Madrid

Madrid , a city located south of the mountain range of Sierra de Gvadarama, in the middle of the Castilian plateau, on the river Manasanares, founded by the Moors in the IX. The capital of Spain since 1561. Prior to the decree of King Philip II - a small town, where the chamber pot poured directly onto the street. Today, Madrid is one of the most visited cities in the world. 3 million inhabitants and is the green capital of the world. Winter is like our golden autumn and is considered a very good tourist season. Brief History of the City According to ancient legend, Madrid was founded by ancient heroes Okniem, son Tiberina (the god of the river Tiber) and the prophetess Manto. On the bank of the River Manzanares was founded Fortress Mantua Karpetanskaya. There is a version that the name derives from the Celtic Madrid Mager - "big bridge" (after the Arab conquest of Spain in a distorted Madzhirit). The city grew around the fortress Madzhirit, the first mention of which belongs to the 932 was built fortress "alkasba", separated from residential neighborhoods - the Medina. During the Reconquista, Madrid in 1083 was conquered by King Alfonso IV. Development of the city until 1561 (when King Philip II made it the capital of the kingdom) is largely dependent on the relationship of Arabs and Spaniards, then at war, then lived in the world. Outlines similar to the modern city acquired in the period from 1570's through the 1670-s, during the most intensive development. By the end of the XVI century in Madrid, has already lived 50 thousand people, and during the reign of King Charles V of Hapsburg - twice. When King Philip IV was built the fourth city wall. At the beginning of XVIII century the Spanish crown passed to the Bourbons. When Philip V began construction of a new royal palace (Palacio Real) instead of burned in 1734 the old palace Alcazar (known for its maze). When King Charles III of Madrid became a true European capital. The invited architects like Sabatini, Marquet, Ventura Rodriguez, Juan de Villanueva and others were carried out improvement works - paved and illuminated streets, upgraded water. The city acquired a neoclassical look. However, the growth of the city stopped. In 1808 the city was captured by the French (Napoleon's invasion). 2 nd May 1808 after the overthrow of the French King Ferdinand VII and the proclamation of King Joseph Bonaparte, in a rebellion broke out, brutally suppressed by the occupiers. This episode (the shooting of the rebels) is reflected in one of the most famous paintings of Goya. Two years later, the war of liberation broke out, passed on to the Spanish revolution of 1808-1814, the later development of Madrid's many concerns, King Ferdinand VII and Queen Isabella II. When Queen Isabella came the rapid growth of the city, in connection with what had been demolished almost all the city gates. Them survive only Toledo Gate (detail), and Alcala Gate. A major restructuring of the city occurred in the late XIX - early XX century. In place of old were laid new, wide streets and boulevards, built many buildings in the Art Nouveau style (Art Nouveau). In 1936, during the civil war started in defense of the city Republicans from nationalists (Phalange), under the command of Francisco Franco. In March 1939, the garrison capitulated. Been damaged many historic buildings, the economy had experienced many difficulties. However, initiated several major architectural projects - a triumphal arch, the headquarters of the Air Force in the area of Moncloa and some others. In the 1950's started to establish communications with the United States. Began recovery and development of tourism. After the death of Franco in 1975 and the third restoration of the Bourbons on the throne ruling currently King Juan Carlos I. In Madrid, begins a movement known as the "movida" - the rapid growth of subcultures and the emergence of new actors and movie theater. In the 90 years of XX century have opened two new art museums - the Museum Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. March 11, 2004 in Madrid, there was a devastating terrorist attack (simultaneous explosion at several stations), which is accused of Al-Qaeda. Events on March 11 are considered to be the European counterpart terrorist attack in New York on September 11. In memory of the victims in the city center has been erected a memorial forest of the dead. Features Madrid 1. Madrid can be divided into three regions: the center - the core of an ancient city, with narrow and chaotic streets and crossing a large number of houses. As the distance from the center appear straight streets, intersecting at right angles to each other, and, finally, you can see the quarters bearing pronounced urban traditions of our time. 2. Statue of "The Bear and the strawberry tree" ( "El Oso y el Madrotso"), made of bronze and stone, was installed on the square Puerta del Sol in 1967. Initially, she stood a few meters closer to the center square. The combination of bear and strawberry tree is a component of old (but not only!) Part of the emblem of Madrid. Why and for what the bear with a tree included in the coat of arms, no one really knows. There are several equally versions: - The Spaniard Guillermo de la Puerta, in his essay on Madrid, says: "At the corner of the square is the symbol of Madrid - the bear, trying to get the fruit from the strawberry tree [on the ground in Madrid in the past been grove strawberry tree (genus of evergreen trees, fruits like strawberries , edible), where there were many bears]. Version of course interesting, but unlikely. It is doubtful that the fact that growth groves so impressed the witnesses that the legend of this came to our days. - A more plausible version looks like, according to which the bear and the strawberry tree, widespread in the mountains of Madrid in the XII - XIII centuries, when, and emerged emblem, symbolizing a kind of agreement between civil and ecclesiastical authorities on the use of hunting grounds. - There are enough exotic versions. In one of them, for example, "bush" "hugs" not a bear, but ... bear. As the arguments in favor of this release cites two ancient documents mention the name of a female, lakomyaschuyusya fruits of the tree. Based on this bold theory, someone goes even further. In addition to bear an ambiguous sex in Madrid emblem also includes the seven stars. Taking as an axiom that we are talking about Bear, why not assume that this is not a simple bear with the surrounding mountains, and on ... Big Bear! After all, the seven stars forming a constellation, as clearly seen from Madrid. And, as always, not without the nihilists and skeptics who claim that everything around the box. They claim that the statue and the symbol of Madrid called wrong in principle, because "Madrono" - the name of the fruit of the strawberry tree and the tree itself is called "madronero" (by analogy with "apple - apple"). As a curiosity can lead story about the fact that it is quite specific about the bear struck eyewitnesses of his acumen. Bears have reportedly had conjunctivitis, and it is to scratch his watery eyes, to accommodate use strawberry leaves of trees growing in the area. One way or another, but the "teddy bear under a bush" is known throughout the world, and one of the most popular names of Madrid has long been a "city of the bear and the strawberry tree." Attractions Madrid Madrid is situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, in the heart of the Castilian plateau at an altitude of 646 meters above sea level. The city was founded during the reign of Emir Mohamed I (856 - 886 gg.), Who ordered to build a fortress on the left bank of the River Manzanares. For a long time Christian and Muslim countries fought for the ownership of this fortress, which was reflected on the unique shape of the capital. The historical legacy of Madrid is huge. By tradition, the city center area is the Puerta del Sol, with three statues and the old Post House (1768), topped the clock with four dials, under the bell which the residents of Madrid celebrate the Lunar New Year. The area is decorated with the symbol of the city - the bear and arbutus. District Absburgov allocated narrow and chaotic streets and crossing a large number of houses and land in the XVII. Framed colonnades of the central square of the Plaza Mayor, served in the Middle Ages as a market square, the place of bullfighting and the burning at the stake. Today, the most notable buildings in Plaza Mayor is the house baker, whose facade is decorated with frescoes, and the house of the butcher, where currently there are municipal services. In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Philip III. The eastern side of the Plaza Mayor is the Plaza de la PROVINCIEN, where the palace of Santa Cruz, in which the Spanish Foreign Ministry. Nearby is the picturesque area of Villa with a beautiful city hall (1640), which met Consistory and was a prison of La Villa. In the nearby medieval streets "scattered" dozens of monasteries and palaces - Basilica of San Miguel in the Baroque style (XVIII cent.), The palace Casa de Cisneros (XVI cent.), The palace and tower Luhanes (XV cent.) Moorish-style ( "Mudejar"), the Monastery Carboneras (1607), the Church of San Pedro el Viejo (XV cent.) With the tower in the style of "Mudejar" XIV century, the minaret erected above the previously mosque. On the square is Flanks Chapel Bishop - the only temple in Madrid in the Gothic style, the altar and the silver doors of which are of great artistic value. Nearby is the area of Los Carros with the chapel of San Isidro in the Baroque style and the area of San Andres, where the baroque church of San Andres. In the area of Marina Espanola located palace Senate (the end of XVI century.), The Palace de Grimaldi (1776) and the monastery Reparadoras (1782), and the same name space - convent Deskalsas-Reales (XVI cent.) With a wonderful collection works of art. Puerta de Toledo (Toledo Gate) located in one of the oldest quarters of Madrid - La Latina. This area should be visited to see the Basilica of St. Francis of the Grand with an interesting collection of paintings by famous artists, Chapel of Cristo de la Venerable, a small park Vistilyas, a panoramic view west of the city with the country manor on the horizon, above the street Viaduct Segovia Palace of the Dukes de Uceda (1611), which now houses the main Captain and the State Council. Royal (East) Palace - a remarkable example of the palace arhitektuy XVIII century, surrounded by a park with gardens and Moorish Sabatini field, now it is partially open to the public. Here, in the apartments of the King of Spain the middle of XVIII century, on display furniture, finishes, carpets, sculptures and other works of art. Nearby is the Cathedral of Almudena, and in the complex of the palace - the Royal Arsenal, Royal Museum of Pharmacy and coaches. Bridge of Segovia - the oldest of the bridges (the end of XVI century.) Crossed the River. Manzanares and he can see the beautiful panorama of the Royal Palace and its surrounding gardens. In the area of Spain are two buildings of 50 years of XX century - the House of Spain and the Tower of Madrid, as well as a monument of national significance - the church of San Marcos (1753) in the Baroque style. Nearby is the Museum Cerralbo immersed in the green palace of the XIX century, has interesting collection of art, as well as the Liria Palace, is the residence of the Duchess of Alba, and Alba House Foundation receptacle with a collection of works by great masters. Behind the palace is located Barracks Conde Duque in the Baroque style, built in 1720, which houses municipal services, as well as exhibition halls and municipal library. Summer in the courtyard hosts concerts and evening performances. goddess Cibeles Fountain , the symbol of the Spanish capital, is located on the square of the same name and surrounded by the most famous monuments of Madrid. Here are the Palace of Communications (1905), Maritime Museum, which stores the interesting documents and models of ships of Spanish Navy, and the Puerta de Alcala on Independence Square. Nearby are the Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of the Army and the Royal Academy of Language. In addition, the city can find a lot of different samples of different artistic styles of the XIX and XX centuries. As well as a large number of parks and gardens. Especially good Retiro park, built in the XVII century. a recreation area for the royals. The park covers an area of 150 hectares, which grow more than 15 thousand trees, smashed a wide variety of gardens and built many monuments, notably the Palace of Velazquez and Glass Palace - a huge greenhouse of glass and steel. Botanical Garden was established in the XVII century. by royal decree and is famous for its bars, carved doors and antique orangery in the neoclassical style. The country estate of Casa de Campo is spread over an area of 1,722 hectares on the right bank of the River Manzanares. Here are Zoo and Amusement Park, there is a rowing canal, and other sports facilities - swimming pools and tennis courts. A large number of museums and art galleries make Madrid one of the centers of world culture. Today in Madrid, more than 140 galleries, mostly located near the street Barkilo, in the Salamanca district, as well as around the Arts Center named after Queen Sofia. Among them stands the Prado (1785) - one of the best museums in the world in the building of the XVIII century., Where a collection of the greatest masterpieces of painting until the XIX century. And his Branch - Casona del Buen Retiro with a collection of Spanish painting and sculpture of XIX century. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in the palace Vilyaermosa famous collection of works of different styles - from the Flemish primitives to avant-garde. In the Archaeological Museum in practically all cultures of Spain from ancient times until today, a valuable collection of objects from excavations carried out throughout Spain, as well as a collection of coins and pottery of all ages. National Museum ( " Arts Center named after Queen Sofia strong>") is famous for its collection of old Spanish Museum of Contemporary Art and the collection of modern paintings, it displays "Guernica" by Picasso. Cerralbo Museum offers a collection of private collections in the country - archeological finds, porcelain, carpets and fabrics of different ages. Royal Tapestry Factory is still working, you can see how the old looms weave tapestries and carpets, tapestries Museum opened XVIII - XIX centuries. For lovers of night life of Madrid - a paradise in every season. Around the area of Santa Barbara, in the squares of Bilbao and Alonso Martinez concentrated a large number of popular cafes, eateries, bars and bistros. In the streets of Huertas and Malasanya, between the areas of Bilbao and San Bernardo, an area of Santa Ana and the streets around the square on May 2 are concentrated numerous cafes and bars with musical programs and inexpensive restaurants. In neighborhoods Arguelles and Moncloa are inexpensive bars, mostly popular with students and youth. Castellana Boulevard, Rekoletos and Prado - Areas of expensive restaurants, trendy cafes and bars. In the vicinity of Madrid are important historical and cultural centers in Spain. San Lorenzo de El Escorial, located in the Guadarrama Mountains, 50 km. from Madrid, is famous for its magnificent palace-monastery Zarzuela, residence of Spanish kings. Church, monastery and palace courtyards are connected by multiple, passages and rooms, forming indescribably picturesque structure. Along the side walls of the basilica are 43 altars with paintings, while the basilica itself is covered with a dome 92 m high with rospisnymi vaults. Here are a library with more than 40 thousand volumes and manuscripts, museum and art museum of architecture. Outside the palace is interesting to visit the little palaces - House of Prince and the Infanta house.