Just back from a Monday to Friday break in Madrid with friends. Have to say we were extremely fortunate weather wise; although a little on the chilly side most days were bright and sunny, perfect for wandering around a major city and general sightseeing. On the first afternoon, initially disappointed with our first impressions of the city, but that soon changed when we dug a little deeper and learned that to see Madrid architecture at its best you had to forget about ground level.
In many, many cases, the notable city centre architecture was to be found beyond the immediate eye line of shop fronts to the levels above, where some very impressive building facades could be found. In addition to meandering around the main and side streets of the city centre, we also ensured we made what must be the obligatory visit to the Prado, where the building interior is almost as impressive as the artwork on display; for me the heavy emphasis on the early masters meant a little too much focus on religious imagery for my own personal taste, but still a fantastic space and a must see when in Madrid. More to my taste was the variety and scope of artistic endeavour on display at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, with the added benefit of a separate Renoir exhibition included in the entry price. As for the museum’s standard exhibits, not too shabby for what is in essence a private collection, stretching from the late 13th century to the 1980s.
We also took advantage of the weather to wander the superb Parque de El Retiro, which in addition to the excellent public outdoor space, also houses the Palacio De Velazquez (and the art installations therein) and the lovely Palacio De Cristal, a very fine glass structure which currently houses a sound installation that means its a haven of silence (no chattering, no mobile phones). We also went to the Royal Botanical Gardens and whilst clearly November is hardly the optimum time for visiting it was still worth the relatively modest admission price; and continuing the art theme, the orangery was housing a temporary art exhibition at the time of our visit.
The Plaza Mayor, and numerous other plazas, all housed some fine buildings, including the old Town Hall (Casa de la Villa de Madrid); and it was somewhat ironic, but not all that surprising, that one of the most impressive buildings on show, one that we assumed on first sight to be a prestigious palace, turned out to be a purpose built government building housing the Ministry of Agriculture. The Palacio Real De Madrid, completed in 1764, is of course a genuine palace and the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, but is now used mainly for state ceremonies. Very impressive, even for those of us a little ambivalent about Royal privilege, somewhat putting Buckingham Palace a little in the shade. Almudena Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral in Madrid is situated next to the Palace and is worth a look inside in its own right, although it’s a fairly modern build, with work starting on the church as late as 1879. The Neo-Gothic interior is uniquely modern, with chapels and statues of contemporary artists, and it wasn’t consecrated until 1993, when it was finally completed.
A very pleasant trip, a good hotel, dry weather and plenty to see or do. I think we all enjoyed it, but I have to say the fact that the atrial fibrillation is still not being managed that well by the medication is starting to piss me off a little bit. Sometimes puts a bit of a dampener on things, but as someone who shall be nameless might say, get over it!