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Marvel at the sites of Madrid on this walking tour of the city, Royal Palace and the Hapsburgs. Learn about its past and how it has shaped the city you see today.
Marvel at the sites of Madrid on this walking tour of the city, Royal Palace and the Hapsburgs. Learn about its past and how it has shaped the city you see today. Discover Madrid as the multi-faceted city that it is, from its Arab origins to the court days during the reign of Phillip II and of Charles III, and finally to present day Madrid. It was during the reign of Charles III in the 18th Century when most artistic and cultural ideas were introduced enabling Madrid to become an important cultural and scientific center. Hapsburgs is the name given to Madrid when the Habsburg dynasty reigned in Spain. This reign began with Charles I, who enriched the city with palaces and monuments. Later, Philip II made it the capital of Spain and the city grew dramatically. The journey through the Renaissance and Baroque buildings of this era is perhaps one of the most picturesque and representative of Madrid. Walk past such well known sights as Monumento de la Encarnacion; famous squares such as Plaza de Oriente, Mayor, Puerta de la Operal, Ramales, de la Villa, Sacramento and Puerta del Sol. Continue to Madrid's Royal Palace. Built in the 18th century on the site of an ancient alcassar (Arab-fortress) following the classical Italian baroque style, it is one of the most beautiful and best preserved palaces in Europe. On the outside, its surroundings enhance the grandeur of the building, while in the inside rich tapestries, exquisite china pieces, clocks, etc. can be admired in every chamber. |
