tapestries. The luxurious throne hall is especially impressive, where you can see the thrones of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, as well as the ceiling fresco. The creator of the masterpiece during the work was 70 years. Next, you will pass into the official refectory, which is designed for almost a half hundreds of guests, the Hall of Gasparini in the style of Rococo, a huge royal weapon, where Karl V armor is stored, and the Royal Library can be visited. The first Palace of Habsburg, which was built on the site of the old Moorish fortress, burned down in 1734 for Christmas. It was built in the middle of the XVIII century and served as the royal residence until 1931.
The next interesting object in Madrid is the Royal Gardens of Jardines Sabatini and the Campo Del Moro Park, which are open to the public. The park has a Museum of Care Museo de Carruajes. It works from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 13.30, and on Sunday - from 9.00 to 15.30. To visit, you need a separate ticket. Here you will see a collection of a carriage from the XVI century to the present day.
Well, wishes to visit in Madrid some market to buy souvenirs at low prices, can do it on El Rastro. If you want to feel the life of this most famous Madrid flea market, then come here on Sunday morning, as well as on Friday or Saturday throughout the day.