Madrid is one of the major tourist cities of Spain. It is known for its vibrating beauty of parks, restaurants, and lavish hotels. Here there is no short of attractions for the tourists. If you are looking to make a trip at this city, then here are the top 10 most famous tourist attractions of Madrid.
10. Cervantes Death House
The Cervantes Death House is a place where the famous writer of Spain, Miguel de Cervantes, had died. It is situated on Calle Cervantes, off Calle Leon, close to the Calle Huertas. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was an outstanding novelist, poet, and writer of Spain. He was born on 29 September 1547, and died on 22 April, 1616. His magnum opus, Don Quixote, is regarded as the very first modern novel of Europe. He was an expert of classic and western literature, and is known to have produced the finest works of fiction and literature in the history. He is a highly influencing writer. Some of his works like la lengua de Cervantes (the language of Cervantes), and El Príncipe de los Ingenios (The Prince of Wits) were translated to other languages as well. He was died in Madrid, and the reason of his death is said to be Diabetes 2, and cirrhosis of the liver. The Cervantes Death House is the place where this great poet/writer had lost his life. Here many of his life’s works and things have been kept as a reminder.
9. Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes
The Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes is a marvelous piece of the architect, Pedro Sánchez. It was constructed in 1624 as a compliment to the Hospital de Portugueses, hich was a creation of Felipe III. When the Portugal got independence, the church’s name was changed to San Antonio de los Alemanes. Internally, it has a big, appealing rood with fresco paintings that are depicting the theme of life of San Antonio of Padua. The Portuguese sculptor Manuel Pereira had played vital role in the decoration of the church. The Italian painters were called for making it more beautiful, such as Vicente Carducho and Eugenio Cajés. Every month, hundreds of tourists come to view the beauty of this church. It was originally built between 1624 and 1631, and is not less than a Baroque jewel. Initially, the church used to serve the Portuguese community, which was a part of Spain in those days. By 1989, the church was highly visited by German worshippers. The Madrid Baroque facade is the work of Juan Gómez de Mora. In 1886, the church was renovated in a more neo-gothic style.
8. Church of San Gines
Located at number 13 on Calle Arenal, just round the corner from the Puerta del Sol, the Iglesia Parroquial de San Ginés de Arlés is one of the oldest churches of Madrid. It is also known as Church of San Gines, and is said to have built in 13th century. However, it underwent a reconstruction in 1645. One of its popular baptisms is that of Lope de la Vega. It is said that the poet Francisco de Quevedo did the marriage in this particular church. It has kept in display a stuffed crocodile, which was brought from America during the reign of the Catholic Kings, Fernando and Isabel. The temple has been presenting a dedication to St. Genesius of Arles. He was a patron saint of notaries and secretaries in 303 AD. At that time, he was forced to act against Christians, and then was captured. The church has various wonderful paintings by Alonso Cano and El Greco. El Greco's "The Purification" is considered to be his masterpiece, but this painting isn’t shown to the public on Monday at 12.30. El Greco was born in Crete in 1541. He acquired his nickname "The Greek" due to the area he was located in. Alonso Cano had painted the altarpiece of this church, and has depicted himself as a wonderful sculptor and architect.
7. Church of San Jeronimo
San Jerónimo el Real (also known as St. Jerome Royal Church) is a famous Roman Catholic church. It was constructed in the early 16th century, and is situated in Madrid, Spain. It is true that the church has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, but its original beauty is still maintained. Here the structure of Hieronymite monastery is kept beside the royal palace of Buen Retiro. One of its portions is serving as the Prado museum. Its proximity has connected to the royalty, and is serving for over one century. The church used to be a place of investiture of the Prince of Asturias. Not only this but also a Mass for celebrating the investiture of King Juan Carlos I was held here. For various centuries, the church served as a de facto cathedral, but it had association with the patron saint of Madrid, St. The church has sculptures by Benlliure, Juan Pascual de Mena’s 18th-century Cristo de la Buena Muerte, and paintings by Vincenzo Carducci and José Méndez. The church also has various remains of the monastery of San Jerónimo el Real. It was originally built in a Isabelline Gothic style.
6. Church of San Jose
The Church of San Jose, also known as San José Church (Iglesia de San José), is situated in Old San Juan within the historic colonial section of the capital of Puerto Rico. It is one of the best churches of the city, and has works of finest architects. It was an early surviving example of 16th century’s Spanish Gothic architecture of the Western hemisphere. During 2013, the church was added to The National Trust for Historic Preservation's list. It was originally built from 1532 to 1735 by the Dominican Order as one of the parts of the Saint Aquinas monastery. It was renamed by the Jesuits who had taken over the monastery in 1865. Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico, has been buried in the crypt of this church since 1559. Not only this but also his remains have been transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. In 1972, the 15th century painting Our Lady of Bethlehem was stolen from this church. During 2002, a restoration project was undertaken to rediscover some great paintings to be kept in this church. In 2004, the church was listed on the 2004 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund.
5. Church of San Manuel and San Benito
The Church of San Manuel and San Benito is situated in Madrid, Spain. It is a catholic church, and the design was presented by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti in early 20th century. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1982. The church is situated close to the El Retiro Park, and the Barrio Salamanca. It is Neo-Byzantine and was completed in 1910 and restored in 1975 by the architect Jose Antonio Arenillas. The church contains beautiful plan of the Greek cross. One of its best impressions is the style is Byzantine. The church also has various Neo-Gothic influences. It has a big dome crowned by a pavilion and a tower with three sections. The Four Evangelists have been displayed on the dome. The outside of the church shows off the towers, creating a marvelous scene for the visitors. It also has nine Gothic stained glass windows, and there are Byzantine mosaics which show the figure of Christ towering over twelve saints. The façade of this church is standing out, erected in the style of Italian campaniles.
4. Church of San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende is a city and municipality. It is situated in the east of Marid, and is about 274 km (170 mi) from the center of the city. This is a Roman Catholic church, and was constructed by Ramiro I and his wife Paterna in 8th century. This is regarded as one of the oldest churches in the world. It has been dedicated to St. Mary, but in 12th century, it was dedicated to Saint Michael. Now this church has become one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1985. The church originally had a basilica ground plan, three aisles with a barrel vault. These days, it is serving the western half from ancient times, along with some elements in other parts of the church such as the fantastic jamb in the lattice on the window of its southern wall.
3. Church of Santa Barbara
The Church of Santa Barbara is locally known as Church of the Monastery. This church has been dedicated to St Barbara. It was constructed in 1757 for the Convent of the Salesas Reales. The convent of the church was constructed in 1748 by the Queen Bárbara de Braganza. She is the wife of Ferdinand VI of Spain. The church is standing close to the convent. Its design was presented by Francisco Carlier. He had collaborated with Francisco Moradillo while designing the church’s outlook. In 1870, the monastery was closed, and was used by the government as the Palace of Justice. During 1891, the church was opened for the worshippers. The external of the church has various statues, such as the St. Francis de Sales and St Jeanne de Chantal, as well as the sculpture of Alfonso Giraldo Vergaz. In the internal area of the church, there are tombs of Ferdinand VI and his wife. These had been commissioned by Charles III of Spain and were constructed by the architect Francisco Sabatini, and the sculptor Francisco Gutiérrez. Additionally, it has the tomb of Leopoldo O´Donnell.
2. Colegio de San Ildefonso Main Front (Alcalá de Henares)
Alcalá de Henares, also known as Colegio de San Ildefonso Main Front is a beautiful city of Spain. It has been a site recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The city is standing proudly with its rich archaeology. It is regarded as one of the initial bishoprics of Spain. The approximate population of this city is 210,000. Its local name is "Alcalá", and in Latin it is called Complutum. This city is the capital of the region, Comarca de Alcalá. It tracks its history back from the Calcolithic phase of the Bronze Age. It is said that the Romans conquered the area in 1st century BC, and laid the foundation of Complutum, close to the Celtiberian settlement named as Iplacea. Initially, this was known as a Roman town of Madrid, having a population of 10,000, until it took the form of Municipium. During 14th century, Christopher Columbus used to have his meetings held here. Even his meeting was held in this area with the Reyes Católicos, Ferdinand and Isabella.
1. Columbus Square - Plaza de Colon
The name of Plaza de Colon is inspired from Christopher Columbus. It is known to have a beautiful fountain and several monuments that are dedicated to Christopher. From the top side of the column, the plaza is pointing towards the east. On the Calle Serrano, you can explore the sculptures of Joaquín Vaquero Turcios. Plaza de Colón was founded in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to America, in 1892.
It is featured with various artworks that give honor to the great explorer, who had been commissioned by Spanish royalty - King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It, along with the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Discovery Gardens), have been dedicated to the discoveries of new lands. The western side faces the Paseo de la Castellana, which is erected since 1885. There are four big stone blocks present here which have been designed by Joaquín Vaquero Turcios who commemorated America’s discovery America in 1492 by Columbus.
It is featured with various artworks that give honor to the great explorer, who had been commissioned by Spanish royalty - King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It, along with the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Discovery Gardens), have been dedicated to the discoveries of new lands. The western side faces the Paseo de la Castellana, which is erected since 1885. There are four big stone blocks present here which have been designed by Joaquín Vaquero Turcios who commemorated America’s discovery America in 1492 by Columbus.
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