Interesting Facts

? The world's largest omelet made from 5000 eggs was made in Madrid and it weighed around 1320lbs.

? Madrid is the only city of Europe, situated on around 2,100 feet above sea level.

? Even though the official nickname for the natives of the city is Madrileño, they are normally known as gatos (cats). The term probably originated from the popular legend that the invasion of the city by Alfonso VI was achieved by the assault of the walls that confined the city. It is said that, the Castilian troops climbed the defense walls as if they were cats.

? Madrid houses one of the oldest universities in the world, known as the Complutense University of Madrid.

? Botin, a restaurant in Madrid, is believed to be oldest restaurant in the world.

II. Destinations & Sight-Seeing

A. Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is a lovely place to stay in Madrid. The area is in the heart of the capital. The Ayuntamiento or Council Building has a marker on the pavement from all distances in Spain are officialy measured. ‘Puerta' means ‘Gate' in Spanish. It was Madrid's main easternmost gate during the rule of King Habsburg, in the 15th century. The gate was rebuilt between 1854 and 1862 and is a popular meeting place for locals today.

Entry Cost: Euro 3.00

Concession cost (for students): Euro 1.50

Free admission: Saturdays 2:30pm to 7:00pm,

(Concession is given on the ticket rates on Sundays and some national holidays.)

Email: museo.nacional@prado.mcu.es

Website: www.museoprado.mcu.es

Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:00am to 7:00pm

B. Museo del Prado (Prado Museum)

The 213-year-old Prado Museum has witnessed extensive renovation and restoration ever since it was constructed. It is considered to be one of Europe's greatest galleries with a remarkable collection of 4000 paintings dating back to the 16th and 19th century. Its collections include masterpieces by Fra Angelico, Botticelli, El Bosco, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez. It also has a number of paintings that reflect the astonishing transition of Goya - from his sun-soaked early paintings of dances and festivities to the grim madness of his black period.

Entry Cost: EUR 3. (Concessions available for students)

E-mail: museo.nacional@prado.mcu.es

Website: http://museoprado.mcu.es

Transport: Metro Atocha or Banco de Espana. Bus Number 9, 14, 27, 34 or 37.

Open: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 7pm

Sundays 9am to 2pm.

(Free Entry on Saturdays from 2.30pm and 7pm and entire day on Sundays.)

C. Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando

Academy of Greats

King Fernando VI founded it in the 18th century as a center to train novices. The gallery has a rich heritage and it boasts of renowned students like Picasso and Dali. Other noteworthy students of this academy include José de Ribera, Alonso Cano, Zurbarán, El Greco, Bravo Murillo, Goya, Sorolla and Gris.

Entry Cost: Euro 2.40

Concession cost (students) Euro1.20

Open: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 7pm

Saturday to Monday 9am to 2.30pm

D. Palacio Real

Felipe V, following the destruction by fire of the Alcázar, in 1734, founded this impressive Italianate Baroque colossus consisting of 2800 rooms. Of all the rooms, approximately 50 rooms are open to visitors. Amongst the room open to visitors includes the one taken up by the Farmacia Real. It comprises of a never-ending parade of medicine jars. Apart from the Farmacia Real you are also advised to visit ‘The Throne Room' is a volatile mixture of crimson walls and Tiepolo ceilings.

Entry Cost: Euro 9.00

Concession cost 3.50

(Students and seniors)

Price variation: EU citizens admitted free on Wednesday

Website: www.patrimonionacional.es

Open: April-September: Monday-Saturday 9am to 6pm Sunday & holidays 9am to 3pm

October-March: Monday-Saturday 9:30am to 5pm Sundays & Holidays 9am to 2pm

E. Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is an impressive structure, which is located near Puerta del Sol. It was built in the 15th century to originally serve as a small market square. When Phillip II made Madrid the capital of Spain, it was completely rebuilt and became the main center of attraction and hosted a number of bullfights, carnivals, and great festivals and ceremonies of imperial Madrid. It also underwent major renovations in 1790 after major sections of the square were destroyed by fire.

Today the Plaza Mayor is filled with a wide variety of pricey bars and restaurants that can be found on the outskirts of the square along with a number of novelty shops selling hats and coins. You can also witness artists working outside the tourist office and visitors from all over the globe hang around this grand plaza. In case you fancy an alfresco drink or snack you are advised to head straight for Plaza Mayor.

F. Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

This splendid white building built by Phillip V is open to visitors and hosts state functions throughout the year. The palace is made from granite and Colmenar stone and was designed by Italian architects Giambattista Sacchetti and Francesco Sabatina. The palace contains the hall of Halbardiers and another hall with beautiful frescos, called the Hall of Columns. The Throne Room is resplendent with 17th century sculptures. Prepare to spend at least two hours on a tour of the palace so that you can soak on all the luxury and splendor.

Website: www.patrimonionacional.es

Transport: Metro Opera, Bus No. 3, 25, 39 or 148.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

It remains closed during all official ceremonies.

Admission: EUR 5.50 ¬ - Concessions available for seniors and students.

G. Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park)

The beautiful patch of green is spread over 118-hectare and was the exclusive garden of Philip IV. You could take a stroll through the garden line with pretty rose bushes, or take a boat ride down the lake and get to see the towering monument of Alfonso XII. For the art lovers, there are a number of exhibits at the Palacio De Cristal, Palacio de Velazquez and the Casa de The famous Angel Caido or statue of the Fallen Angel is located on the south avenue of the Palacio de Cristal.

Transport: Metro Retiro, Atocha or Ibiza. You can also board any bus going to Retiro.

Opening hours: Daily 6.30 a.m.- 10.00 p.m.

Admission: Free.