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Madrid
(4,600,000 inhabitants) stretches over 607 square
kilometers.
Built at the foot of the Sierra Guadarrama, Madrid
is the highest capital in Europe (665 m).
The Barajas airport is 6 kms away.
Epicentre of the country, Madrid is the natural
intersection of the most important road, rail and
air networks in Spain. One peseta in six is
generated in Madrid, one Spaniard in seven is
employed there.
The main banks and the headquarters of the biggest
companies are established and managed in
Madrid.
Industrial activities are localized in the southern
suburbs.
Madrid is both an intellectual centre (universities
and academical seats) and a cultural centre.
It unfurls its charms quietly, naturally, with no
arrogance or false modesty.
Life slows down at siesta time, nearly everything
closes, monuments are reopened at around
3.30pm.
Madrid is the most animated capital in Europe come
nightfall, at any time of the night you can sit
down in a tapas bar, everyone is out strolling, all
ages together, in a warm and friendly
atmosphere.
To visit : the Prado, one of the most beautiful
museums in Europe, the Convent of the Incarnation,
the St Antonio of Florida hermitage, and corrales
like el Meson del Sogoviano, the Plaza de la Paja
and the Moorish district, the Toledo Bridge, the
Royal Palace, the Sabatini gardens....
Don't miss seeing a real flamenco at :
Casa Pate, Canizares 10; or La Carcelera, Moneleon
10; or Espana Cani, Plaza del angel 14; or Corral
de la Moreria, calle de la Moreria 17.
Shopping : leather, wickerwork, Spanish capes,
turrones and mazapanes (nougat and marzipan), ham,
fans, mantillas... For luxury items shop in the
Serrano road and the area around it. On Sunday
mornings visit the Rastro, the well-known flea
market, half-way between bric-a-brac and boot
sale.
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