What to visit in Madrid

This imposing tree-lined avenue, adorned with fountains and sculptures,is home to no fewer than three world-class art galleries: the Prado,the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. In the 18th century the prado was a meadow, crossed by a stream, but the bucolic surroundings were
deceptive, as the area was acquiring an unsavoury reputation for muggings and amorous encounters.
The solution, devised by Charles IV, was a new boulevard between Plaza de Cibeles
and Plaza de Atocha, lined with handsome buildings devoted to the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Work began in 1775 on a museum
of natural history (now the Prado), the botanical gardens and observatory and medical school (now the Reina Sofía).

Museo del Prado:

One of the world’s finest art
galleries, the Prado includes a
spectacular section of Spanish
paintings within its vast
collection.

Museo ThyssenBornemisza:

What began as a private
collection is now a superb public
museum of some of the best
European art from the past 700
years.

Centro de Arte Reina Sofía:

In contrast to the Prado, this
wonderful art gallery is devoted
to the very best of 20th- and
21st-century art.

Parque del Retiro:

This much-loved city park is
a constant source of pleasure to
madrileños, especially at
weekends and during the hot
summer months. There are open
spaces to enjoy, as well as
wooded areas and formal
gardens.