Touring Timeless Madrid

The beautiful, ancient capital of Spain, Madrid has long been considered the heart of the country. A trip to Madrid means feasting your eyes on beautiful countryside and treating yourself to the warm Mediterranean climate known to Spain. But the true essence of Madrid is found during the local festivals, or Ferias.

The warm, dry summer months are times for celebration in the heart of Spain. The Feria Taurin, which honors the sport of bullfighting, takes place through May and June. The action centers around the bullfighting ring within the city, but a festival atmosphere is evident throughout Madrid during this Feria. Outdoor concerts and dances make every day feel like a celebration during this fun, lavish event.

While the Feria Taurin is being celebrated, the Fiestas de San Isidro honors the patron saint of Madrid, and is one of the city's more popular festivals. During this celebration, participants dress in traditional costume and make a pilgrimage to the saint's meadow. Once here, you are to drink water from the fountain as part of the festival. This ancient celebration is an occasion to eat sweet treats and buy trinkets from street vendors.

While Spain, and Madrid in particular, prides itself on having eclectic cuisine, there are some traditional dishes you will want to try while touring timeless Madrid. Cocido Madrileno is a popular local dish, a stew filled with cabbage, chick peas, carrots, potatoes, turnips, celery, chicken, pork, and beef - that's enough to fill up any hungry traveler. You'll also want to try a Tortilla de patatas (potato omlette) a Spanish specialty, Sopa de Ajo (a delicious garlic soup), and Caracoles (snails, a delicacy in Spain).

There is more to Madrid than dancing, festivals, and food (though, really, what more do you need?). If sightseeing is on the agenda, stop by the luxurious Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid), former home to the King of Spain. This grand palace, the largest in all of Western Europe, is still used for special state occasions and events.

This beautiful palace, open to the public, is filled with priceless works of art and a weapons collection dating back to the thirteenth century. Many historical items are on display here for public viewing. Once you're at the Royal Palace, take a look at the beautiful Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), the restored opera house dating back to 1850.

Outside the palace, take a stroll in the Jardines de Sabatini (Sabantini Gardens) or the delightful Campo del Moro garden. Nearby, visitors to Spain will find the Prado, one of the world's finest art museums. Here you'll be able to view countless works of priceless art.

Madrid, the heart of Spain, has something for everyone. A little of the exotic, a little excitement, a whole lot of beauty - it all adds up to one great vacation. If you're looking for a Mediterranean escape, consider touring timeless Madrid. There's no other city in the world quite like this one.