Madrid

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Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in the world andopen to visitors. It is also referred as the Palacio
is also rich in arts and culture. It is located in thede Oriente (Palace of the East) or the Palace
heart of the Iberian Peninsula at a height of 646Nacional (National Palace). The Royal Family of
meters above sea level. It is a cosmopolitan city,Spain does not live in this palace but it is still used
a business center, the seat of the government asfor ceremonies and functions involving the state
well as the home of the Spanish Royal Family.and the royal family.
It also contributes majorly to the banking andPuerta de Alcala or the Alcala Gate is located at a
industrial sectors. Apart from this it ishuge intersection and is only visible from far as it
characterized by a strong cultural and artisticis surrounded by a large amount of traffic. The
activity and a very scintillating nightlife.gate is deemed as a national monument and is an
The Metropolis can trace its origin to the timesexcellent example of neo-classical architecture and
when Arab Emir Mohammed (852-886) orderedwas custom made for Carlos III. This monument
the construction of a fortress on the left bank ofis designed by Francisco Sabatini and was
the river Manzanares. Subsequently it became aaccepted in 1778. It was intended to be the
bone of contention between the Arabs and theprimary entrance to the Court and comprises of
Christians until it was conquered by Alfonso VI infive granite and stone archways, three main
the 11th century. Even before that, there was aarches bordered by two smaller ones. The top of
strong influence of the Roman Empire on the citythe gate is adorned by cherubim, trophies and
and its architecture.coat of arms which have been designed by
Over the centuries, there were reforms in theFrancisco Gutierrez.
architectural styles and the polity resulting in thePlaza Mayor is a grand arcaded square in the
changing face of the city. The city is a fine blendcenter of the city which was built by Philip III
of the modern combined with the traditional wayfrom between 1617-19. It is in the shape of a
of living. Visitors to the city can really experiencerectangular square and features a uniform
the feel of the opulence and grandeur of the erasarchitecture which has a distinct similarity with the
that have passed by and can enjoy the differentPlace des Vosges in Paris which was also built at
styles of architecture which give the city a uniquearound the same time. The buildings are mainly
look.styled on the Renaissance theme. The square
Some of the most visited places of touristproved to be a hub for theater performances
attractions in the city could be as follows:and bull fights in the olden times.
The Royal Palace or Palacio Real is one of theThe most prominent building on the Plaza Mayor is
most impressive buildings in the city as well as inthe Casa de la Panderia which is the seat of the
the entire Europe. It was completed in thepowerful baker’s guild. It was completed in
mid-eighteenth century and has more than 20001590 even before the square was laid out.