Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in Madrid
Madrid's most historic buildings date back to the medieval period; however, the city boasts a handful of beautiful historic buildings from each period stretching from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century.
Over the years Madrid grew larger by adding new neighborhoods, so the city's history can practically be measured in concentric circles from the area of Los Austrias outwards, like the rings of trees.
The city's largest and most beautiful historic building is none other than its stunning Royal Palace (Palacio Real) built in the 1700s. The interiors are lavish and extremely detailed. Though separate from the main building, the Royal Armory should not be overlooked.
Madrid's main square (Plaza Mayor) is grand and stunning. In fact, no trip to Madrid is complete without a stroll through the Plaza Mayor. There you can easily imagine the markets, bullfights, celebrations, and executions that used to take place there.
As the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales was founded by royalty in the 1500s and a number of the nuns throughout its history belonged to the Spanish royalty or nobility, the convent was established and run as a privileged religious retreat, which is patent in the current museum's interiors.
One of Madrid's most emblematic buildings, the Palacio de Comunicaciones is a gorgeous wedding cake- or sand castle-looking palace from 1907. However, the exterior is more attractive than the interior. Built as the city's main post office, the building now also houses the Postal and Telegraphic museum and, since 2007, the Mayor's office.
Over the years Madrid grew larger by adding new neighborhoods, so the city's history can practically be measured in concentric circles from the area of Los Austrias outwards, like the rings of trees.
The city's largest and most beautiful historic building is none other than its stunning Royal Palace (Palacio Real) built in the 1700s. The interiors are lavish and extremely detailed. Though separate from the main building, the Royal Armory should not be overlooked.
Madrid's main square (Plaza Mayor) is grand and stunning. In fact, no trip to Madrid is complete without a stroll through the Plaza Mayor. There you can easily imagine the markets, bullfights, celebrations, and executions that used to take place there.
As the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales was founded by royalty in the 1500s and a number of the nuns throughout its history belonged to the Spanish royalty or nobility, the convent was established and run as a privileged religious retreat, which is patent in the current museum's interiors.
One of Madrid's most emblematic buildings, the Palacio de Comunicaciones is a gorgeous wedding cake- or sand castle-looking palace from 1907. However, the exterior is more attractive than the interior. Built as the city's main post office, the building now also houses the Postal and Telegraphic museum and, since 2007, the Mayor's office.
Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales (Monastery of the Barefoot Royals)
Plaza de las Descalzas Reales s/n
Plaza de las Descalzas Reales s/n
National heritage monument...
Palacio de Comunicaciones / Museo Postal y Telegráfico
Calle de Montalbán
Plaza de Cibeles
Majestic central post office...
Basílica de San Francisco El Grande
Plaza de San Francisco, s/n
Valuable Paintings in a Grand Church...
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