If you have difficulties making up your mind which place to choose for a vacation then you should definitely include the city of Madrid among the first on your list of possible choices. Madrid is a place with many faces old and modern, Christian and pagan, cultural and entertaining, all at the same time.
If you’re after a thrilling vacation to a city full of history, Madrid is a great spot to visit. Capital of the former Spanish Empire, its present name and many of the tourist attractions are the result of the Arab occupation from the 9th to the 11th century. Even the name of Madrid comes from the Arab word al-Majrit which means source of water.
It was under the Arab rule that Madrid had its first documentary mention in the 9th century, when Muhammad I built a small palace on the same spot that is today occupied by the Royal Palace, el Palcio Real. The presence of the Arabs meant a solid culture that was imported to Spain.
The Arabs brought not only mosques, palaces and poetry, but great craftsmanship as well. They revolutionized the swords and spear forging and lay their imprint on the city’s architecture. All in all the Muslim occupation was a step forward in terms of cultural development in the city of Madrid, and in the entire peninsula as such.
With the re-conquest of the city by the Christian forces led by Alfonso IV of Castile in the late 10th century, the city started its transformation into the important European city that it is today. The mosque became a church dedicated to the Virgin, despite the fact that lots of Moors remained to live in the city.
What is there now, in modern Madrid that so much fascinates the visitor? It was after the end of the Franco regime that Madrid actually reassessed itself as a cultural leading city, with a great boom of cultural related attractions and monuments.
Among the most popular sights that attract thousands of visitors every year is the Place de Colon that commemorates the pioneer of the Spanish Empire: Christopher Columbus. The square is very close to Prado Museum – another titan of Madrid sightseeing tours – and also in the neighborhood of the business center.
Prado Museum, one of the greatest of the European museums is situated in one of the best regions of Madrid, the old and history laden Barrio Retiro. It is not just the area of the well-known Retiro park housing gorgeous 18th and 19th century buildings, but also a spacious residential area.
If you are out for fun, Madrid has a rich nightlife; the best entertainment district is Gran Via, in translation “The Great Way”. It contains the largest of Madrid movie theaters and live musical shows. It is also the best shopping street in Madrid and the place where most of Madrid’s cultural life gravitates around.
One thing is for sure, those tourists that are Real Madrid fans, will definitely want to make a special visit to Santiago Bernabeu – the great football pitch belonging to Real Madrid. If you’ve got the chance to visit Madrid when Real plays in the Bernabeu, you may just see the show of your life. In the Bernabeu, not only may you admire the trophies and visit the whole stadium, but you can also buy souvenirs, signed photos and t-shirts.
Buy yourself a map and venture in the streets of Madrid to admire its unique beauty. Nothing compares to personal exploration, so go ahead and enjoy it!