| | Serving as a market place since the 15th century (although it was at that time outside the modest city walls), Plaza Mayor has been the setting for everything from autos de fé (humiliating processions of heretics during the Inquisition) and witch-burning to pro-republican rallies. Today it makes for a pleasant morning stroll or afternoon café at one of the many terraza bars. Pay special... |  |
| Completed in 1764 after the original Alcázar burned down, the Palacio Real today is used only for official ceremonies and empty most of the time (kind of like the Spanish monarchy itself, it could be argued). Many rooms are open to visitors, and if you feel like gazing at royal opulence, you can do so either at your own pace or on a guided tour. |  |
| Madrid's answer to Central Park started life as a monastery, before being converted into a royal playground known as "El Buen Retiro" ("the good retreat"). For the last 250 years, though, its been open to all, and visitors to Madrid are invited to discover this sprawling park, complete with ponds and a crystal palace, and find out what makes it a local favorite. |  |
| At the Hammam—traditional Arabic baths—of Medina Mayrit, the emphasis is on elegance and authenticity—with the former slightly trumping the latter. The bath-house, which consists of three pools of varying temperatures as well as a steam room, is decorated in Arabic tiles following traditional patterns, and built atop a natural underground cistern. Bathtime is an hour-and-a-half, including a 15... |
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