Due to the cancellation of our ocean voyage from Florida to Spain and consequential late change of travel plans to fly across the Atlantic, Madrid became our first destination in Spain rather than Barcelona. As we only had one full day in Madrid and had a severe case of tiredness and jet lag, we decided a walking tour of the city was the best sightseeing option.
We started out from our hotel near the Central Railway station walking towards the centre of the city admiring the elegant buildings.
Eventually we passed under and elegant archway to enter the Plaza Major in the heart of the city. A big stage was being set up for some sort of concert which spoilt the view a little but it was still an impressive sight.
We continued west on Calle Major until we arrived at the cathedral. The catholic cathedral is relatively young by the standards of European cathedrals, after a long build it was finished in the late 20th century and consecrated by Pope John Paul II. The main door is particularly unusual.
Just next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace. There was a long queue to enter so we were happy to view the palace from outside the gates.
Just behind the palace, the Sabatini Gardens had some interesting hedges for Sam to explore.
The Temple de Debod, a somewhat out of place Egyptian Temple (apparently moved from Egypt) sitting in a park above the city was the furthest point of our walk before we headed back.
Walking back we looked in a few shops including this deli with a large display of Jamon.
Heading past the large Puerta de Alcala - a triumphal arch we finished our walk through Parque de El Retiro, a large garden featuring ponds and play areas set amongst lush vegetation. It was a real oasis in the heart of the city. In the centre of the park we visited the Palacio de Cristal, set by a lake with a fountain playing.
Then it was back to the hotel to recover from our flight and prepare for our departure next day to Seville.
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| The cathedral |
We started out from our hotel near the Central Railway station walking towards the centre of the city admiring the elegant buildings.
Eventually we passed under and elegant archway to enter the Plaza Major in the heart of the city. A big stage was being set up for some sort of concert which spoilt the view a little but it was still an impressive sight.
We continued west on Calle Major until we arrived at the cathedral. The catholic cathedral is relatively young by the standards of European cathedrals, after a long build it was finished in the late 20th century and consecrated by Pope John Paul II. The main door is particularly unusual.
Just next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace. There was a long queue to enter so we were happy to view the palace from outside the gates.
Just behind the palace, the Sabatini Gardens had some interesting hedges for Sam to explore.
The Temple de Debod, a somewhat out of place Egyptian Temple (apparently moved from Egypt) sitting in a park above the city was the furthest point of our walk before we headed back.
Walking back we looked in a few shops including this deli with a large display of Jamon.
Heading past the large Puerta de Alcala - a triumphal arch we finished our walk through Parque de El Retiro, a large garden featuring ponds and play areas set amongst lush vegetation. It was a real oasis in the heart of the city. In the centre of the park we visited the Palacio de Cristal, set by a lake with a fountain playing.
Then it was back to the hotel to recover from our flight and prepare for our departure next day to Seville.
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