Madrid - Plaza Mayor. Old Madrid's 17th century square has been a focal point of the city since the days when it was used as a public arena for bullfights, trials by the Inquisition and executions. Unfortunately none of this was happening the day I visited.
Madrid - Plaza Mayor. Frescos on the 17th century Real Casa de la Panaderia (Royal Bakery).
Madrid - Plaza Mayor. Flags and frescos on the 17th century Real Casa de la Panaderia (Royal Bakery)
Madrid - Plaza Mayor. One of the arched entrance ways into the plaza.
Madrid - Colegiata de San Isidro, 17th century church built by the Jesuits near Plaza Mayor.
Madrid - View of Colegiata de San Isidro through one of the arched entrance ways to Plaza Mayor.
Madrid - Colegiata de San Isidro and traditionally dressed Spaniards.
Madrid - Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, the main cathedral in Madrid sited opposite Palacio Real.
Madrid - Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena.
Madrid - Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena. Construction began in the 1880's but wasn't completed until 1992.
Madrid - Palacio Real, Madrid's Royal Palace.
Madrid- Convent de las Descalzas Reales, one of Madrid's most notable religious buildings dating from the 16th century. Although I didn't enter, it apparently has a very spectacular interior,
Madrid- Convent de las Descalzas Reales.
Madrid- Convent de las Descalzas Reale
Madrid - Plaza de la Villa, dates from the 15th century.
Madrid - Plaza de la Villa.
Madrid - Apartment building near Plaza de Espana.
Madrid - Plaza de Espana, and the stone obelisk with statue of the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. Below him, Don Quixote rides his horse Rocinante while the plump Sancho Panza trots alongside with his donkey. Built in 1928.
Madrid - Templo de Debod - Egyptian temple of Debod, built in the 2nd century BC, was rescued from the area flooded behind the Aswan Dam and given to the Spanish as a tribute to the Spanish engineers involved in the project.
Madrid - Iglesia de San Gines.
Madrid - Puerta de Alcala, built 1769-1778 was the eastern gateway to the city of Madrid.
