Travel in Madrid

One factor that makes Madrid so enchanting is its gorgeous, intricately designed buildings and monuments. With so much classic architecture to see, Madrid could almost be called an architect’s paradise.The Plaza Mayor, for example, has been the heart of Madrid for centuries. There are multiple archways supporting the interchanging terracotta and art-covered buildings. And if the artwork wasn’t enough by itself, atop these beautiful decorated buildings rest large, cross adorned steeples. The finished Plaza emerged in 1619, and underwent a refurbishment in 1790. Thus several architects are responsible for the finished space. The center holds a statue of Philip III riding a horse, and has been used for bullfights and executions, particularly during the Spanish Inquisition.However the Debod Temple, originally from Egypt, was placed in La Montana Park in 1968 after an 8 year moving process. The ancient building (2^nd century BC) was an Egyptian gift that keeps true to its Egyptian roots. Fronted by two stone archways, the temple’s entrance is adorned with four pillars topped with intricate capitals. Unless you visit Egypt, such an architectural wonder is rare, with Madrid being one of the only places to hold an Egyptian building.Madrid is also home to the El Pardo Royal Palace which was completed while Philip II was king. While it is a royal palace, you might notice the ways this Baroque building imitates a castle. Its current location was once the remains of a 15^th century castle, and when the palace was constructed, the architects incorporated the structure of the ruins. General admission costs 4 while children, students, retired and disabled persons are only 1,70.Architect lovers must also visit the Toledo Bridge. This 18^th century bridge is an architectural masterpiece. Its key features are the perfect granite ashlar arches, and the two beautiful alcoves made to honor Madrid’s patron saints.