A History Of The Monuments In Madrid

Madrid is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and the most important one since it is the capital of the country. Millions of people visit its museums, old buildings and streets, attracted by the impressive history that surrounds all of them. Another reason why it attracts so many tourists is probably because of the perfect combination of old and new; the two extremes mingle so well in the city that it is impossible not to adore it and fall in love with it from the first moment you see it.

If you are interested in visiting the monuments of the city in the chronological order of their appearance, then you should start your trip with the 16th century monuments. The walls of the city date back before the 16th century and they represent the fortifications that the Moors and later the Christians built in order to protect the city; these fortifications were built in the 9th and the 10th century.The San Pedro and the San Nicolas Churches were also built before the 16th century and they are extremely important for the city because they display two wonderful Mudejar Towers.

The 16th and the 17th century

The 16th century brought the beautiful Segovia Bridge and the famous Descalzas Reales Monastery; the monastery is famous because it displays exquisite plateresque facades and a unique Renaissance stair. The 17th century is one that made Madrid flourish from the architectural point of view. It is the century when the popular Plaza Mayor was built, the heart and soul of the city. It is also the period when the Encarnacion Monastery saw daylight as well as the Colegiata de San Isidro Church, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture.

Sightseeing the monuments of the 18th and the 19th century

Palacio Real was born in the 18th century; I think that there is no tourist who does not want to visit this fine example of Italian Baroque architecture. The 18th century is also the century in which the Prado Museum was built as well as the picturesque Botanical Gardens and the Puerta de Alcala.

Last but not the least; the 19th century hosted the construction of the Puerta del Sol and the famous Zarzuela Theatre. The period when you decide to visit Madrid does not matter, but you have to do it at least once in your lifetime because it is a spectacular city.