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Whether sipping a cerveza on the Plaza Santa Ana, or gathering in an
underground tavern to hear amazing flamenco, Madrid pervades the mind,
body, and spirit. The best way to experience Madrid is to remain open to
possibilities. The vibrancy of the city carries a lasting charge that
both infuses and expands the spirit.
Residing in the very heart of Iberia, Madrid became Spain's capital due
to her position at the geographic center. As the highest capital in
Europe, Madrid can be scorching in the summer and quite cold in winter.
Famous for crisp, bright blue skies, Madrid is blessedly clear of air
pollution and smog thanks to the breezes that blow down from the
Guadarrama Mountains.
Madrid is also a mecca for art aficionados. Madrid's museum mile is
comprised of the Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Centro
de Arte Reina Sofia. One of the world's great art galleries, the Prado
contains works mainly from 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish and
Italian artists. The Prado's strength lies in its focus on three great
Spanish masters: El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez. The Reina Sofia houses
an outstanding collection of primarily Spanish Modern art, including
Picasso's haunting and disturbing masterpiece - Guernica. The
Thyssen-Bornemisza collection was bought by Spain for a mere $300 million USD,
from the German/Hungarian Thyssen-Bornemisza family. This collection is
an extensive survey of art works through the ages and includes pieces
from Titian and Rubens, Van Gogh and Cezanne, through to Gris, Pollock,
Dali, and Lichtenstein.
A vast, predominantly modern city, Madrid has a population numbering
upwards of three million people and is still growing. And indeed, much
of Madrid's appeal comes from the people. Madrilenos love nothing
better than to spend an evening talking over tapas and enthusiastically
toasting life in all its vigor and enchantment. The real Madrid can be
found in the crowded bars, streets, and cafes and in the people that make
the city come alive.
Characterized by eighteenth-century Bourbon squares, summer terrazas,
and atmospheric streets, Madrid is a delightful and charming city. In
recent years there has been a renaissance of artistic and cultural
activity that has given the city a new allure. Despite allegations that
Madrid is not the most beautiful of Spanish cities, she definitely has the
most to offer in terms of culture, nightlife, and experience.
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