Spain is culture

An attractive blend of tradition and modernity

From the remains of the old Moorish wall, to small Gothic churches and the first Renaissance works, Madrid boasts very rich and varied works of art.

The arrival of the Austrias in the 16th century and their height in the 17th century gave rise to one of the most renowned areas in the capital, the so-called Madrid of Los Austrias. The impressive Plaza Mayor stands out, opened in 1629 and one of the most popular spots in Spain. In addition to this square, the many churches and convents filled with art also stand out. The austere Baroque façades contrast with the luxurious interiors of the palaces.

The 18th century left a Neoclassical imprint, with the Baroque Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens, and the Campo del Moro gardens, which are in the city centre. The San Francisco El Grande Churchthe Paseo del Prado fountains, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum or the Puerta de Alcalá arch are also splendid examples of the Neoclassical style.

Other monuments such as the Real Theatre and the modern La Almudena Cathedral (both next to the Royal Palace), the Puerta del Sol square and its varied shopping area and buildings such as the Bank of Spain and the Communications Palace (presently the Town Hall), both located in the famous Plaza de Cibeles are also must-sees.

Modern and avant-garde can be found in the urban expansion area on the two main thoroughfares – the Gran Vía and the Paseo de la Castellana.

Madrid also has extensive parks and gardens that are perfect for a stroll, such as the Retiro Park, the Casa de Campo or the Juan Carlos I Park. Other leisure offerings include concerts, exhibitions, ballets, a select theatre programme and the latest film releases.

The most varied selection of art in the museums

Three nearby museums comprise what is known as the Paseo del Arte (art route). Firstly, the Prado Museum is considered by many experts to be the world's most important art gallery, since it has the largest and most important collection of 16th, 17th and 18th century art, with the best works of the Italian, Flemish and Spanish schools. It is home to works by artists such El Bosco, Rubens, Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Fray Angélico, Botticelli, Titian, Rafael, Watteau, Tintoretto, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán...

Secondly, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum houses works of art from the 18th century to the 20th century avant-garde. Durero, Tintoretto, Degas, Kandinsky, Goya, Cezanne, Matisse, Dalí, Miró, Picasso and Renoir are just some of the artists in this collection.

The Paseo del Arte ends at the Reina Sofía National Art Museum, famous for housing Picasso’s Guernica and for its collection of mainly Spanish contemporary painting.

In addition, Madrid offers many museum options. From the Caixa Forum, also on the Paseo del Arte, to the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, the Cerralbo Museum and the municipal or thematic museums such as the Romantic Museum, the Railway Museum, the Naval Museum, the Army Museum, the Museum of the Americas, the National Archaeology Museum, the National Natural Science Museum, etc.

Around the Region

The entire Madrid Region also has a set of palaces and monuments that are managed by National Heritage. This comprises, as well as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Pantheon of Illustrious Men, the Descalzas Reales Monastery, the Encarnación Royal Monastery, the Santa Isabel Royal Monastery, El Pardo Royal Palace, Duque de Arco Estate Palace, the Aranjuez Royal Palace, the San Pascual de Aranjuez Royal Convent, the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Royal Site (declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO alongside the Monastery), the Casita el Príncipe de El Escorial (Prince’s House), the Casita del Infante de El Escorial (Infante’s House) and the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caídos.

Close