 Car Hire Madrid
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| Discovering Madrid | Arriving in Madrid |
Travel Advice in Madrid |
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Situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsular on the banks of the Manzanares River is the capital city of Spain, Madrid. During the 9th Century the Moors knew Europe’s fourth largest city as Magerit when the Emir of Córdoba Mohamed built the first fortress at the site. Late in the 11th Century Alfonso VI of Castile regained Spanish control of the district following centuries of fierce dispute. Madrid continued to develop, and in 1561 Philip II declared Madrid the capital of Spain marking the start of the Siglo de Oro (Golden Century) for the country.
Madrid offers visitors access to an exciting array of attractions that reflect this rich history and the diverse cultures that are visible across the peninsular. The most noteworthy among the vast number of magnificent churches across the city are the epic Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, the Basilica de San Isidro and San Nicolás de las Servitas, which is the oldest church in Madrid.
The capital city is also the location for a number of national government buildings and monuments. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is a stunning rococo palace built in the 18th Century to replace the medieval Alcázar that was destroyed by a fire. Located just by the Palace is the beautiful royal park of Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park) that provides visitors and city dwellers with a popular retreat from the busy metropolitan centre.
Madrid also boasts over thirty museums, which is a reflection of the prominence held by art and culture in this traditional capital. The most influential museums are the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum), the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum) and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum). The Prado contains one of the finest art collections in the world exhibiting works by major Spanish and European artists through the Renaissance to the present day. At nearby Reina Sofia visitors are offered exhibits that include works by Miró, Dalí, Juan Gris and Picasso; Guernica is on permanent display within the museum. The Thyssen-Bornemisza is a prestigious private collection of European artworks on view to the public, including pieces by Dürer, Caravaggio and Rubens.
| Discovering Madrid | Arriving in Madrid |
Car Hire Madrid
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