Today begins with our visit to what might be Madrid’s most unusual historic monument. An original Egyptian temple dating from the 2nd century BC, the story of how Templo de Debod (Debod Temple) ended up in Madrid is far from the usual tale of how antiquities land in places other than where they belong. 
Devod, a city along the first white water rapids of the Nile River in the Nubian Desert between Aswan and Khartoum, had been an important religious center for millenniums. Located slightly more than 18.5 miles (20 kilometers) south of Philae, it was here that the sacred temples of Abu Simbel, begun in 2200 BC and completed over many centuries, were dedicated to the god Amon of Thebes. According to various myths and legends, the goddess Isis gave birth to Horus here and Devod is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally built on the orders of King Adikhalamani, the imminent construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s would have guaranteed the total destruction of all the sacred temples of Abu Simbel, including Templo de Debod. 
UNESCO issued an urgent international plea for assistance in saving these priceless archeological and cultural legacies. In gratitude for the help Spain provided, the Egyptian state donated Templo de Debod to the Spanish people in 1968. Subsequently, Debod was dismantled stone by stone in the late 1960s, shipped to the Spanish port city of Valencia and then taken by train to Madrid. Templo de Debod was then painstakingly reconstructed in Parque del Oeste (the West Park) near Palacio Real and northwest of Plaza de España. It officially opened to the public in 1972. 
The temple is laid out in the same way as it was orientated in Egypt, from east to west. As you wander and experience a bit of ancient Egypt, take time to admire the carved reliefs in the stones. There is also a small museum where photographs depicting the monument's history may be viewed. For Spanish history buffs, this is the location where the Montaña barracks, stormed by the populace during the Civil War in 1936, were located. 
It is from Templo de Debod, with the Guadarrama Mountains as a backdrop, that the most spectacular Madrid sunset can be seen. It should be no surprise that Madrileños and visitors alike flock here for a romantic picnic.

Templo de Debod

Plaza de España sits in the center of one of Madrid’s most heavily trafficked intersections and marks the western end of Gran Vía. The overwhelming reverence paid to art and the past, while flanked by two of the capital’s landmark high-rises, comes as no surprise to those with empathy for the soul of Madrid. To the first time visitor this dichotomy can seem a bit jarring at first. 
The square itself dates back to the 18th century when it was occupied by military barracks. Today it is a shaded green oasis popular with strolling office staff on break; shoppers; students, sunbathers and street vendors as well as the visitor. 
Dominating the plaza is an ornate fountain and a monument to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes, author of what is considered the world’s first novel, “Don Quixote”. The tower portion of the monument includes a stone sculpture of Cervantes. Because life is never far from fiction, at the feet of the towering figure of Cervantes are two bronze statues; one depicting the immortal Don Quixote; the other of Sancho Panza, his faithful companion and valet. Next to the tower are two stone representations of Don Quixote's true love; one the simple peasant woman Aldonza Lorenzo; the other the beautiful but imaginary Dulcinea del Toboso. Even Rocinante and the never named mule of Panza are included. 
The two adjacent skyscrapers are the Edificio de España, built between 1947 and 1953 and the Torre de Madrid (Madrid Tower) built in 1957. At the time its construction Torre de Madrid was the tallest concrete building in the world with a height of almost 466 feet or 142 meters. Nicknamed “La Jirafe” or giraffe, it was the tallest building in Madrid until Torre Picasso was built in 1989.

Plaza de España

Palacio Real, or the Royal Palace, is Madrid's largest building, often considered the most beautiful one, and by far the largest palace in Western Europe. Construction of the palace began in 1734 and it officially opened 1755 but was not fully completed until 1764 when King Carlos III established his residency in the palace. 
Built on the exact spot where the Moorish Alcázar once stood, the site has been continuously occupied since the 10th century. A bit of fascinating trivia - the Moors named the Manzanares River flowing through Madrid “al-Magrit” which translates to “the source of water”. Back then the city was known as Mayrit which morphed into Magerit then, finally, into Madrid. 
When fire ravaged the Royal Alcázar on Christmas Eve, 1734, King Philips V ordered it replaced with a palace in the tradition of Versailles Palace in Paris where he had spent some of his youth. He decreed that the new royal palace was to be built from limestone and granite to prevent any possibility of fire – a threat throughout much of Spain in those days. 
The palace has a square floor plan with a large central courtyard. Puerta del Príncipe gateway on the east side gives access to the central courtyard and the palace is surrounded by the beautiful Sabatini and Campo del Moro parks. 
Initially designed by Filippo Juvarra to accommodate the court of Felipe V, Juan Bautista Sacchetti initiated the building project in 1737 and Francisco Sabatini and Ventura Rodríguez completed the work. Sabatini designed the entire southeast wing and the immense and graceful great staircase that greets visitors upon entry. 
With well over 2000 lavishly decorated rooms, fifty odd of which are open to visitors, Palacio Real covers 135,000m2 or an astounding 1,453,100 square feet. All told the Palace has 870 windows, 240 balconies and 44 staircases. To say it is huge is an understatement. 
A few absolute must visit rooms are the 400m2 (4305.56 square feet) dining room; the Sala de Porcelana (China Room); the Salón del Trono (Throne Room) with its red velvet walls; the Hall of Mirrors; the King Charles III's room, the Columns Room and Royal Guards' Room. 
Along with plush tapestries and glittering gold and silver, the décor features Spanish marble, mahogany doors and important frescoes by Giaquinto, Tiepolo and Mengs and his Spanish followers Bayeu and Maella. Throughout are priceless paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio - all of which are worth admission alone. 
The west wing of the palace is home to the Armería Real, the royal army museum. It contains a beautiful collection of armory, including King Charles V's armor suit. The Royal Pharmacy features such treasures as cabinets for storing medicinal herbs, containers, bottles, stills, prescriptions dispensed to the Royal Family. 
Palacio Real was the primary residence of the Spanish monarchy until 1931 when King Alfonso XIII went into exile after the Republicans won election. Today the palace is reserved for official and diplomatic functions; the Royal Family lives in the much smaller Zarzuela Palace, a former hunting lodge outside Madrid. 
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Royal Palace of Madrid

Located between Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de Isabel II and across from the Royal Palace stands Teatro Real, Madrid’s magnificent Opera House. Teatro Real, or simply El Real, first opened on November 19, 1850 to acclaim and fanfare. Like so many buildings in Spain, El Real was beset by problems over the years but more on that in a moment. 
The Opera House stands where the old theater, Los Caños del Peral, was located from 1708 up until 1818; at which point it was well on its way to ruin. It wasn’t until 30 years later that Queen Isabel II’s intervention and love of opera succeeded in raising the funds needed. Construction began in 1848; and two years later the debut performance was held on the Queen’s birthday. La Favorita by Gaetano Donizetti proved to be a smashing success and Madrid’s love affair with opera was rekindled overnight. 
By 1925 the discovery that the Manzanares River and other sources of underground water flow had severely damaged the foundation of the building caused its closure. It took another 40 years to raise enough funds to repair and reopen the elegant august old building. 
El Teatro then served as both an Opera House and as headquarters of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, Madrid’s Symphony Orchestra. Then yet again, in 1988 Teatro Real was closed for extensive refurbishing. It reopened in 1997 and today claims the honor of having one of the highest rated acoustical venues and finest stages in the world for opera. 
It is home to the Compañía del Teatro Real and has presented the likes of Plácido Domingo on numerous occasions and operas by Giuseppe Verdi and Wagner along with musical performances of the 19th century composer Stravinsky amongst others. In fact, in 1925, Nijinsky danced a title role in one of Stravinsky ballets for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. More recently, Teatro Real hosted the world premiere of Philip Glass' opera “The Perfect American” in 2013. 
There is no one dominant architectural style due to the many restorations but the use of two façades has remained. The main façade, historically reserved for the royal family, is the circular one dominating Plaza de Oriente. The second and slightly less grandiose façade looks out onto the Plaza de Isabel II. 
Seating between 1,748 and 1,854, depending on staging requirements, the theatre has 28 boxes on its different floors, along with eight proscenium (part of a theater stage in front of the curtain) boxes and a Royal Box. The only floor devoted exclusively to the general public is La Rotonda, which runs all the way round the building. 
Trivia Fun Fact: In 1969, El Real hosted the 14th Eurovision Song Contest. Performers vied for dominance on stage with a striking metal sculpture created by Spain's leading surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí. The winners were Lulu from the UK with "Boom Bang-A-Bang"; Lenny Kuhr from the Netherlands with "De Troubadour", Frida Boccara from France with "Un Jour, Un Enfant” and Salome from Spain with "Vivo Cantando”.

Teatro Real

The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, which translates to the Monastery of the Barefoot Royals, is a sight very few visitors even know exists. There are still a handful of barefoot nuns living on the premises but today the former palace of King Charles I and his Queen Isabel is a museum and national monument. 
The convent for the Order of the Poor Clares was founded in 1559 by Juana (Joanna) of Austria, daughter of Charles and Isabel, in the palace where she had been born. Widowed at 19 years of age, Joanna wanted a place to live, surrounded by her peers and in the lifestyle to which she had been born. 
For the ensuing hundred plus years the convent attracted young widowed or spinster noblewomen who sought refuge from unpleasant impending marriages. These women brought with them considerable dowries and an astounding collection of art works. Subsequently the wealth of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales grew until it became one of the wealthiest convents in Europe. 
By the mid-20th century the circumstances of the nuns in Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales had changed radically. Despite the wealth contained within the former palace, the Franciscan Sisters had taken a vow of poverty; they were forbidden from auctioning any of their treasures or of spending any money amassed from the accumulated dowries. They literally found themselves living in destitution among a sea of art treasures. 
The state eventually intervened and, with a special dispensation from the Pope, the convent was opened to the public as a museum in 1960. In 1985, the European Council rated it "Museum of the Year." 
While the Plateresque exterior of the monastery is a bit grim, the art collection and treasures inside are mind-boggling. Among the priceless art masterpieces are “Caesar's Money” by Titian; marble sculptures, and works by Tiziano, Sánchez Coello and Luini; tapestries woven in the 17th century to designs by Rubens that, it is estimated, would take four or five artisans up to a year to weave just 1 square meter of tapestry, and in the Flemish Hall, works by Hans de Beken and Bruegel the Elder. 
Among the dowry treasures are reliquaries, one of which is said to contain pieces of the True Cross and another to hold some of the bones of St. Sebastian. 
The guided tour begins as we ascend the frescoed Renaissance stairway to the upper level of the cloister. The vault was painted by Claudio Coello, whose works adorn San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and was one of the most important artists of the 17th-century Madrid School. The monastery has 33 chapels, the first of which contains a stunning carved figure of a dead reclining Christ that is paraded in a moving Good Friday procession each year. At the end of the passage is the ante-choir followed by the choir stalls themselves. A Virgen la Dolorosa by Pedro de la Mena is seated in one of the 33 oak stalls. 
A bit of a side note: Joanna often intervened in favor of the new order of the Jesuits, founded by Ignatius of Loyola. It is claimed that, in 1555, she was surreptitiously admitted to the male-only Jesuit order under the name of a pseudonym, Mateo Sánchez. Fact or fiction remains a matter of conjecture.

Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

Let’s begin in the literal and geographical heart of Spain, Plaza de la Puerta del Sol and Kilometer Zero. Now the heart of Madrid's historic center, in the early 15th century Puerta del Sol or, as it translates, the Gate of the Sun, was the eastern border of the city. Typical of the times, surrounding walls had been erected to protect the city proper from the increasing number of peasant hovels, the equivalent of medieval suburbs, which had been proliferating since the 12th century. In other words, the city walls kept the riff-raff at bay. 
Plaza del Sol began its long tradition as the primary meeting place for garnering national attention to issues of concern in the 1520s when Madrid joined the revolt of the Comuneros against Carlos I. The rebels erected a fortress in the east-facing arch in which the sun was depicted. It wasn’t until 1570 that the fort was demolished. 
Plaza de la Puerta del Sol has continued to serve as an important meeting place up to the present time. The very symbolic nature of Sol ensures it is the site and focal point for rallies and protests, particularly those against violence, social injustice and war. 
The red brick building on the south side is the old Post Office, Casa de Correos, and was built in 1768. As the Post Office it served as the primary meeting place to learn news from throughout Spain and abroad. Under Franco’s dictatorship it became the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior and State Security – a far less pleasant role in the minds of the populace. Today it serves as the office of the President of Madrid, the head of the regional government of the Autonomous Community of Madrid. 
The clock tower was added in 1856; it is here, underneath the clock tower in Plaza de la Puerta del Sol, every New Year’s Eve that residents and visitors throng to toast the advent of the coming year. For each of the twelve peals of the massive bells, a grape is eaten and washed down with Cava … not as easy a task as it sounds but great fun. 
Embedded in the pavement in front of Casa de Correos is a plaque marking Spain’s Kilómetro Cero or Kilometer Zero; the point from which Spain’s network of roads is measured. 
The Plaza owes its present appearance in great part to the Bourbon king Carlos III (1759–1788). It is his equestrian statue which stands in the middle. Carlos III is referred to as "el Rey Alcalde", the mayor-king due in great part to the extensive public works programs he initiated. 
The east side of the Plaza is home to the most famous symbol of Madrid; the twenty ton heraldic statue “El Oso y El Madroño”. The Madroño is a strawberry-like tree that symbolizes the aristocracy while El Oso, the female bear, symbolizes the fertile soil of Madrid. Until 2009, the statue stood on the north side at the entrance to Calle del Carmen. The Mariblanca (White Virgin but actually Venus) marks the place of a former fountain. 
As you know, Sol is located in the very heart of Madrid. Radiating off of Plaza de la Puerta del Sol are streets leading to almost all the important sites. Immediately to the southwest lies the Plaza Mayor; the Opera House and Palacio Real, the official home of the Royal Family, are slightly further west. Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza de Cibeles are steps away; Paseo del Prado, Parliament and the museum district are to the east and Atocha train station is to the southeast.

Puerta del Sol

There is often a bit of confusion due to the various names people use when referring to one of Madrid’s most eclectic areas so let’s clarify that first. The area’s proper name is Barrio de Las Letras; Calle Huertas is the main street in the area and Plaza Santa Ana is the primary plaza. 
Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) is the neighborhood where some of Spain's greatest literati lived and wrote. Located a stone’s toss from the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums and almost as close to the Reine Sophia, art and culture have always been an integral part of neighborhood life. Today, as much as when Cervantes lived here, that ambiance thrives. There is an authentic bohemian feel; superb entertainment from flamenco to jazz; blues to country; a range of small businesses from traditional ones like silversmiths and guitar makers to trendy avant-garde shops and some of the finest tapas bars and restaurants around. 
The best way to experience Huertas is to wander and go-with-the-flow. Be a Madrileño rather than a visitor with a checklist of things to see. Basically a pedestrian only area, Barrio de las Letras is located more or less between Carrera de San Jerónimo and Plaza de las Cortes northward, Atocha Street southward, Plaza de Santa Ana on the west side and Paseo del Prado on the east. Barrio de las Letras continues its legacy as a thriving point for creative folk from all walks of life. 
It was in Huertas that the greatest writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature lived and wrote. Men like Cervantes; Lope de Vega, Quevedo and Góngora. Embedded in the cobblestones of the streets are inscriptions and brief texts from their works. Visit the Casa de Lope de Vega Museo where the "The Phoenix of Wits" lived and wrote for 25 years until his death in 1635. Located at number 11 Cervantes Calle, the 17th century house is beautifully restored with period furniture and art. Cervantes and de Vega were mortal enemies throughout their lives but Barrio de las Letras called a truce, naming streets with the surname of each other. Guided tours are every 30 minutes from 10am-6pm (18.00) Tuesday through Sunday. 
A bit of Trivia: Lope de Vega shared the house with his last and longest mistress and his four children by three different women. Lope de Vega’s house was a typical casa de malicia (house of ill repute). 
In contrast, the father of the modern novel, Spain’s Shakespeare and author of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, lived in Huertas and was buried (1616) at the Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso on Lope de Vega Street, #18. It is a 17th century building, designed in a typical ‘Austrias’ style. The nuns live within a closed order so the church is only open for Mass. (Masses are at 9.30am Monday through Friday; 7.30pm (19.30) Saturdays, 10am and 12noon on Sundays. 
Congreso de los Diputados, the Spanish Parliament, is located in Plaza de las Cortes and was built about 1834. The façade is considered to be one of the best examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Madrid. It was here, on February 11, 1981, that renegade members of Spain’s Guardia Civil launched a failed coup attempt to overthrow Spain’s fledgling democracy. Guided tours are available on Saturdays only between 10.30am-12.30pm from September through July. Passports are required for entry. 
Just off the Plaza de Santa Ana at Calle Principe 25 is Teatro Español, a public theater run by the Government of Madrid. An open air theater in medieval times, Teatro Español was created by a decree from Philip II in 1565. The current building in Neo-Classical style was built between 1887 and 1895. 
Now it is time to relax, enjoy a drink, people watch from one of Plaza Santa Ana’s outdoor cafés and plan the night ahead. Tomorrow we’ll see some of the other historic Madrid sites but for now – “disfrute de su comida” or bon appetite.

Plaza de Santa Ana

Of all the grand roundabouts in the city, it is Plaza de la Cibeles that most evokes the regal splendor of once imperial Madrid. Sitting at the intersections of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and the stunning Paseo del Prado, the location of Cibeles could not be more ideal. From the magnificent and iconic fountain in the center to the superb palaces surrounding the square, Plaza Cibeles epitomizes a moment of pure romantic magic in a bustling city. 
The monumental Neo-Classical marble Cibeles Fountain is a much beloved Madrid icon. The fountain was built during the reign of Charles III and designed by Ventura Rodriguez between 1777 and 1782. It depicts Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility and nature and was sculpted by Francisco Gutiérrez. She holds a scepter and a key while riding in a chariot pulled by two lions. The wild lions, sculpted by Roberto Michel, symbolize the power of nature and the goddess. 
Up until the late 19th century the Cibeles Fountain stood outside the Prado Museum facing the Fountain of Neptune. Legend claims the original and far less ornate fountain goes back to when Madrid was still a Moorish settlement. In those days it provided water for the local population. 
Where Plaza de Cibeles sits today was once a sizeable wooded area that, during the Renaissance, separated the urban section of Madrid from different monastic and palace complexes. It consisted of three main sections, known as the Prado de los Recoletos Agustinos (now Paseo de Recoletos), Prado de los Jerónimos (corresponding to Paseo del Prado) and the Prado de Atocha. 
The four palaces that form each side of Plaza Cibeles are located in four different neighborhoods from three different adjacent districts: Centro, Retiro and Salamanca. 
The crowning glory is the beautiful Cibeles Palace, still referred to by Madrileños as the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which was designed and built by Antonio Palacios between 1909 and 1917. From its inauguration until 2007 the building was the main Post Office and Telegraph Office, hence “Comunicaciones” or Communications in the name. Since 2007 the cathedral-like building has housed Madrid’s City Hall (Ayuntamiento). Inside the palace and well worth a visit are the cultural space Centro-Centro and an elevator ride to the viewing platform which offers an outstanding panoramic view of Madrid. The Observation Deck is open Tuesday through Sunday: 10:30am - 1:30 pm (13.30) and 4pm (16.00) - 7pm (19.00). Admission is 2€. 
Across Paseo de Prado from City Hall is the venerable Banco de España or Bank of Spain. Bordering Cibeles Square, the oldest part of the enormous building was constructed between 1882 and 1891. Over the ensuing one hundred plus years the building has seen three additions; the first, between 1930 and 1934; the second between 1969 and 1975, and the most recent in 2006. Four architects in total with the latter three respecting the integrity and design of the original building. Almost 100 feet (30 meters) below ground is where Spain’s gold reserve is stored. 
Opposite Banco de España is the Palacio de Linares. The Neo-Baroque palace was built in 1873 by the banker, José de Murga. The main façade is spectacular with three entrance doors crowned by balconies; one fronting Plaza de Cibeles Square, another Recoletos and the third, Alcalá Street. The interior features a wealth of decoration by prestigious artists such as Jerónimo Suñol, creator of the stunning marble banister on the staircase in the hall. Other important areas of the building include the ballrooms, the Hall of Mirrors, the chapel, Dolls’ House and the garden. Today Palacio de Linares houses the Casa de América, a cultural center and art gallery focused mostly on Latin American arts. Most appropriate as the building is said to be haunted by the spirits of its first owner who made his fortune in the new world. 
Palacio de Linares is open for visits Sept. 1 through July 31: Saturdays and Sundays 11am, 12noon, 1pm (13:00). Admission: General: €8; Reduced: €5; Children are free. 
The fourth building, Palacio de Buenavista, was once the home of the Duchess of Alba and designed by Pedro de Arnal. It is an oasis of greenery complete with a French garden created by Ventura Rodríguez. Constructed in 1777, upon the death of the Duchess of Alba, the Palacio de Buenavista was willed to the state which, in 1939, ceded to the Spanish Army to host its headquarters.

Plaza Cibeles

In the middle of busy Plaza de la Independencia on the eastern side of Madrid proper stands one of city's best known landmarks, Puerta de Alcalá or Alcala Gate. Located on Calle de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s major arteries and only a few feet from the main entrance to Parque del Buen Retiro, the massive gate was once the main entrance to the city from the province of Aragon. Surrounded by the city’s walls, it was from Puerta de Alcalá that the authorities controlled access to the capital and levied customs duties. 
The original gate was built in 1599 but King Carlos III thought it "less than worthy of his city" and in 1764 had the original gate demolished and replaced with the far more imposing one we see today. Carlos selected the design of Italian architect Francesco Sabatini to replace the original small 16th century Baroque gate. Construction began in 1769 and was completed in 1778. 
Sabatini's design called for a Neo-Classical monumental granite gate with three large archways and two smaller rectangular passageways. Each of the archways is decorated with the head of a lion sculpted by Roberto Michel. The top of the gate is decorated with statues by Francisco Guttiérrez. 
The four statues on top of the gate represent the four cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude (Courage). Justice is depicted with a balance and scales; Temperance with a stirrup, Courage with a spear and shield and Prudence with a mirror. The empty trusses on the west side appear abandoned and are allegory of the exaltation of peace. 
The raised central part at the gate's highest point has a plaque which reads: "REGE CARLO III ANNO MDCCLXXVIII." This commemorates the date of the gate's inauguration by King Carlos III. Standing just a hair under 64 feet tall (19.5 meters) Puerta de Alcalá immediately became one of Madrid's symbols and is now a national monument. 
Trivia Fun: Because Calle de Alcalá is traditionally considered a cañada real or a special route for moving livestock on a seasonal basis; during the Blessing of the Animals on the feast day of Saint Anthony, flocks of sheep and other animals can be seen passing through the gate as their owners bring them to Church. 
And more Trivia Fun: In 1985 the gate was immortalized in song when Ana Belén and Victor Manuel released a record called, "La Puerta de Alcalá" which went on to become a huge success in Spain and throughout South America.

Puerta de Alcalá

The last stop on our historic Madrid will be one of the most glorious parks on the Continent – Parque del Buen Retiro or quiet literally ‘the park of pleasant tranquility or retreat’. The park is a favorite spot for Madrileños of all ages; once inside you’ll understand why. 
Bordering Paseo del Prado, which is often referred to as Paseo del Arte or Madrid’s Art Walk, Retiro is moments from the heart of the city – a fact that astounds people time and again. The landscaped lawns are dotted with marble monuments and fountains making the park virtually an open air sculpture museum. The abundant greenery spaces open onto elegant buildings and flowering gardens. At the heart of Retiro is the huge artificial lake (estanque). On the eastern side it is guarded by a colossal monument to Alfonso XII; at the southern end the sphinxes of the Fuente Egipcia (Egyptian Fountain) keep watch. 
Hidden among the trees south of the lake is the Palacio de Cristal, a magnificent metal and glass structure that is arguably El Retiro’s most beautiful architectural monument and certainly this visitor’s favorite spot and a photographer’s dream come true. Built in 1887 to house the Philippines Exhibition, then used as a winter home for exotic plants, today the Crystal Palace is used for temporary exhibitions organized by the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Just to wander inside and experience the prisms of light reflecting and bouncing from glass panel to glass panel is mesmerizing. 
The park began during the years 1630 - 1640 when Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, gave King Felipe IV several tracts of land for the Court's recreational use. When Filipe V ascended to the throne, he ordered the creation of the only French-style garden in the complex. 
From bullfights to opera; El Retiro has seen them all. Ferdinand VI was renowned for staging magnificent Italian operas on the grounds. Charles III (1759–1788) replaced the old walls with the elegant wrought-iron railings we see today. Queen Isabella II oversaw the extensive landscaping and planting of shade and fruit trees. A litany of Spanish monarchs played a part in creating the Parque del Buen Retiro we enjoy today. 
From its inception in the 1630s until 1868 when it was given to the public, El Retiro was used exclusively as the preserve and playground for royalty. 
Wander through Rosaleda (Rose) Garden. And keep an eye out for the Fountain of the Falling Angel (1922) that represents Lucifer falling from Heaven. It is claimed that this statue is the only known public monument of the devil. Explore the Ejército Museo, one of Spain's Army museums, and look for "La Tizona" the sword belonging to El Cid. 
Retiro is home to a huge annual book fair; hosts free concerts throughout the summer, is a hub for family and friend outings from picnics to soccer games and still a spot where renting a horse-drawn carriage or paddling a rowboat in the pond is a perfectly acceptable and fun thing to do.

Parque del Retiro

As you&nbsp;wind your way through Madrid’s narrow cobblestoned streets and main thoroughfares, take the time to discover the very best of all Madrid’s secrets. Get to know the Madrileños. They are warm, loving, fun, gracious and always friendly.&nbsp; 
 
This tour will&nbsp;introduce you to the grand history of Madrid while you visit&nbsp;both, the must-see places and locals' favourite spots. You will learn more about Egyptian heritage in Madrid, Spanish royals and great artists. Also, you will visit the greatest city's monument, the Monastery of barefoot nuns and even stand next to the point&nbsp;from which Spain’s network of roads is measured. This historical and cultural journey will finish up in Retiro Park - one of the most beautiful and relaxing locations in Madrid, where you will be able to take stunning pictures and chill after the tour. 

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Historic Madrid Tour

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Historic Madrid Tour

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