PLACES OF INTEREST
Nearby places of interest
Palacio Real (Royal Place)
Once the official residence of the Spanish monarchs, today it is a place of tourist interest that also plays host to occasional acts of state such as diplomatic meetings and official events. The origins of the palace date back to the 9th century and the legacy of artists the likes of Giaquinto, Tiepolo, Mengs, Bayeu and Maella is preserved in its spectacular interior.
Plaza Mayor
Designed by a series of architects that includes Juan de Herrera and Juan Gómez de Mora, the square has hosted all kinds of events throughout its history, having served as a market, bullring and site of auto-da-fé, execution and beatification, etc. Today it is an important tourist centre that is home to numerous restaurants and pavement cafés. Its Christmas market is a popular seasonal attraction in Madrid.
Teatro Real
Located on the Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, the Teatro Real is considered one of the most important theatres and opera houses in Europe. Inaugurated on the 19th of November, 1850, it’s construction is influenced by two architectural styles: neoclassicism and eclecticism.
El Rastro
This large open-air market for new and second-hand goods is held every Sunday and public holiday from 9 am to 3 pm in the Embajadores neighbourhood, with nearly close to 3500 stalls selling everything from books to records, antiques, furniture, radios, stamps, etc.
La Latina
This is one of Madrid’s most traditional ‘barrios’, and a local favourite for tapas, thanks to the abundance of restaurants, bars and taverns concentrated around Calle Cava Baja, Calle Cava Alta, Plaza Cebada and Plaza de la Paja. La Latina is also the venue for the festival of the Virgen de la Paloma, which is celebrated every 15th of August with a traditional street party.
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is probably best known for the Casa de Correos tower clock, which is responsible for striking the chimes at midnight on New Year’s Eve to usher in the New Year. It is also home to the statue of the bear and the arbutus (Strawberry Tree), which represents the coat of arms of Madrid. Since 1950 it has also been known as Kilometre Zero of the Spanish radial motorway system.