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| Currency Euro | Population 5 million | Language Spanish | Time Zone (GMT+01) Western Europe / Paris |
| Madrid is an anomaly. A capital before it was a city, a center of trade without a navegable river, a hodgepodge of architectural styles, Madrid’s fortunes have risen and fallen as often as she has changed masters, which, given the tumultuous history of Spain, is quite often. In the 20th century alone, Madrid was home to two kings, two dictators, and two democracies, and the site of devastating civil war. Through it all however, Madrid has remained la ciudad capital, the geographical and political center of Spain. Madrid today is one of the world’s most important cultural capitals, with special attention paid to the fine arts: Madrid’s “big three” art museums—the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen—would each ensure international bragging rights individually, and taken together—not to mention being bolstered by the countless other art collections spread throughout the many other museums, galleries, convents, monasteries, and churches of the city—they make the madrileños justifiably quite proud.
And though the city has calmed down somewhat since the post-dictatorship high of La Movida of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Madrid is still recognized as one of the best cities in Spain (and thus in Europe) for a night out on the town—which will usually carry over to an early morning out on the town.
Whatever its roots as a backwater capital, Madrid has most definitely come into its own as a true international city, one well-worth a visit.
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 |  Map and Photos for Madrid |  |
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niane submitted a review on 2007-10-01 20:03... Thanks for sharing the info about the place. I haven't been in Madrid but know some details about the place. Madrid is such amazing, the beauty of the place, the history, the architech, the craft etc is really impressive! | |
niane submitted a review on 2007-10-11 20:04... Madrid , the capital of Spain , is one of the most breathtaking cities in Europe . With its intense cultural activities and artistic vitality, it is a favorite among tourists and loved by its own community. | |
niane submitted a review on 2008-04-03 22:07... A Madrid hotel accommodation may be located in the heart of Madrid where you can find all the major attractions in the city. It is not only easy to get to these places but also convenient for you. | |
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