Almudena Cathedral Facts, Almudena construction began in 1883 and not finished until 1993, is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II and styled in neo-classical style, facts about Almudena Cathedral
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Museo Nacional del Prado is the most important museum in Spain, Museo Nacional del Prado collection expanded during the early nineteenth and twentieth century when other museums such as the Museo de la Trinidad in 1872 and the Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo Nacional del Prado received a number of donations
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Almudena Cathedral is a Catholic church situated in Madrid, its the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid, the Cathedral was built on the site of a Medieval Mosque which was destroyed by Alfonso VI in 1083, who reconquered Madrid, the church was built by Pope John Paul II in 1993
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The cuisine of Madrid is a combination of various cuisines around the regions of Spain, due to the mass migration to the capital city during the 16th century, when King Felipe II established and grew the city, number of different traditions were all mixed together. Madrid’s earliest restaurant is the Lhardy, which opened in 1839 and over the years number of restaurants and bakeries opened up.
Dinner in Madrid is usually served between two and four in the afternoon, with light supper after ten, however, you can visit Madrid and enjoy a gorgeous and delicious meal any time of the day, but don’t forget to try desserts, especially pasty desserts.
It consists of a fresh bread roll filled with squid rings that have been coated in flour and deep-fried in olive oil
Cocido madrileño is a traditional chickpea-based stew from Madrid, Spain. A substantial dish prepared with meat and vegetables.
Crispy cinnamon covered sticks served with hot chocolate.
Huevos estrellados or Huevos rotos is a term used to describe eggs fried in a large amount of olive oil or any other oil
It is an omelette made with eggs and potatoes, sometimes also with onion and/or chives or garlic; fried in oil and often served cold as an appetizer.
The potatoes are boiled in salted water for several minutes to tenderize them. They are then rubbed dry and deep fried.
Manchego is a cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the manchega breed.
Cocido madrileño is a traditional chickpea-based stew from Madrid, Spain.
Bartolillos are typical of the cuisine from Madrid, The bartolillos are typical sweets of the Madrid pastry, It treats of a species of empanadillas of triangular and fried form, that elaborates with a very fine mass, and filled with pastry cream.
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The Temple of Debod is an Ancient Egyptian temple that was originally built in the 2nd Century BC at the village of Devod, it was later dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, The Egyptian state donated the temple of Debod to Spain In 1968, as a sign of gratitude for helping to save the Abu Simbel Temple.
The Temple was rebuilt in the Parque del Oeste, which is situated near the Royal Palace of Madrid and open to the public in 1972, however, the reassembled gateways have been placed in a different order compared to the original one. The Ancient Egyptian architecture is one of the very outsides of Eqypt and the only one of its kind in Spain, Making it one of Spains most treasured Architecture. Only three other temples are situated outside of Egypt, the temple of Taffa in Leiden, located in the Netherlands; the Temple of Dendur in New York, the United States of America and the rock-cut temple of el-Lessiya located in Turin, Italy.
The Temple of Debod is a religious centre dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Temple consists of several chapels, a terrace, a hall and a Museum. Its known as one of the best places to come and take photographs at sunset, with beautiful lighting and stunning views.
Near By Subway transportation: Line 3 – Plaza de España or Ventura Rodríguez stations and Line 10 – Plaza de España station.
Near By Bus services: 74.
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Closed: Every Monday. Jan 1, Jan 6, May 1 and Dec 25.
Free Entry
Address: Calle Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain | Coordinates: 40°25′26.59″N 3°43′04″W
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Madrid was known as Madjerît in the 10th century by the Moors and was later conquered by King of Leon, Ramiro I, however this was only for a brief time, as the Moors took the city back, the city was controlled by the Moors until 1083, when King Alfonso VI took undisputed possession of the city.
In 1561, King Felipe II proclaimed the city as the capital city of Spain, giving a permanent and strong centre to control the continuous political movements through the Kingdom.
After the death of Francom Spain made the transition to a constitutional monarchy and King Juan Carlos I, made his home in Madrid and now the Spanish capital of Madrid is the Major centre for culture, Industry and Governance.
Chronicle Events & Historical Timeline |
| 852 |
| Moors establish village of Mayrít |
| 932 |
| Ramiro II, Christian King temporarily occupies Mayrít |
| 1109 |
| Moors Sieged Mayrít but Failed |
| 1185 |
| Castille Forces Captured Mayrít |
| 1202 |
| Madrid was granted Town Status. |
| 1212 |
| Soldiers from Madrid assist in the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa |
| 1217 |
| Saint Francisco of Assis founds Monastery of San Francisco |
| 1218 |
| Saint Domingo de Guzmán founds Monastery of Santo Domingo el Real |
| 1248 |
| Fernando III confirms division between Segovia and Madrid |
| 1433 |
| Royal Cortes held in Madrid |
| 1434 |
| Town suffers nine weeks of storms and floods |
| 1435 |
| Royal Cortes to be held only in Madrid |
| 1463 |
| Weekly market established and also Fairs of San Miguel and San Mateo |
| 1474 |
| Supporters of Isabel besiege the city |
| 1478 |
| Initiation of Spanish Inquisition |
| 1479 |
| Pedro Zapata founds Monastery de Rejas |
| 1492 |
| 3rd Purge of Jews and destruction of their Quarter |
| 1498 |
| Pigs are forbidden to roam freely in the streets |
| 1500 |
| Printing press in operation |
| 1503 |
| Foundation of Convento de San Jerómino el Real |
| 1505 |
| San Jerónimo el Real built. |
| 1518 |
| Construction began of Church of Beato Isidoro |
| 1520 |
| Rebellion by citizens of Madrid against Carlos I |
| 1520 |
| Madrid surrenders after Battle of Villalar |
| 1523 |
| Dominicans established in Virgen de Atocha |
| 1525 |
| Francis I of France imprisoned in Torre de Los Lujanes |
| 1526 |
| Treaty of Madrid signed. |
| 1528 |
| Isabel authorized construction of Church of San Isidoro |
| 1537 |
| Casa de Cisneros built. |
| 1547 |
| Founded Convento Agustino de San Felipe Nery y el de la Trinidad Descalza |
| 1547 |
| Writer Miquel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) |
| 1559 |
| Convent of Las Descalzas Reales founded. |
| 1561 |
| Madrid Population: 20,000. |
| 1561 |
| Royal Court moved to Madrid and established as capital of Spain |
| 1562 |
| Felipe II acquired land to create Casa de Campo |
| 1562 |
| Writer Félix Lope de Vega (1562-1635) |
| 1563 |
| Work commences on El Escorial |
| 1580 |
| Writer Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas (1580-1645) |
| 1584 |
| Bridge of Segovia built. |
| 1590 |
| Construction of Casas de la Panadería |
| 1592 |
| Construction of Convento de Los Agustinos Recoletos |
| 1599 |
| Construction of the first section of the Puerto de Alcalá |
| 1599 |
| Painter Diego de Velázquez (1599-1660) |
| 1601 |
| Court of Philip III moves from Madrid to Valladolid. |
| 1600 |
| Royal Court moved to Valladolid |
| 1600 |
| Dramatist Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600-1681) |
| 1605 |
| Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote published. |
| 1606 |
| Court of Philip III returns to Madrid. |
| 1606 |
| Construction of Convento de Santa Bárbara |
| 1606 |
| Royal Court moved back to Madrid |
| 1613 |
| Palace of the Councils built. |
| 1616 |
| Felipe III orders construction of Plaza Mayor |
| 1616 |
| Real Monasterio de la Encarnación inaugurated. |
| 1618 |
| Felipe III creates Parque del Retiro |
| 1622 |
| Construction of Convento de la Encarnación |
| 1632 |
| Real Sitio del Buen Retiro Palace completed |
| 1633 |
| Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes built. |
| 1636 |
| Royal Alcazar built. |
| 1637 |
| Buen Retiro Palace built |
| 1643 |
| Palacio de Santa Cruz built |
| 1644 |
| Funeral of Isabel de Borbón. |
| 1661 |
| Gazeta de Madrid begins publication. |
| 1664 |
| San Isidro Church built. |
| 1700 |
| Construction of Palacio de Goyaneche |
| 1701 |
| Bourbon Felipe V arrives in Madrid to take throne |
| 1706 |
| City occupied by Portuguese. |
| 1713 |
| Real Academia Española founded. |
| 1714 |
| Real Biblioteca del Palacio formed. |
| 1717 |
| Palacio de Uceda renamed Palacio de Consejos |
| 1719 |
| Puente de Toledo rebuilt |
| 1720 |
| Construction of Cuartel del Conde-Duque |
| 1722 |
| Construction of Hospicio de San Fernando (now Municipal Museum) |
| 1734 |
| Royal Alcázar destroyed by fire |
| 1738 |
| Construction commenced of Royal Palace (1738-1764) |
| 1737 |
| Real Colegio de Profesores Boticarios established. |
| 1738 |
| Real Academia de la Historia founded. |
| 1743 |
| Teatro de la Cruz renovated. |
| 1746 |
| Painter Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) |
| 1750 |
| Construction of Convento de las Salasas Reales |
| 1751 |
| Compañía Guipuzcoana de Caracas headquartered in Madrid. |
| 1752 |
| Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando founded |
| 1755 |
| Real Jardín Botánico founded. |
| 1761 |
| Construction of Basilica of San Francisco el Grande |
| 1763 |
| Spanish National Lottery established |
| 1764 |
| Palace Real completed |
| 1766 |
| Construction of Casa de Correos |
| 1766 |
| Esquilache Riots. |
| 1767 |
| Jesuits expelled from their monasteries and Spain |
| 1769 |
| Construction of Casa Real de la Aduana (now Ministry of Hacienda) |
| 1769 |
| Enlargement of Puerto de Alcalá |
| 1775 |
| Construction of Salón del Prado |
| 1776 |
| Reconstruction of Hospital General (now Museum of Reina Sofia) |
| 1777 |
| Construction of Palacio de Benavente (now Ministry of Defense) |
| 1781 |
| Creation of Royal Botanical Gardens |
| 1784 |
| San Francisco el Grande Basilica built. |
| 1785 |
| Construction of Palacio del Prado (1785-1854 – now Prado Museum) |
| 1787 |
| 1st Official Census – 156.672 inhabitants in Madrid |
| 1790 |
| Reconstruction of Plaza Mayor after fire |
| 1798 |
| Construction of San Antonio de la Florida |
| 1808 |
| French Army of Napoleon occupies Madrid and street riots follow |
| 1812 |
| English General Wellington frees city from French occupiers |
| 1817 |
| Playwright José Zorrilla y Mora (1817-1893) |
| 1818 |
| Official opening of Prado Museum |
| 1820 |
| General Riego leads Liberal coup |
| 1832 |
| Public gas system installed in centre of City |
| 1834 |
| City roads paved and cleaning services established |
| 1835 |
| Church property seized by State |
| 1840 |
| General Espartero leads Radical coup |
| 1843 |
| General Narvaez leads Conservative coup |
| 1843 |
| Writer Benito Pérez Galdós (1843-1920) |
| 1844 |
| Railway Station of Aranjuez constructed |
| 1850 |
| Opening of Cortes building and Teatro Real |
| 1851 |
| Construction of Isabel II Canal for city water supply |
| 1855 |
| Construction commenced of railway line to Paris (1855-1864) |
| 1857 |
| Reconstruction of Plaza de la Puerto del Sol |
| 1866 |
| Construction of Biblioteca Nacional |
| 1868 |
| General Prim with a coup ends reign of Isabel II |
| 1868 |
| The Peseta is recognized as official currency of Spain |
| 1868 |
| Gardens of Parque del Retiro open to public |
| 1873 |
| The 1st Spanish Republic |
| 1875 |
| Alfonso XII restores monarchy |
| 1876 |
| New Spanish Constitution |
| 1881 |
| Electric street lighting installed |
| 1884 |
| Construction of Banco de España (1884-1891) |
| 1897 |
| Prime Minister Cánovas del Castillo assassinated |
| 1899 |
| Poet and playwright Federico Garciá Lorca (1899-1936) |
| 1900 |
| Construction of railway system to the east and south of Spain (1900-1914) |
| 1902 |
| Real Madrid FC founded |
| 1904 |
| Approval of creation of Gran Via |
| 1906 |
| Hotel Ritz opens |
| 1907 |
| Car number plates registration introduced |
| 1909 |
| Cibeles Palace built. |
| 1910 |
| Demolition to create the Gran Via commenced |
| 1912 |
| Hotel Palace opens. |
| 1916 |
| Market of San Miguel constructed. |
| 1916 |
| Novelist Camilo José Cela (1916- |
| 1920 |
| Madrid Population: 750,896 |
| 1921 |
| Metro system opens |
| 1923 |
| Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera established |
| 1923 |
| Teatro Monumental |
| 1929 |
| Construction of Madrid University Campus |
| 1931 |
| 2nd Spanish Republic |
| 1931 |
| Casa de Campo opened to the public |
| 1934 |
| Construction of viaduct over Calle Segovia |
| 1936 |
| Siege of Madrid begins |
| 1936 |
| Spanish Civil War commences |
| 1939 |
| General Franco occupies Madrid and ends Civil War |
| 1939 |
| Junta for reconstruction of Madrid established |
| 1941 |
| Museum of the Americas founded |
| 1944 |
| Carabanchel Prison built. |
| 1947 |
| Creation of system of public transport within the city |
| 1946 |
| Estadio Santiago Bernabéu opens. |
| 1950 |
| Lope de Vega Theater opens. |
| 1951 |
| Museum of Lázaro Galdiano opens. |
| 1956 |
| Real Madrid wins first European Cup |
| 1960 |
| Madrid Population: 2,259,931 |
| 1965 |
| Student demonstrations close Madrid University |
| 1966 |
| Real Madrid wins its 6th European Cup |
| 1967 |
| City flag design adopted. |
| 1970 |
| Madrid Population: 3,146,071 |
| 1971 |
| Technical University of Madrid formed. |
| 1972 |
| Temple of Debod installed. |
| 1972 |
| Zoo Aquarium built. |
| 1973 |
| Carrero Blanco assassinated |
| 1974 |
| Line 7 (Madrid Metro) begins operating. |
| 1975 |
| General Franco dies and power passes to the King |
| 1976 |
| El Pais newspaper is published |
| 1977 |
| UCD Party wins democratic elections |
| 1978 |
| Centro Dramático Nacional created. |
| 1979 |
| Democratic election of Municipal representatives |
| 1979 |
| Enrique Tierno Galván elected President of Municipality of Madrid (1979-1986) |
| 1980 |
| Line 9 (Madrid Metro) begins operating. |
| 1981 |
| Right-wing coup fails |
| 1982 |
| PSOE Party wins national elections |
| 1983 |
| Almudena Cathedral consecrated. |
| 1984 |
| Queen Sofía Chamber Orchestra formed. |
| 1987 |
| Community of Madrid Orchestra founded. |
| 1988 |
| National Auditorium of Music inaugurated. |
| 1989 |
| El Mundo begins publication |
| 1991 |
| City hosts Israeli–Palestinian peace conference. |
| 1991 |
| Madrid Population: 2,984,576. |
| 1992 |
| Madrid selected as Capital of European Culture for that year |
| 1993 |
| Opening of Palace of Congresses of Campo de las Naciones |
| 1995 |
| Completion of last Metro line, Line 6 |
| 1996 |
| Conservative Party wins national elections |
| 1996 |
| Gate of Europe and Islamic Cultural Center of Madrid built |
| 1998 |
| Madrid Metro Line 8 and Line 11 Begin Operating Line 8 |
| 2000 |
| Partido Popular win national elections |
| 2000 |
| Real Madrid makes soccer history by winning 8th European Cup |
| 2001 |
| City named World Book Capital by UNESCO. |
| 2002 |
| Madrid Arena opens |
| 2003 |
| Manzanares Park inaugurated |
| 2003 |
| Line 12 (Madrid Metro) begins operating. |
| 2004 |
| Museo del Traje established |
| 2005 |
| Madrid to Toledo high-speed rail line begins operating. |
| 2005 |
| Forest of Remembrance dedicated. |
| 2005 |
| Madrid Ballet established. |
| 2006 |
| Teatro Valle-Inclán opens. |
| 2007 |
| Metro Ligero begins operating |
| 2008 |
| Madrid to Barcelona high-speed rail line begins operating. |
| 2008 |
| CaixaForum Madrid opens. |
| 2009 |
| Population reached 3,264,497. |
| 2011 |
| Mass un-employed known as “Indignados” demonstrate |
| 2012 |
| More street demonstrations due to government financial measures |
| 2013 |
| 4th bid for the Summer Olympic Games fails. |
| 2015 |
| Parque Felipe VI inaugurated |
Madrid is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and plays a major part in Spanish and European History, from cultural and Social Developments.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is not the official residence of his Majesty the King of Spain but actually where state ceremonies happen, official Banquets and other state function take place, The King of Spain actually lives in Zarzuela Palace, just outside of Madrid.
Before the Royal Palace of Madrid was built, in the Ninth Century, the Muslim Kingdom of Toledo built a defensive building, that was later used by the Kings of Castile, who later went on to building the Alcázar castle, in the 16th century. However, due to the castle being built out of wood, it was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 1734, 24 December.
King Felipe the fifth wanted to build a palace for his Borbon dynasty and Italian Architect Filippo Juvara was chosen to design the new palace, and all construction was made in stone and brick, so it can’t be destroyed by fire, Construction happened between 1738 and 1755.
The Palace has 1,450,00 sq ft of floor space and has 3,418 rooms, 44 staircases, 240 Balconies and 870 Windows, it’s the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area and the inside of the Palace is well-known for its wealth of Art and use of fine Materials.
The Royal Armoury is situated inside the Royal Palace, its considered one of the best Armouries in the world, The collection ranging from the 15th century onwards, you can find tournament pieces made for Philip II and Charles the Firth, by one of the best armourers of Augsburg and Milan. You can also find pieces of the armoury and full tools used in the battle of Mühlberg by Charles V however during the Peninsular War and the Spanish Civil War, parts of the Armory was lost.
The Royal Pharmacy has some interesting features such as cabinets that were used to store medicinal herbs, bottles, stills, containers and prescriptions which was given to the Royal Family.
The Royal Kitchen first opened to the public on October 2017, after undergoing a complete renovation, its one of the most striking examples of historical kitchens in European Royal Residences, the kitchen is situated in the first basement, it was renovated between 1861 and 1880 thanks to the orders of Isabella II and Alfonso XII.
The last known Monarch who lived continuously in the Royal Palace was King Alfonso XIII and the last head of state was Manuel Azaña, who was the president of the Second Republic, during the Period where Manuel Azaña, the Royal Palace was known as “Palacio Nacional” and to this day, the room next to the Real Capilla, is known as “Office of Azaña”.
The palace is owned by the Spanish State and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional, a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency.
Visitors all around the world can visit the palace, Several rooms in the Palace are regularly open to the public, except during state functions and Don’t miss the Changing of Guard which happens every Wednesday and Saturday and the Magnificent solemn changing the Guard happens on the first Wednesday of each Month.
The nearest metro station is the Opera, it’s about 5 minutes walk to the Royal Palace, however only just walking two minutes, you will see the stunning royal palace. Opera red line L2 and Green Line L5.
The Nearest Train Station is the Madrid-Sol
Nearby Bus services: 3, 25, 39, 46, 75, 138, 148, C1
From April 01 to September 30
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
From October 01 to March 31
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Ticket Type | Price |
| General Admission | €11 |
| Concessions | €6 |
| Agency rate | €8 |
| Free admission | October to March Monday to Friday between 4 PM to 6 PM |
| Free Admission | Hispanic American citizens with certification of nationality |
| Free Admission | Madrid Card |
| Other | Rates for tours differ to the Standard prices. |
Box office and admission to the Palace closes one hour earlier.
Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain | Coordinates: 40.417974°N 3.714302°W
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Madrid is the capital city of Spain, it’s the highest capital city in Europe and is known for it’s great cultural and artistic heritage.
While being the capital city of Spain, its also the financial and cultural hub, Madrid is well known for its nightlife, bars, restaurants and clubs really make it an ideal place for tourists, with lots of historical sites to explore that have been left to explore.
Area: 605.77 km²
Density: 5,225.6 inh./km²
Near waters: Manzanares
Local dialing code: 91
Elevation: +667 m
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
Founded: 9th century
