Looking Around Madrid
Our rental apartment was located in an excellent area just about four blocks from both the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio Real. Our walks around the city often begain by heading to the north towards the Opera Metro. Here are some of the sights we passed enroute. Just a block from our apartment is this large opening in the sidewalk, covered by a thick glass window. About eight feet below you can see the foundations of some Roman buildings. In this photo a school teacher is lecturing his class about this item of history.
Another two blocks north we cross the Plaza de Ramales with this really neat architectural work.
One more block and we come to the playground that marks the beginning of the large Plaza de Oriente.
The Plaza de Oriente is a combination of park and gardens. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in the background.
Final look west toward the Palace. Two blocks to the east, directly behind me in this photo, is the Plaza Isabel II.
The Plaza Isabel II is important for several reasons. On the extreme left is the Royal Opera House. Directly across the Plaza is a large five-screen cinema. And in the middle is the entrance to the Metro.
The entrance to the Metro. Opera House on the right. Since we use the Metro almost daily to get around the city, this Opera Metro stop is like home base for us.
The Madrid Metro is absolutely clean and perfectly maintained.
Same goes for the rail cars. Spotless.
The first stop east is at Plaza del Sol. This is the geographic center of Madrid. But, not too exciting otherwise. Busy with tourists. Lets keep moving.
This Banco de Espana is a popular stop. That is the Bank across the street. To the left is the famous Metropolis Building. To the right is the Plaza de Cibeles and the Palicio de Communications.
The most famous office building in Madrid. Completed in 1911, it still remains as a world famous work of art.
A combination of Romamesque and Beaux-Arts architecture. Simply, wow!
The Palice of Communications from across the Plaza de Cibeles. Note the remarkable banner on the front of the palace.
This is the changing of the guard at the Headquarters of the Army, just opposite from the Communications Palace.
Another several Metro stops brings us to this large Plaza del Emperador Carlos V. On the left is the Ministry of Agriculture. Straight ahead is the main railroad station, Estacion de Atocha.
Crossing to the Estacion.
Full frontal look. Lets go inside.
Inside stands a large indoor garden-jungle. A beautiful surprise.
The jungle serves as a quiet and peaceful waiting area for passengers and greeters.
While below is the action area. Many tracks supporting super-fast travel to all major cities.
Lets head back to the Plaza de Oriente on a sunny Sunday. The palace in the background is the site of two special sporting events today.
This is the finish line of two major Triatholon events. One for women and one for men.
The final fifty meters. Lots of loud public address annoucements and music.
Good opportunity to purchase some racing attire for family runners.
This is the front side (east) of the Palacio Real.
And this is the west side. Beautiful gardens.
More.
The far west gate of the palace gardens leads to the Plaza Espana.
And that is right across the street inside those trees.
The Plaza Espana is another combination of park and plaza.
Really neat statuary.
And looking back.
This is the Casa Gallardo, an Art Nouveau classic located on the south-west corner of the Plaza Espana.
Lets head back into central Madrid. Here on Calle de Portas, near the Plaza Mayor.
One of many portals for access to the Plaza Mayor is located just to the right here on the Plaza Santa Cruz.
Lets go in and look around.
And, the famous Plaza Mayor.
Having fun!
With lots of action. Here, learning to make large bubbles.
Heading back to our apartment from the Plaza Mayor we would pass through this Plaza de Puerta Cerrada.
And, pass by the Plaza de la Villa for an evening look.