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Madrid city
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►Accommodation
►Map |
More information on the Net:
►Turespaña:
Madrid
►esMadrid.com
►BBC:
Climate Madrid
►Museo
Nacional de Prado
►Museo
Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
►Museo
Thyssen-Bornemisza
►Palacio
Real de Madrid
►Teatro
Real
►Real
Casa de La Moneda
►Museo
de Cera
►Museo
Cerralbo
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Madrid is one of Europe's biggest cities. The location, far away from the
ocean, was before a drawback. Today Madrid is expanding at a high speed. Such
a huge metropolis do of course have much to offer a tourist. Shopping,
museums and historical monuments aren't difficult to find. But compared to
other European capitals/huge cities, Madrid isn't among the most
interesting. If you are just going for a weekend trip, Madrid isn't among
the top 10 in Europe. The location away from the ocean and no big river
are no plus for a city. Madrid do also lack a "soul". If Madrid had been
located in Northern America, it would have been a city to really recommend.
But in Europe, the competition is extremely hard which city is the most
interesting to visit. But do included a couple of days in Madrid when visiting
Spain. The Prado museum and the nightlife are the most interesting aspects
of the Spanish capital.
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3Excursions |
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*Rascafria:
Monasterio de Santa María de El Paular
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This monastery is located 100 km north of Madrid (50 km outside
Segovia) at the town of Rascafria. Is is also possible to stay here over
night. When driving to/from Segovia, a stop at this monastery
can be a wise decision.
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3Excursions |
| *Manzanares
El Real |
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When driving north west of Madrid (half way between Madrid and
Segovia), please visit this 1500 century castle. If you visit San
Lorenzo de El Escorial, a stop at Manzanares el Real isn't a big
detour. |
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3Excursions |
| *Palazio
de El Pardo |
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Foreign VIP visitors like presidents and Prime Ministers, do often
stay at this castle when visiting Spain. If you are lucky and no VIP
is visiting at the same time as you, a round trip inside is
possible. |
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Aranjuez
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►Accommodation
►Map |
More information on the Net:
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Videos of Aranjuez:
Video 1
Video 2
►Turespaña:
Aranjuez
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The castle of Aranjuez is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list. You can
visit Aranjuez by train from Madrid (30-40 min). If you stay in Toledo,
Aranjuez isn't far away either. Please have a look at the castle's
magnificent gardens as well.
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Buitrago del Lozoya
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►Accommodation
►Map |
More information on the Net:
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Buitrago del Lozoya
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The location of Buitrago del
Lozoya (1 800 inhabitants) is a bit peculiar with the river Lozoya on both
sides. The town was founded by the Romans and the Mores built
fortifications. The remains of this fortifications can be admired even
today. It is possible to get accommodation just beside the city wall. (See
"Accommodation" to the left.
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Chinchón
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►Accommodation
►Map |
More information on the Net:
►Ayuntamiento
de Chinchón
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Turespaña:
Chinchón
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Chinchón (4 000 inhabitants) has no big castle like Aranjuez, but the wooded balconies of Chinchón are well known. Plaza Mayor is the biggest
sight. The town do have several good accommodation alternatives. (One of
them is a Parador. Please see "Accommodation" to the left).
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San Lorenzo de El Escorial
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►Accommodation
►Map |
More information on the Net:
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Turespaña:
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
►Web
de Turismo de San Lorenzo de El Escorial |
About 50 km outside Madrid
we'll find the huge castle at San Lorenzo de El Escorial. King Philip 2
erected the castle late in the 16th century. The exterior isn't any
exciting, but inside we can visit the Royal Library, the Royal Burial
Chamber, an Art Museum and much more. The town do have two good
accommodation alternatives.
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3Excursions |
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*Valle
de Los Caídos
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After the Civil War in the 1930's, General Franco built this
monument to honour those of his "soldiers" who died during the war.
Several of the defeated republicans (prisoners) did have to work
on the monument. After Franco's death there has been a discussion
what to do with the monument. Today it is a monument to honour ALL
them who died during the civil war. |
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