Spain, Day Three

We have already seen most of Madrid, however simply looking at buildings isn't the same as understanding their historical importance. Of course, you can always Google all these facts, but in my opinion that is a very boring approach.

Therefore, we went on a free walking tour of Madrid. Now, this tour is not exactly free, more like "pay if you like, as much as you like" kind of tour. We booked our free tour online and went to the meeting place, at the Puerta del Sol square, at the Bear and Tree statue. Unfortunately, like I explained in a previous post, this statue is surrounded by tourists and almost impossible to approach. What is more, it seemed like all the tourist guides decided that their meeting point should be at that square. Therefore, after couple minutes of trying to find our guide, we gave up and just joined the one we liked best.

The free tour lasted about two hours and during this time I saw and heard some very interesting things about Madrid. For example, the Cathedral of Madrid, called Almudena, which is located next to the Royal Palace was originally a mosque.

We also visited the oldest restaurant in the world where even Ernest Hemingway ate and wrote. Inside, you have a feeling as if you are in a cave or a very old tunnel.

Most tourist think that the spot below marks the middle of Madrid, but, in fact, this is a point from which all roads in Madrid begin. This is how houses in Madrid got their numbers, first house being the nearest to this marker.

We also saw the oldest farmacy in Madrid called Reina Madre, then the El Templo de Debot which is an Egyptian temple brought stone by stone to Madrid, a flamenco stage and many other interesting things. The end of the tour was at one little cafe bar where our tour guide suggested we try the famous Spanish alcohol shot made from a fruit called Madrono. The interesting thing about this liqueur is that it is served in a chocolate cup. I would definatelly reccommend this tour to anyone first visiting Madrid.

Even if you are not a big football fan like me, when in Madrid you must visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Guided tour of the stadium is available, however when we happened to be there, there was a Real Madrid vs Espanyol match in progress. Because, we arrived there near the end of the game, we were able to see the players leaving... well, just glimpses in their cars, but still.

The next thing I would recommend in Madrid is visiting Reina Sofia museum for the amazing art that it holds. What is more, the entrance is free at certain hours in the evening.

This concludes my story in Madrid and a new adventure awaits in Granada.