Madrid: a Quick Travel Guide

Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, rises 2,119 feet (646 meters) above sea level and spans an area of 434 miles (698 square kilometers). It's located in the heart of the Castilian plain. The city is known for many things: the center of government, the political hub of the country, the home of the Spanish Parliament, the residence of the Spanish monarchy, and a central place for banking, industry, and business. The industrial sector is located in the south of the city, and is the focal point of metal work, food processing, and textile manufacturing. It's a lively city, with an intense artistic and cultural character and a vibrant night life.

However, what makes the city well worth visiting is it's rich historical traditions, echoes of the once mighty Spanish Empire. Madrid was founded by Emir Mohamed I, an Arabian ruler who lived from 852 to 886. He thought the left bank of the Manzanares river an ideal place for a fort. Later the Arabs and the Christians fought for this strategic military post--until the 11th century, when Alonso VI made his definitive conquest. During the 17th century, a wall was built around the surrounding area to bolster defense. During the 18th century, Carlos III, designed the Paseo las Acacias and Paseo del Prado, the city's arteries. During the 19th century Joseph Bonaparte reformed the Puerta del Sol and the outlying regions. All this rich cultural history makes it a place well worth visiting. There are many buildings, monuments, and artifacts that trace the unfolding history of Spain.

Visitors have a rich choice of quality hotels to stay during their visit to Madrid, places like Hotel Hospes Madrid, Hotel Silken Puerta America, Hotel Vincci Soho, Hotel Vincci Via 66, Hotel De Las Letras, and Hotel Siete Islas, among many others. There are also numerous fascinating attractions: Casa De Campo ,City Centre ,Congress Of Deputies, Museum Reina Sofía, Parque Del Retiro, Paseo De La Castellana, Plaza Colón, Plaza De Cibeles, Plaza De La Villa, Plaza De Oriente Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Puerta De Alcalá, Puerta Del Sol, and Royal Palace.

Transportation to Madrid by air or rail is easy with the Aeropuerto De Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Aeropuerto De Madrid-Torrejón, Atocha Station, Barajas, Chamartin Station.

Moreover, staying in Madrid makes it easy to visit nearby cities of great cultural and historical interest. Aravaca is five miles away, Barajas seven miles away, Alcobendas nine miles away, Chinchón eighteen miles away, and Aranjuez twenty-seven miles away.