MADRID 2003

Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid is located in the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula on a plateau 655m (2120-ft) above sea level. Because of its location, the climate of Madrid is hot in the summers and freezing cold in the winter.

With a population of three million, Madrid never rests. Much of the city's appeal comes from its vivacious people and the electricity they generate, whether at play or at work. Elegant avenues, lively residential neighborhoods, and stately gardens give the city a special vitality. The architecture reflects the rich history of the capital, from its beginning as a medieval settlement to its current status as a major financial and commercial center.

The Puerta del Sol, a bustling junction of several main streets and transit lines, is the center of activity for Madrid. Shops, cafés, and restaurants surround this bustling urban area. To the west of the Puerta del Sol lies the Plaza Mayor, one of the largest public squares in Europe. Built in the seventeenth century, this arcaded square houses numerous cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants. It is a popular meeting-place for Madrileños and tourists.

East of the Puerta del Sol, the crowded streets give way to boulevards, tree-lined walkways, and ornate gardens. As you walk eastward on the Carrera de San Jerónimo, the granite building guarded by bronze lions is the Palacio del Congreso de los Diputados, Spain’s parliament.

FUENTE DE NEPTUNO

T	THINGS TO SEE

Museums

Museo del Prado houses works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Centro de Arte Reina Sofía focuses on Dalí, Miró, and Picasso.
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza encompasses the history of Western art.
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Exploring the city

Gran Vía: near Puerta del Sol, with superb buildings and elegant shops.
Fuente de la Cibeles: the rallying point for fans of the Real Madrid.
Plaza de Santa Ana: quaint cafés and tapas restaurants.
Plaza Mayor: historic square full of energy.
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