A WALKING TOUR OF MADRID
Madrid is not only a important modern day city, but has been an important world city almost from its founding. As such it contains numerous museums, historical buildings, monuments and parks. By following the links below we have attempted to introduce you to some of these places. To enable you to get a sense of where you are in the city we have on each page included a map of the area. In order to make these maps as clear as possible it may take a few minutes for each page to load. We apologize for any inconvenience.
In addition to various landmarks, we have also attempted to provide a brief history on the naming of a number of streets. Sometimes this will be in conjunction with an historical place that might be located on the street. Otherwise at the end of the text we include a selection of streets and the person who they might be named after. Even if we are incorrect in whom the street is named after at least you will be introduced to a number of interesting people who make up the history of Spain. We do not explain streets that are named after saints or other religious figures unless they have a direct connection to Madrid. Likewise we limit the reference to churches and other religious structures unless there is some direct historical reference or some specific note of local interest.
You may find it easier to first print out the text and then follow along on the map. If this is the case we have provided at the top of each page a link to a page with just text. Print out this text and then return to the map page.
Palacio Real
Contains such well known landmarks as the Palacio Real, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de
la Almudena and the Casa de la Villa.
Plaza Puerta del Sol/Plaza
Mayor
Contains such well known landmarks as the Plaza Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Cortés,
and the Casa de Correos.
Castizo Quarter
Contains such well known landmarks as the Puerta de Toledo, the Rastro and the Museo de
Artes Populares
Paseo del Prado
Contains such well known landmarks as the Museo del Prado, the Plaza Cibeles and Estación
de Atocha
Parque del Buen Retiro
Contains such well known landmarks as the Puerta de Alcalá, Palacio de Velázquez and
Palacio de Cristal.
Salamanca District
Contains such well known landmarks as Plaza de Toros Monumental de Las Ventas, El Museo de
la Moneda and Palacio de los Desportes.
Capital's Lifeline
Contains such well known landmarks as Plaza de Colón, Museo Arqueológico Nacional and
Museo de Ciencias Naturales
Gran Via
Contains such well known landmarks as the Plaza de España, the Palacio de Liria and the
Plaza Dos de Mayo.