On first appearance Madrid can seem to be just like any other modern, sprawling metropolis. It’s not until you scratch beneath the surface that you begin to discover the intricate extravagance and heady endurance that typifies this city.
The old town of Madrid nurtures a thriving community that provides near non-stop nights and days framed by intensely clear blue skies with a quality of light that sharpens even the finest detail.
What is certain is that many layers of prehistoric remains have been found in and around Madrid. The first evidence of human existence is found in the Lower Palaeolithic, or some 500,000 years ago, the most important of which are located in the Terrazas de Manzanares.
The presence of the Romans is marked by traces of well preserved mosaic pavements. At this time, evidence indicates that the name given to Madrid was Ursaria, perhaps related to the large number of bears found here.
Today, this particular observation is still reflected in the composition of the heraldic shield of the city.
 After the Romans came the Visigoths although little evidence, other than some jewels and golden ornaments, is to found as evidence of their passing.
The importance of Madrid really commenced with the Arabic invasion of the Peninsula. Although Toledo was the most important city of the Spanish meseta, Madrid was thought to have been selected as a fortress town for its defence.
At the end of the ninth century Muhammad I established the fortress city of Mayrit, a name that suggests that this was a place where abundant water was to be found. Building on the ruins of Roman, Visigoth and Arabic aspirations, successive construction and additions by latter day rulers meant that Madrid’s size and influence grew and the many impressive buildings that punctuate wide, tree-lined majestic boulevards, attest to the extent of the city’s modern day influence in financial, cultural and social circles.
Built on the elevated Castillian plain Madrid, at around 600 metres, or 2,000 feet, above sea level, is the highest capital city in Europe and the juxtaposition of the Sierra Guadarrama makes it easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquility of the countryside.
Madrid, like many other places in Spain, is a city of myriad facets ranging from the pure passion of the bullfight to the serenity of the gardens of the Parque del Buen Retiro, the pleasant setting of the Crystal Palace where many take time to observe the flowers.
On New Year’s Eve in the Puerta del Sol, Spain’s official kilometer 0, large crowds gather to welcome in the New Year full of hope and promise and to eat the traditional 12 grapes of good luck.
 Madrid is a city filled with museums, works of art, treasures of history and plenty of surprises.
If ever there was a place to visit a famous art museum to contemplate a painting by Velazquez in the morning, sit in a street café drinking coffee while watching the many and varied faces pass by in the mid afternoon and party long into the hot summer nights, this is it.
Fiestas and Events:
Fiesta of San Isidro – 15th May. One of the most important fiestas is the Fiesta of San Isidro, the Patron Saint of Madrid. Held on the 15th of May, celebrations are held throughout the city and include parties and pilgrimages.
The Bullfights of this season are the most famous in Spain and attract the most celebrated names within the bullfighting gallery of superstars.
2nd May - remembers the popular uprising of the city against the occupying troops of Napoleon. On the 2nd May there are many events to commemorate this turning point of the War of Independence against the French.
The Verbena de la Paloma – 6 to 15th August. Many parties and lots of colour and heat. Everyone joins the fun in their best bib and tucker.
More information:
Madrid's Town Hall Loads of information about Madrid as long as you read Spanish.
Metro of Madrid Information about Madrid's underground system
Museum of El Prado One of the foremost museums in the world with very clear on-line information.
 Add as favourites (32) |  Quote this article on your site | Views: 1759
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
|
Last Updated ( miércoles, 19 marzo 2008 )
|
