Gorgeous and majestic Madrid is a city of palatial splendor, ornate monuments, historical landmarks, art, and elegance. It is the capital and cultural hub of Spain and a doorway into its illustrious past.
While we were there, we took side trips to the old city of Toledo, the Valley of the Fallen, and El Escorial.
See also:
Touring the city
Madrid is located in the center of Spain on the River Manzanares. We arrived after touring Spain by rail, where we met my two teenage children who flew in to meet us for our remaining week in Spain.
My partner’s brother had designed the sets and costumes for a production of La Boheme that took place at the Teatro Real Opera House, which we attended while we were there.
We also visited the Prado National Museum, rented rowboats on the lake at neighboring El Retiro Park, toured the Royal Palace, strolled the historic Plaza Mayor, and attended a Flamenco performance.
Sidetrips
We booked a bus tour that took us to El Escorial -a monastery where most of the Spanish monarchs are entombed, the Valley of the Fallen – a monument and cathedral built by Generalísimo Franco, and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the astoundingly well preserved and stunning city of Toledo. – It was the former capital of Spain until 1561.
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo El Escorial, known as El Escorial, is the historic residence of the King of Spain. It is now a monastery, basilica, royal palace, library, museum, university, and hospital.
Franco, who was the fascist dictator of Spain from 1939 – 1975 is buried in the Valley of the Fallen church. 40,000 others whose lives were lost fighting the Spanish Civil war are buried beneath the valley floor. His burial there is controversial and political rallies honoring Franco have now been banned.
Toledo is known as the “city of three cultures” where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted for centuries. It’s the home of El Greco, whose famous paintings can be seen at the Church of Santo Tomé.
The city is located in the La Mancha region and Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statues were displayed everywhere along its winding streets and in the shops.
Enjoy the photo galleries below.
The city of Madrid
Click on the images below to view them full-size in a gallery.
Royal Palace Courtyard Royal Palace at night Royal Palace dining table Royal Palace ceiling Royal Palace Cathedral ceiling Calle de Felipe V Plaza de Mayor Plaza de Mayor Plaza de Mayor at the Prado Museum El Retiro Park Lake Monument Alfonso XII El Retiro Park Teatro Real – Opera House Corral de la Morería Flamenco Corral de la Morería Flamenco Cafe Ricordi Agriculture Building
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
El Escorial is located about 28 miles north of Madrid and is an easy drive although we booked a bus tour for our side trips with a local guide and he was very knowledgeable.
The Valley of the Fallen
The Valley of the Fallen is about a 16-minute ride from El Escorial. The best way to get there is by bus or taxi.
The City of Toledo
You can take a high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo and get there in about 30 minutes. It is about 1 hour from Madrid by car. Taking a bus is much cheaper than a train and takes approximately 1 hour and a half.
View of Toledo View of Toledo View of Toledo and Alcazar Hostel Santo Tomé – Toledo St Martins Bridge – Toledo Monastery of San Juan De Los Reyes – Toledo Monastery of San Juan De Los Reyes – Toledo Cathedral of Toledo Cathedral of Toledo Cathedral of Toledo Parroquia San Ildefonso – Toledo Parroquia San Ildefonso – Toledo Parroquia San Ildefonso – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Toledo Mosque of Cristo de la Luz – Griffen Mural – Toledo Don Quixote Statue – Toledo
Check out top things to do in the area here.
Have you been to Madrid or do you plan to visit in the future? Please leave a comment below.
Your photos are gorgeous. We’ve been to Spain a number of times but somehow have still not gotten to Madrid! We definitely need to plan a trip soon!
Madrid is definitely worth it. It’s beautiful and there is so much life going on. It’s exciting.
Hi Rebecca! We are going to Spain in October so I really enjoyed your post and the photos. It has made me even more impatient and excited about our trip.
I’m so jealous! I love Spain and there’s so much more to see. Have an amazing time while you’re there.
I have never been to Spain. I’ve been made at Queen Isabella, Ferdinand, Charles and Philip for the inquisition. HA! I need to go. These photos are beautiful…mostly I want to see the Alhambra!
Spain is really one of my favorite countries so far. It has a certain energy about it and the people we met were so friendly. I’d love to walk the Camino. That sounds exciting.
Beautiful! I’ve not explored Spain beyond Barcelona. Madrid looks fabulous.
Barcelona is incredible and I have a gallery coming up for that. Each city in Spain has it’s own special character and history.
We have family in Barcelona and have visited but always wanted to go back to visit Madrid. Your photos are stunning and are now making me want to go NOW!
I hope you’re able to Cathy. All of Spain is amazing.
You keep whetting my appetite for a return to Spain. I haven’t been to Toledo yet…but…maybe in the near future.
I hope I keep whetting it. I still have a couple more cities there to go. LOL
We have discussed traveling to Spain. Your pictures are gorgeous! Adding another country to visit to my ever-growing list!