Gaiety, vigour and enthusiasm can best describe the ambience of a city which lives immersed in culture, festivals, fiestas and cultural celebrations. Madrid's deep and contagious passion for life is reflected in the friendly and outgoing disposition of its citizens. Although famous for its intense cultural and artistic activity and the liveliest nightlife in Europe, Spain's capital has masterfully integrated its colourful past and zest for living life to the fullest, with its role as a modern and progressive major global centre.
Sharing the rich and colourful past of the rest of Spain, settled subsequently over millenniums by many different cultures, each leaving their imprint on what is, quite possibly, the world's richest heritage, the capital of Spain was occupied since prehistoric times, although its first historical data dates back to the 8 th century. Iberians, Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, Sephardic Jews and Moslems all formed the legacy of Madrid, which was conquered back from the Moors by Christian Spain during the 11 th century; and which, in 1561, when King Phillip II established within its walls the capital of the unified Kingdom of Spain, became the centre of an empire so immense that it was said that the sun never set, as the dominions over which Madrid reigned supreme from its privileged location right in the geographical centre of Spain, stretched to every corner of the globe.
Today, as the capital and largest city of Spain and considered to be the financial centre of Southern Europe, this major global city has a modern infrastructure whilst maintaining the elegance and ambience of its historic and glorious past. Due to the great cultural importance which Madrid has globally, on any given year, the city has an impressive agenda of special events of international projection, with excellent cultural festivals taking place throughout the year. Each month of November, Madrid hosts the International Jazz Festival, one of the biggest music events in the world; it is also a regular host of European and international sporting events as well as major trade fairs and exhibitions.
Although with its continental climate and high altitude, Madrid can experience cold winters, its clear blue skies and sunny weather, coupled with the allure of its rich cultural heritage, thriving culture and vibrant nightlife, endless bars, pubs and nightlife, art galleries and the wealth of its gastronomical offer, Spain is on a par with Barcelona as the fourth most touristically visited city in Europe and one of the most visited cities worldwide. On most nights of the year, the visitor will be spoilt for choice of operas, dance performances or plays in any of its many theatres; as well as the endless offer of bars, pubs and night venues in a city which parties well into the early hours.
One of Spain's principal tourist attractions which could even rival the sunshine as the top reason, is its rich gastronomy; and within Spain, none like Madrid, the melting pot of Spanish ethnicity, as the showcase for the exquisite specialties from every corner of Spain. It is here that the visitor may sample the freshest of the excellent and world famous Spanish produce, including the delectable seafood from the cold waters of the Bay of Biscay, considered to be the best in the world, and the tasty fish from its Southern Mediterranean shores, as well as the enormous variety of fruit and vegetables, extremely tasty cheeses, cured ham and other processed meats. Its broad gastronomic offer is complemented by the wide selection of excellent wines, including the world renowned Rioja. From charming "Tascas", or small traditional bars serving tapas, and "mesones", restaurants serving traditional and hearty fare to sophisticated restaurants specialising in nouvelle cuisine, the gastronomic offer in the city which boasts the world's oldest restaurant, is mouth-watering and overwhelming.
As the European capital with the highest number of trees and green area per inhabitant, and the second highest number of aligned trees in the world, Madrid is one of the greenest cities in the world; having won the prestigious "Green Good Design Award" in 2010. Madrid abounds with extensive green parks, tree-lined boulevards, flowers, and enormous areas of sprawling parkland. Situated in the centre of the city, between the iconic landmark Puerta de Alcala and the Prado Museum, the Parque del BuenRetiro, is a park established in the 17 th century as parkland to be used exclusively by the Royal family, but is now a meeting place for strolls, bike riding, skating, rowing in its lake or just taking in the sunshine and socialising. The Real JardinBotanico, next to the Prado museum is an 18 th century botanical garden with many plants from the Philippines and South America. The Casa de Campo , just a few kilometres from the centre of old Madrid, comprises of 1700 hectares of Mediterranean forest, and houses Madrid's Zoo, a Water park and a Fair.
With Spain being the birthplace of many of the world's great painters, its capital is an art lover's paradise, as the city abounds with some of the world's most notable art galleries. The Prado Museum is so vast, that the visitor will need more than one visit to begin to appreciate it, as it houses one of the largest art collections in the world, with over 7,000 pieces in paintings alone. The Reina Sofia National Art Centre is one of Europe's most important centres for contemporary art and features a Picasso room and a Dali room. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has an exceptional collection with over 800 exceptional works of art by great masters such as Raphael, Rubens, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso, on display, as well as collections of sculptures, ceramics and jewellery.
With its rich history as the capital of a once vast empire, Madrid has a wealth of monuments, churches, monasteries and palaces, much to the delight of architectural tourists. The Royal Palace, one of the city's most beautiful monuments dating back to the 18 th century, and which is the largest palace in Western Europe, houses priceless works of art and precious artefacts and opens 50 of its rooms for public tours. Built during the 16 th century as the retreat of a mystic king, El Escorial is the biggest monastery in the world, and which, doubling as a palace for Phillip II, was the centre of the greatest political power of the world at that time. T here is nothing about the Escorial which is not exceptional; the palace/monastery is also a mausoleum for royalty and while the palace is austere, the monastery and pantheon are lavishly decorated, with the crypt and the stairway leading down to it adorned in marble.
The city's most iconic landmarks include some of the city gates which still stand; the Puerta de Alcala is an elaborately decorated Roman Triumphal arch constructed in granite, while the Puerta de Toledo dating from the time of the French invasion in the early 19 th century is built of granite and consists of three arches topped by sculptures. Most emblematic of Madrid is the fountain of the Goddess Cibeles, the ancient goddess of nature, sitting on a chariot pulled by lions, the fountain sits in the middle of a square by the same name lined with some of Madrid's most beautiful and historic buildings. The Plaza Mayor, Madrid's central square is one of Europe's most beautiful squares; the majestic plaza which is a symmetrical rectangle is lined by elegant red brick buildings.
In the same way that this cultural giant has proudly conserved the heritage left by its historical past, preserving the elegance of its old town with its beautiful buildings, and harmoniously blending it with a modern, convenient and functional urban infrastructure, it has carefully preserved its culture and traditions while successfully integrating them into a highly developed and modernistic society.
