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World of Culture
In addition to being home to one of the world’s greatest art galleries, the range of museums and monuments on offer in the Madrid region goes much further than the well-known and deservedly admired galleries located in the "Paseo del Arte" (Art Walk).
The broad and varied range of art on offer in the region includes everything from prehistoric rock paintings through to the most avant-garde works of modern art, in addition to the ever more popular museums on science, technology, anthropology and history.
Madrid’s importance as the site of the Royal Court since the 16th century also means that visitors can discover the Royal Sites located in such beautiful settings as Aranjuez and San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
And finally, the last word is for Madrid’s monuments. A stay in Madrid would not be complete without a visit to symbols such as the Puerta de Alcalá (the Alcalá Arch) or the Cibeles Fountain.
Art Walk
This route, known as the "Paseo del Arte” or Art Walk, is unique in the world, and takes visitors on a path through paintings and sculptures, architecture and nature, in one of Madrid’s most emblematic areas: the Paseo del Prado. The route can easily be done on foot, and leads to three major art galleries in succession: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum and Art Centre.
This first-rate location makes it possible to enjoy, within a few square metres, Velazquez’s Meninas, Goya’s Majas, Giovanna Tornabuoni by Ghirlandaio, as well as Les Vessenots en Auvers by Van Gogh and Picasso’s Guernica, together with other masterpieces of world art.
One of the most traditional walks in Madrid is now in fact an “artistic triangle”, which offers visitors the chance to explore the history of art and to enjoy one of the finest parts of Madrid.
Museums
The Madrid region has an wide range of museums, capable of satisfying the most varied tastes of both visitors and local residents. Foremost among these are the three great galleries located in what is known as the Paseo del Arte.
As long as the visitor has enough time there are always numerous options to choose from. The Royal Academy of San Fernando is another art centre worth visiting in Madrid, and there are also a variety of municipal and themed museums, including the Romantic Museum, Railway Museum, Naval Museum, Army Museum, Americas Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and National Natural Science Museum, etc.
There are other interesting museums all around the Madrid region, including the Museum/House of Cervantes in Alcalá and the Cosmocaixa Science Museum in Alcobendas.
Royal Sites
The Royal Sites deserve a special mention in any guide to notable monuments in the Madrid region. These architectural complexes were built for use as places of relaxation, recreation and as residences for the members of the various Spanish royal families. The list of buildings includes several monasteries which were in some way under the protection of the Royal Family.
Patrimonio Nacional (the National Heritage Board) is the organisation responsible for their safekeeping and upkeep. They can be visited by anyone who wishes, just like any other museum in the country. Unique architectural treasures in themselves, these buildings contain collections of gold craftwork, porcelain, painting, sculpture and any artistic discipline which was to the taste of their occupants.
Dispersed throughout the region, they make a perfect excuse for exploring or rediscovering places such as San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Aranjuez, El Pardo and the well-kept secret corners of Spain’s capital.
Monuments
Whether they are symbols famous throughout the world such as the Puerta de Alcalá Arch, the Cibeles Fountain, the Monastery of El Escorial or the Palace of Aranjuez, or the enigmatic remains of Egyptian history right in the heart of the city, the Madrid region has numerous monuments which should not be missed.
These are places admired both by visitors and by local residents, and which have inspired everything from the celebration of sporting victories to popular anthems. Take a tour of any of the towns in the region to discover and take part in their cultural heritage.
