Day 30 : All in a Day’s Walk!

My legs are exhausted as I spent more than 8 hours walking the streets of Madrid.  I must have gotten lost countless of times as some of the streets happened to be unmarked on the map. 

However it was always a pleasant experience each time it happens as there was always something interesting, which I would never have discovered if I had not gone that way.  Everywhere I turned, I just see beautiful buildings, statues, monuments etc, that I can’t resist taking a picture of. 

The last count was I had taken over 130 photos just in one day!  Am I glad that I am not using film!

Royal Palace

Constructed in the 18th century by the first king of the Bourbon Dynasty (Philip V), the palace contained many treasures on display.  We were not allowed to take any pictures within the building, which was a pity.  So below are some pictures of the facade and view from the outside. 

The facades of the palace measure 130 metres long and 33 metres high with 870 windows and 240 balconies opening on to the facades and courtyard.  It has a surface area of 100,000 square metres with 44 stairways and more than 30 principal rooms. 

The inside of the building blew me away as we walked from room after room (different waiting rooms for guests when they visited the royal family, each in different style and grandeur depending on the status and background of the individual).  The paintings on the ceiling and heavily motif-ied walls, paintings and portraits hanging on walls, elaborate furniture and history behind different parts of the building kept me captivated. 

I must have spent about 2 hours just at the Royal Palace.  There also seems to be a great deal of Chinese influence back in the hay days, as there were a couple of rooms that were designed in the Chinese style, with a number of Chinese style porcelain and decor dotting around the building.

Plaza de Orient

Just located round the corner from the entrance of the Royal Palace is a beautifully landscaped garden, with part of the Royal Palace building in the backdrop.

Teatro Real

The interior was under renovation when I was there and was thus closed to the public, otherwise there would usually be the opportunity to take a tour on the inside.

Templo de Debod

Located on a hill top near Plaza de Espana, is an Egyptian styled temple from the Ptolemaic period.  The monument devoted to Amun and Isis is over 2,000 years old and was brought from Lower Nubia (South of Egypt) stone by stone.  It was reconstructed in Madrid and opened to public in 1972.

Plaza de Espana

This Plaza contains a sculpture of Cervantes and his famous Don Quixote and Sancho Panza characters.

Gran Via

Currently one of Madrid’s busiest streets, with booming commercial business and theatres.  Lots of shops here with great discounts too!

Restaurant Botin (since 1725)

The world’s oldest restaurant is located in Madrid!  Check out the Guinness World Record Certificate!

Plaza de Ciebeles

This square is one of Madrid’s greatest landmarks.  It is presided by a fountain in honour of Goddess Cibele and the Palace of Communications (City Hall). 

This area was pretty much fenced up when I was there, as I heard that the Pope is going to be in Madrid next week for the World Youth Summit (some Catholic event), and they were preparing the area for this event.

Puerta de Alcala

Located near the entrance of El Retiro Park, it was built by Francisco Sabatini to commemorate Charles III’s entrance to Madrid (1778).  It was the main entrance to the city and is now a symbol of Madrid. 

El Retiro Park

A huge park located in the city centre, which was once the place where kings relaxed and indulged in leisurely activities.  Great walks and of course not to forget the famous statue of Alphonso XII.

I found it rather strange that there were many people rowing a boat or a canoe in this small little lake.  There was hardly much space for manoeuvring and I didn’t see how interesting it is to be going round in circles (or rectangle!) seeing the same view. I guess it is more for the company on the boat!

Other scenes from the park :

Other Scenes Around the City :