Classic Central Spain

About Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain and its largest city, is the seat of the government of Spain and the residence of the Spanish monarch. In short, Madrid is the political, economic, and cultural center of Spain. 

This city which never sleeps was built in the 16th century when Philip II, who disliked the capital Valladolid, decided to turn a remote, ancient village in Castile into a capital. Lying at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the Monzanares River flows through the city. Madrid is home to impressive architecture, leading international art museums, green parks, phenomenal food, and a lively nightlife. The Royal Palace Palacio Real serves as the official seat of the King of Spain. This huge palace, one of the largest Italian Baroque style palaces in Europe, is located on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Monzanares River. The palace contains thousands of art treasures, including paintings and wall murals, porcelain objects, musical instruments, and medieval weapons. There are breathtaking gardens surrounding the palace -the Sabatini Gardens to the north and the Campo del Moro Gardens at the foot of the hill on which the palace is located. Madrid’s large, Neo-Gothic style Santa Maria de la Almudena Cathedral is among the newest cathedrals in Europe, inaugurated in 1993 after over 100 years of construction. Madrid is a city with three famous museums. The Prado El, which began to be constructed in the 18th century, has a neo-classical façade and was intended to be a vast center for nature and science studies. It later became a museum with tens of thousands of works of art from the royal palaces of Spain. It has a huge collection of Spanish paintings, including works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco; Italian paintings by foremost painters such as Botticelli, Veronese, Caravaggio; and Flemish masterpieces by Hieronymus Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. The Reina Sofia Museum is housed in a building that was used as a hospital until the 18th century. It is home to an impressive collection of 20th century works, including cubism, surrealism, and realism, and a permanent collection with works by Salvador Dali, Juan Miro, and Pablo Picasso. The highlight of the museum is Picasso's famous masterpiece from 1937, "Guernica.” Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is the third famous museum in Madrid. It began in 1920 as an exhibit of the private collection of Baron Heinrich Thyssen- Bornemisza, who was a well-known collector. It is considered to be one of the most impressive private collections in the world. The museum was sold to Spain and opened to the public in 1992. Much of Madrid’s charm lies in its many public squares, each with its own character and beautiful parks and gardens. The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) square is a focal point of the city. It was built as a half moon decorated with two fountains and the equestrian statue of Carlos III (who built most of the squares in the city). The Bear and Strawberry Tree statues are attractions, as well, and have become symbols of the city. Today, the square’s central building is used by the Autonomous Community of Madrid. The square is known for its New Year’s Eve tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each chime at midnight. Plaza Mayor (Town Square) is in the heart of the old city. Originally used in the 15th century as the town market, it was established in the 17th century as a town square, and the 19th century equestrian sculpture of Philip III stands in the center. There are ten entrances to the square and nine gates. Plaza Mayor has historically been the scene of many events, including bullfights and soccer games, and today is the venue for the annual Christmas market. The Casa de la Panaderia, a municipal and cultural building on the north side of the plaza, has a beautiful façade and angular towers to its sides. Plaza Mayor is a thriving center of Madrid life both day and night with its cafes, restaurants, and bars. Plaza Oriente is built in the shape of a crescent with an impressive facade of the Royal Palace as its base. It is surrounded by flower beds, beautiful shrubbery, and statues of the kings of Spain. In the center, above an imposing fountain surrounded by lions, is the equestrian statue of Philip IV. In the rectangular Plaza Espania, a spacious square surrounded by trees, there is a large stone monument honoring one of Spain's greatest writers, Miguel Cervantes, and the two iconic characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The 18th century Plaza de Cibeles is one of the main squares in the city and is considered to be one of its most important symbols. The fountain in the square depicts the goddess Cybele sitting in a chariot driven by two lions. At one end of the square is the Madrid City Hall building. The Parquet del Buen Retiro is the green lung of Madrid. It was established as a royal garden with a summer palace, and its garden paths, fountains, lake, playgrounds, and cafes attract many visitors. The Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park, was created in the 16th century for the royal family and nobility and became a public park in 1931. It is a popular urban park and destination for both visitors and locals, especially on the weekends. The park contains lakes as well as an amusement park and a large zoo. Madrid is also a great shopping destination with its many colorful markets. The San Miguel Market is one of the most famous in the city with a wide variety of food, wine, and tapas stalls. San Ildefonso market is a food market, which, at dark, turns into a lively entertainment area with a stunning balcony and comfortable seating. The Platea Market, which used to be a theatre, bustles with restaurants, shops, bars, and bakeries. Anton Martin Market is a food market with cafeterias, restaurants, and even a flamenco school. Last but not least, be sure to visit Calle Gran Via, the busiest thoroughfare in Madrid with cinemas, shopping malls, international chain stores, and banks. If you’re a foodie, Madrid won’t disappoint! It has its own gastronomy as well as culinary specialties from all over Spain. Madrid’s many restaurants and cafes serve the famous bean stews, roast suckling piglet, Galician octopus, and the iconic Paella.

About Valencia

It is a bustling and prosperous port city and the capital of a fertile agricultural area, a thriving industrial center with metal, furniture, and paper factories, and a large export hub for citrus fruits, vegetables, and wine. It is also home to some of Spain’s best beaches and provides a unique mix of culture, history, and fun in the sun.

Valencia is a city that has everything and seamlessly blends modern and traditional cultural experiences- spectacular and diverse architecture, ancient buildings, squares, palaces, picturesque alleys, markets, cafes, bars, vintage shops, and magic corners. While its old town is full of historic landmarks, the modern city which surrounds it has magnificent boulevards and elegant shopping centers. The architecturally futuristic complex, the City of Science and Arts, is located in the center of the city and houses the most impressive structures in Valencia, including the opera house, science museum, and planetarium. The complex was designed by Santiago Calatrava, a native of Valencia, and Felix Candela from Madrid. The Old Town of Valencia (Ciutat Vella) is a maze of picturesque alleys, narrow pedestrian streets studded with statues, palaces, churches, and ancient towers, many of which are relics of the city’s history. Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC and was ruled by the Muslims starting in the 8th century. The Christians conquered the area in the 13th century, and the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. Valencia’s Town Hall Square, the beautiful Plaza del Ayuntamiento, is a vibrant open center lined with statues, fountains, and carpets of flowers. The 18th century Town Hall building, for which the square is named, is an impressive structure which houses a local history museum. Originally serving as a monastery, this 18th century town hall is an impressive example of traditional Spanish architecture. The Palacio de las Comunicaciones (Palace of Communications) is Valencia’s historic mail service building. Located near the square is the famous Central Market (Mercado Central), a modern building with a spectacular architectural design that combines stone, metal, and glass. A huge market with over 1000 stalls, this is a foodie’s paradise which offers a wide assortment of traditional Valencian cuisine, fresh seafood, and local produce. The Fallas Festival is Valencia’s most famous festival, and it takes place annually in mid-March, featuring massive sculptures, parades, and fireworks. During the festival, several hundred 50-foot sculptures (“fallas”) made of paper, usually designed as satirical figures of local politicians and celebrities, are burned in huge bonfires in the squares. The Valencia Cathedral, dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, and the Miguelete Tower, the bell tower of the cathedral, offers a wonderful view of the city extending out to the sea. The Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchanges) dates back to the 15th century and is built in late Gothic style with a magnificent colonnaded hall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is used today for exhibitions and events. Valencia’s main rain station, called Estacio Nord, is located in the center of the Old Town. It is an impressive building, an outstanding example of the Valencian Art Nouveau, with mosaics and unusual wall paintings – as well as a major transport hub in the city. For nature lovers, don’t miss Oceanografic, Europe’s largest marine park, and Albufera Natural Park, a beautiful nature reserve located close to Valencia, with boat tours of the wildlife. All this, and kilometers of lively, golden sand bathing beaches, are what make Valencia one of Spain's holiday destinations.

About Toledo

The charming city of Toledo, in Central Spain, is the capital of the province of Toledo. It is a walled city located on a mountaintop above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, surrounded on three sides by the Tajo River and lovely landscapes.

Having served as the royal court of King Charles I, Toledo is known as the “Imperial City,” and, due to the influences of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam which lived harmoniously there in the Middle Ages, it also became known as the “City of Three Cultures.” Because of its strategic location, Toledo was used as a defensive position as far back as ancient Roman times. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Toledo served as the capital of the Visigoth Kingdom until, in 712, it came under Moorish rule which lasted until the end of the 11th century. During this period, it was the home of the Mozarab community of Arabic-speaking Christians. King Alfonso VI conquered the city in 1085, turning it into an important social and political center of Castile. It was during this time that the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures co-existed and blended, and, in fact, this fusion of cultures plays a large role in the city’s allure. As you tour Toledo’s Old Town, you’ll see remnants of its rich history. In fact, much has remained the same – the maze of narrow alleyways, interior courtyards, and beautiful patios – and you may feel as if you’re actually walking through history! There are monuments and architectural remains of the three cultures that lived there during medieval times, and magnificent, well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance buildings throughout the city. The Alcázar, is an ancient Moorish fortress which was built on the site of an earlier Roman fort and then renovated by the Christian monarchy. It is the most famous building in Toledo and, from its imposing hilltop location, is visible even from a distance. It served in ensuing centuries as a palace for the Spain monarchs, a military camp, and a military academy, and today it is home to the National Library of Castilla La Mancha and the Army Museum. The 13th century Toledo Cathedral is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Spain. Reflecting the city’s history, the cathedral combines many styles and is adorned with a soaring tower, magnificent stained glass windows, an impressive baroque altar, ornate columns, and a collection of masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Raphael, and Rubens among other renowned artists. The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes was built by the Catholic King Fernando and Queen Isabella in the 15th century. Originally planned also as their burial place, they chose the splendor of Granada instead after they conquered the city in 1492. In the cobblestoned Jewish Quarter, La Juderia, there are remnants of the thriving medieval Jewish life that existed there until the Inquisition in 1492 when the Jews were expelled from Spain. One of the historic synagogues remaining, the Sinagoga del Transito, is among the most important examples of Sephardic architecture. Today is also houses the Museo Sefardi (the Sephardic Museum) which highlights the history and culture of Spain’s Jews. The Santa Maria La Blanca is a 12th century Mudejar synagogue which had, at one time, housed at least 10 synagogues. The synagogue was converted to the Church of Santa Maria la Blanca in 1405 after the Christian re-conquest of Toledo. The pillars, arches, and columns, as well as the decorative wooden ceiling, are outstanding features, influenced by Moorish architecture. You’ll also find the Casa and Museo El Greco in the Jewish Quarter. The former home of El Greco, who spent over half his life in Toledo, was renovated in 1906 and decorated with his furnishings and art. The Museo El Greco is located in an adjoining building, and there are many works of the artist displayed there, including some of his most famous. One of El Greco’s greatest masterpieces, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz, is displayed in the 12th Iglesia (Church) de Santo Tome. Originally a mosque, the building became a church and was renovated in the 14th century in Gothic style with a Mudejar tower. The Museum of Santa Cruz is another highlight in Toledo located in the historic Old Town. The 16th century building itself is architecturally noteworthy, and its collections of art, archeology, and ethnographic are outstanding. At the center of Toledo is a lively square called Plaza de Zocodover which is lined with shops, cafes, and elegant homes adorned with many arches. Toledo is also known for its distinctive “Damasquinado” (Damascus art) which can be found in many shops in the city. The craft is made of blackened steel and is woven with gold, silver, and copper threads. Last but not least, with all that culture, you’re sure to build up an appetite. Well, Toledo is also known for its delicious cuisine which blends both Castilian and Andalusian cooking. Some of the city’s popular dishes include handmade marzipan (sweet almond candies), partridge stew, and roast suckling pig. Be sure to sample the local wine, Manchego cheese, and the locally produced olive oil!

About Salamanca

Salamanca, located in northwestern Spain near the Tormes River, is part of the regions of Castile and Leon, close to the Portuguese border. Home to the University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), it is a small, vibrant university town that attracts students from all over the world who come here to study Spanish.

In fact, the city has a long-standing tradition of being an important intellectual center as the university was founded in 1218 – the 2nd university in all of Spain and one of the oldest in the world. Its magnificent sculptured entrance, built in the 16th century, is an outstanding work of art with its fine detail, resembling delicate goldsmith's craft. With buildings made of golden stone, Salamanca has been nicknamed “the Golden City.” The city’s architecture has historical richness - narrow streets, charming buildings, decorated facades, domes, and pointed towers- earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status The main square, Plaza Mayor, was built in baroque style in the 18th century and is considered one of the most magnificent squares in Spain. Salamanca City Hall is in the center of the square with the clock tower above it. Other city highlights include the old Romanesque church, Cathedral Vieja, which dates back to the 12th century, the “new” Cathedral Nueva from the 16th century which is built in Gothic Renaissance and Baroque style, and the bell tower which soars high above and is visible from almost anywhere in the city.

About Segovia

The city is located in North-Central Spain about 30 miles from Madrid. Because of its prime geographical location, bordered by two rivers and at a crossroads to the famous pilgrimage routes –the Camino de Santiago- it is a city that is steeped in a rich, complex history. Between the well-preserved architectural remains of this illustrious history and the beauty of its natural landscape, Segovia is a magical city which attracts visitors year-round.

The city is located in North-Central Spain about 30 miles from Madrid. Because of its prime geographical location, bordered by two rivers and at a crossroads to the famous pilgrimage routes –the Camino de Santiago- it is a city that is steeped in a rich, complex history. Between the well-preserved architectural remains of this illustrious history and the beauty of its natural landscape, Segovia is a magical city which attracts visitors year-round.

Segovia is most famous for its three main landmarks: the Roman Aqueduct, the Gothic Segovia Cathedral, and the medieval Alcazar Fortress (also known as the Palace of the Kings of Castile) which was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. The Segovia Aqueduct is one of Spain's best-preserved remains from the Roman period and is the official symbol of Segovia. It was built to transport water from the nearby river, the Rio Frio, down to the city, almost 10.5 miles away – and, in fact, it did so until 1973, almost 1000 years! The Segovia Aqueduct is considered one of the most magnificent and well-kept in the world – and a true civil engineering wonder. Built in the 1st century, the visible portion of the aqueduct is nearly 2388 feet long and 30 feet high with over 167 arches and 24,000 granite stones – stones which hold together without mortar or any adhesive material. It is located in Plaza del Azoquejo and is considered the gateway to the old city. The 16th century Segovia Cathedral, located in Plaza Mayor, is among the last cathedrals to be built in Gothic-Renaissance style. The enormous and beautiful structure is another prominent symbol of Segovia. Today, the cathedral houses a museum which displays works of art by well-known Spanish artists as well as one of the first printed books published in Spain. The Alcazar of Segovia is a unique fairy tale-like palace which blends architecture from a variety of monarchs and overflows with their stories. Built on a high cliff at the convergence of the Eresma and Clamores Rivers which surround the city, the Alcazar seems like a lookout, protecting the city. The top of the Alcazar’s tower offers outstanding views of the city as well as the surrounding mountains. Segovia’s historical reality is apparent in the lay out of its neighborhoods, streets, and houses. During the manufacturing boom of the 16th century, 3 cultures co-existed, each with its own community: Moors, Christians, and Jews. There are well-preserved remnants of each to this day. The old Jewish Quarter, known as the Calle de la Juderia Vieja, was the thriving home of Segovia’s Jewish population from the 12th century until their expulsion from Spain in 1492. The early 15th century former main synagogue, transformed into the Church of the Corpus Christi convent, still stands though much of the Jewish part of the structure was destroyed in a 19th century fire. As for cuisine, Segovia does not disappoint! There are outstanding restaurants in the city, and an unforgettable experience is eating dinner with the illuminated Aqueduct in the background. Don’t miss the local specialties – wild mushrooms and the Cantimpalos chorizos!

About Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain and its largest city, is the seat of the government of Spain and the residence of the Spanish monarch. In short, Madrid is the political, economic, and cultural center of Spain. 

This city which never sleeps was built in the 16th century when Philip II, who disliked the capital Valladolid, decided to turn a remote, ancient village in Castile into a capital. Lying at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, the Monzanares River flows through the city. Madrid is home to impressive architecture, leading international art museums, green parks, phenomenal food, and a lively nightlife. The Royal Palace Palacio Real serves as the official seat of the King of Spain. This huge palace, one of the largest Italian Baroque style palaces in Europe, is located on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Monzanares River. The palace contains thousands of art treasures, including paintings and wall murals, porcelain objects, musical instruments, and medieval weapons. There are breathtaking gardens surrounding the palace -the Sabatini Gardens to the north and the Campo del Moro Gardens at the foot of the hill on which the palace is located. Madrid’s large, Neo-Gothic style Santa Maria de la Almudena Cathedral is among the newest cathedrals in Europe, inaugurated in 1993 after over 100 years of construction. Madrid is a city with three famous museums. The Prado El, which began to be constructed in the 18th century, has a neo-classical façade and was intended to be a vast center for nature and science studies. It later became a museum with tens of thousands of works of art from the royal palaces of Spain. It has a huge collection of Spanish paintings, including works by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco; Italian paintings by foremost painters such as Botticelli, Veronese, Caravaggio; and Flemish masterpieces by Hieronymus Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. The Reina Sofia Museum is housed in a building that was used as a hospital until the 18th century. It is home to an impressive collection of 20th century works, including cubism, surrealism, and realism, and a permanent collection with works by Salvador Dali, Juan Miro, and Pablo Picasso. The highlight of the museum is Picasso's famous masterpiece from 1937, "Guernica.” Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is the third famous museum in Madrid. It began in 1920 as an exhibit of the private collection of Baron Heinrich Thyssen- Bornemisza, who was a well-known collector. It is considered to be one of the most impressive private collections in the world. The museum was sold to Spain and opened to the public in 1992. Much of Madrid’s charm lies in its many public squares, each with its own character and beautiful parks and gardens. The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) square is a focal point of the city. It was built as a half moon decorated with two fountains and the equestrian statue of Carlos III (who built most of the squares in the city). The Bear and Strawberry Tree statues are attractions, as well, and have become symbols of the city. Today, the square’s central building is used by the Autonomous Community of Madrid. The square is known for its New Year’s Eve tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each chime at midnight. Plaza Mayor (Town Square) is in the heart of the old city. Originally used in the 15th century as the town market, it was established in the 17th century as a town square, and the 19th century equestrian sculpture of Philip III stands in the center. There are ten entrances to the square and nine gates. Plaza Mayor has historically been the scene of many events, including bullfights and soccer games, and today is the venue for the annual Christmas market. The Casa de la Panaderia, a municipal and cultural building on the north side of the plaza, has a beautiful façade and angular towers to its sides. Plaza Mayor is a thriving center of Madrid life both day and night with its cafes, restaurants, and bars. Plaza Oriente is built in the shape of a crescent with an impressive facade of the Royal Palace as its base. It is surrounded by flower beds, beautiful shrubbery, and statues of the kings of Spain. In the center, above an imposing fountain surrounded by lions, is the equestrian statue of Philip IV. In the rectangular Plaza Espania, a spacious square surrounded by trees, there is a large stone monument honoring one of Spain's greatest writers, Miguel Cervantes, and the two iconic characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The 18th century Plaza de Cibeles is one of the main squares in the city and is considered to be one of its most important symbols. The fountain in the square depicts the goddess Cybele sitting in a chariot driven by two lions. At one end of the square is the Madrid City Hall building. The Parquet del Buen Retiro is the green lung of Madrid. It was established as a royal garden with a summer palace, and its garden paths, fountains, lake, playgrounds, and cafes attract many visitors. The Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park, was created in the 16th century for the royal family and nobility and became a public park in 1931. It is a popular urban park and destination for both visitors and locals, especially on the weekends. The park contains lakes as well as an amusement park and a large zoo. Madrid is also a great shopping destination with its many colorful markets. The San Miguel Market is one of the most famous in the city with a wide variety of food, wine, and tapas stalls. San Ildefonso market is a food market, which, at dark, turns into a lively entertainment area with a stunning balcony and comfortable seating. The Platea Market, which used to be a theatre, bustles with restaurants, shops, bars, and bakeries. Anton Martin Market is a food market with cafeterias, restaurants, and even a flamenco school. Last but not least, be sure to visit Calle Gran Via, the busiest thoroughfare in Madrid with cinemas, shopping malls, international chain stores, and banks. If you’re a foodie, Madrid won’t disappoint! It has its own gastronomy as well as culinary specialties from all over Spain. Madrid’s many restaurants and cafes serve the famous bean stews, roast suckling piglet, Galician octopus, and the iconic Paella.

Classic Central Spain

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