The Autonomous region Madrid
At A Glance

The Autonomous region Madrid is located in the centre of Iberia, bordering the regions of Castilla-León and Castilla-La Mancha.

Its vibrant capital - Madrid city - is, of course, also capital of Spain, with Felipe II moving the government there in 1561.

The region can be divided into two areas - in the north and west lies the mountainous Sierra ... in the centre and south is a plateau.

Madrid city is Europe´s highest capital, resulting in hot summers and cold winters. The mild Spring and Autumn seasons are ideal times to visit this wonderful city.

It has so much to offer both culture and entertainment-wise, and is an art-lover´s dream.

The Museo del Prado ... the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía ... the Museo Thyseen-Bornemisza.

The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) with Royal Library and Armory ... the Plaza Mayor with statue of Felipe III ... beautiful churches such as the Catedral de la Almudena ... all attract the sightseer.

But this Spanish capital of Arab-fortress origins does not only offer historical monuments. It´s a city of wide open spaces, crammed with verdant parks and gardens - the Parque del Buen Retiro ... the Jardines Sabatini.

Relax by sparkling fountains - Fuente de la Cibeles ... Fuente de Neptuno ...

Once you´ve "done" the capital, several other gems await you in the region.

In the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains lies the gigantic Royal Monastery of St Lawrence of Escorial - Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

A few minutes north of El Escorial is the Valle de los Caídos. Topped with a cross nearly 500 feet high, the basilica holds the tombs of General Franco and José Antonio Primo de Rivera - founder of the fascist Spanish Falange.

Alcalá de Henares is one of Spain´s eleven World Heritage Cities.

The first city specifically founded as a university - by Cardinal Cisneros in 1499 - it was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and his masterpiece - Don Quijote.

Aranuez - on the banks of the River Tagus - teems with royal palaces and gardens.

The Autonomous region Madrid - places

The Autonomous region Madrid - sights

remaining regions

You can read about the other, wonderfully varied, regions of Spain at the links below.

The Autonomous region Madrid - pages of interest

Why not check out these pages offering helpful information about Madrid?...

madrid city
All about sightseeing in Madrid ...
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madrid province
Fast facts about the province of Madrid ...
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staying in madrid
Your guide to staying in Madrid ...
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madrid airport
In-depth information on Madrid Airport ...
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hostels in madrid
Hostels ... your affordable accommodation option ...
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weather forecast
Check out current weather conditions in Madrid ...
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tours to toledo
Interesting and affordable tours to Toledo from Madrid ...
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tours to segovia
Excursions to Segovia from Madrid ...
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tours in and around madrid - part 1
Superb selection Madrid tours ...
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tours in and around madrid - part 2
More Madrid tours ...
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free tour brochures
Order FREE travel brochures ...
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